Tuesday, January 14, 7:00 PM
THE CHARLES RIVER: A HISTORY OF GREATER BOSTON’S WATERWAY
Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street. Free.

The Charles River defines a good portion of Newton’s city boundary, and has been entwined with the city’s history from its founding. It has served as a source of waterpower, transportation, and recreation for Newton and the other 23 towns and cities along its route and is featured in the stories of many prominent individuals and inventions. Join author Ted Clarke as he illuminates the story of the river, which is the subject of his new book The Charles River: A History of Greater Boston’s Waterway.
Co-Sponsored by Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library.

Thursday, January 23, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON BOOK CLUB MEETING
Jackson Homestead & Museum, 527 Washington St., Newtonville

This month’s book club selection is The Story of America by Harvard Professor Jill Lepore. In its review, The Boston Globe called this book of essays on American history and literature “terrifically readable, intellectually engaging, and thoroughly entertaining.” The book club is free and open to the public. New members are always welcome.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS at the Jackson Homestead & Museum:

Charles J. Connick: Adventurer in Light and Color: Prominent stained glass artist Charles J. Connick made Newton his home for much of his life, and his work was installed in over twenty locations in our city, as well as in 47 of the 50 states. On the 100th anniversary of the founding of his studio, this exhibit explores his life, work, and his unique approach to using light and color in stained glass.

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.

Newton Salutes-From Branch Library to Senior Center: The Story of 345 Walnut Street: Learn the fascinating history of the Newtonville Branch Library Building and its re-use as The Newton Senior Center over the last 20 years. Using images from the building’s original construction and dedication, as well as photos and documents of the opening of the Newton Senior Center in 1993, this exhibit will trace the history of an important Newtonville landmark.

The Newton History Gallery: Featuring 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 Tuesday through Friday, and Noon to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
If you need special assistance, please call 617-796-1450.