Historic Newton — Events in January

  • Newton Community Weekend, Jan. 7-8
  • Historic Newton Book Club, Jan. 19
  • Newton Salutes Exhibit Celebration, Jan. 22
  • Historic Newton@Night, Jan. 26
  • List of current exhibits

Saturday and Sunday, January 7 and 8, noon-5:00 PM: NEWTON COMMUNITY WEEKEND.  Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum. Start the New Year off with a visit to your city museum

Thursday, January 19, 7:30 PM: HISTORIC NEWTON BOOK CLUB MEETING.  This month’s book club selection is A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk and the Conquest of the American Continent by James Merry. In this thoughtful and entertaining history, Merry sheds light on Polk’s presidency and the goals Polk set for himself – all of which he achieved. They included cementing the annexation of Texas, resolving the dispute with Great Britain over the Oregon Territory, and, most importantly, provoking the Mexican-American war to position the United States to dominate the continent. The book is a compelling and perceptive portrait of a complex and controversial president. The book club is free and open to the public. New members are always welcome.

Sunday, January 22, 4:00-6:00 PM: NEWTON SALUTES EXHIBIT CELEBRATION.  Adams Street Synagogue: Celebrating our Centennial. The Adams Street Synagogue is Newton’s oldest synagogue. Dedicated in 1912, it is celebrating one hundred years of service to Newton’s Jewish community as an Orthodox synagogue serving a diverse congregation and the broader community. The synagogue, in Newton’s most diverse neighborhood, Nonantum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibit describes the history of the congregation, illustrated by historic photographs. Free.

Thursday, January 26, 6:30 PM: HISTORIC NEWTON@NIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO ANNE LARNER.  Please join us for this special evening that will honor Anne Larner, Board President of Historic Newton and an outstanding leader and community activist. Also featuring Tufts University’s own singing sensations, The BEELZEBUBS, this event will include cocktails, a light supper, and a chance to participate in an auction featuring radio personality, Matty Siegel of Kiss 108, as guest auctioneer. Proceeds from ticket sales will help underwrite a new education program in Anne Larner’s name at the newly renovated Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.historicnewton.org.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Newton and the Civil War: In celebration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Historic Newton will be featuring a changing exhibit showcasing Newton residents in the Civil War. Among the items on display will be prints, photographs, and Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) documents.

Peeking into Newton’s Toy Chest: The values and lessons toys teach us, as shown by the Historic Newton collection. Children’s attractions include hands-on toys and a model train on an elevated track.

Mapping a New Town: 1714-1874: Maps depicting Newton’s growth over the centuries; special activities for children are also featured.

Norumbega: Romance and Recreation by the River: An exhibit on Newton’s now vanished amusement park and swing-era ballroom.

Newton Salutes! 75 Years of the Newton League of Women Voters: Photos and artifacts highlighting the organization’s civic accomplishments.

The Newton History Galleries feature tools, furniture, clothing, and toys to illustrate the Newton of the past.

The Jackson Homestead and Museum is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM weekends. It is closed on Mondays. Please note: our Abolition Room is temporarily closed for installation of our new exhibition on this theme, which will open in February 2012. If you need special assistance for any of these programs or exhibitions, please call 617.796.1450.