First Printing Press Set Up in British North America - Cambridge, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 22.388 W 071° 07.127
19T E 325552 N 4693380
In Harvard Square, Cambridge, there is a plaque that states that Stephen Daye had set up the first printing press in British North America, in 1638.
Waymark Code: WM7RVQ
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 11/28/2009
Views: 5
In Cambridge, in the heart of Harvard Square, there is a plaque mounted on the wall of a building that states:
"Here lived Stephen Daye who set up nearby the first printing press in British North America 1638."
A Wikipedia article provides some more information. Stephen Daye, thought to be a descendant of John Day, who was an eminent early topographer in England, emigrated along with his family to Cambridge from England. He was under contract to Reverend Joseph Glover to set up a printing press in Glover's home to pay for the passage over plus iron cooking utensils purchased, then be paid wages to operate it. Rev. Glover died on the voyage over, but Daye was still bound by contract to Glover's widow.
According to the article, it is generally thought that the first work printed by Daye was the broadsheet, The Freeman's Oath, (FamousAmericans.net stated that this was done in January 1639). An almanac by Henry Pierce is generally thought to have been printed second, though it may have been printed first. The first book published in the colonies was the Bay Psalm Book (11 copies are known to exist, today). In 1641, Daye received 300 acres of land for his work. In 1649, Daye was superceeded by Samuel Green in overseeing the printing work.
The plaque is mounted on a brick building near another historical sign for Cambridge. The plaque is facing Dunster Street and is near the intersection with Massachusetts Avenue. An Au Bon Pain restaurant is across Dunster Street.
Additional Source:
FamousAmericans.net (Stephen Daye):
(
visit link)
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.