Historic Newton offers the following programs and events during March. Events are at the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street, unless otherwise noted.
MAP NIGHT
Wednesday, March 20, 7:30 PM
Ever wondered what your neighborhood looked like 50 or 100 years ago? 150 years ago? Join Allison Carter in looking at our collection of historic atlases to find out the answers to questions such as: Whose farm was subdivided to make your house lot? When was your street first laid out? All ages are welcome. Free.
HISTORIC NEWTON BOOK CLUB MEETING
Thursday, March 21, 7:30 PM
At its March meeting, the book club will discuss A Murder in Virginia: Southern Justice on Trial by Suzanne Lebsock. In recounting an 1895 murder investigation and trial in Lunenberg County, Virginia, the author brings to life a forgotten episode of a small, segregated Southern town and frames it against the backdrop of racial strife in the country as a whole. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the politics and law of the late Reconstruction. A Murder in Virginia won the 2004 Francis Parkman Prize. The book club is free and open to the public, new members are always welcome.
COMPLEMENTARY LIVES: SAMUEL E. COURTNEY AND BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Thursday, March 28, 7:00 PM
Learn about the “Complementary Lives” of Samuel E. Courtney and Booker T. Washington at this fascinating lecture presented by Holly Robbins of Westfield State University. Ms. Robbins will give an illustrated talk about the personal and professional relationship between Booker T. Washington and his lesser-known loyal friend, Samuel E. Courtney. Ms. Robbins will also discuss Courtney’s Newton, MA connection. Co-Sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. At the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street. Free.
Sunday, March 31
MUSEUM CLOSED FOR EASTER
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Confronting Our Legacy: Slavery and Antislavery in the North: This new exhibition transforms the lower gallery of the museum into a three-dimensional learning center with hands-on activities and information about colonial slavery, the Underground Railroad, and local abolitionists.
An Architect Ahead of Her Time: Annie Cobb (1830-1911): Starting in the 1870s, Annie Cobb built 16 homes in Newton Highlands and exhibited at the World’s Fair of 1893 in Chicago. She was arguably the first woman architect in America, and succeeded in fashioning a career for herself in the male world of building in a time when women’s work was mainly limited to the home.
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. Also be sure to visit our new Women’s Fashions of the Civil War Era exhibit.
Peeking into Newton’s Toy Chest: The values and lessons toys teach us, as shown by the Historic Newton collection, are explored in this exhibit. Children’s attractions include hands-on toys and a model train.
Mapping a New Town: 1714-1874: Maps depicting Newton’s growth over the centuries are displayed; special activities for children are also featured.
Newton Salutes-Restoring Farlow Park Bridge and Pond: In 1880 John Farlow, a successful railroad businessman, donated land to the city for the purposes of creating Newton’s first open space for recreation and relaxation. The focal point for the park was a lovely pond and handsome Adirondack style bridge. However, in the 1950′s, the water was drained from the pond and the deteriorating bridge removed. This exhibit documents the history of the park and contemporary efforts to restore it.