Return to our home page

The Jason Russell House was the site of the bloodiest fighting during the first day of the Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775. Today it and the adjoining Smith Museum hold collections of the Arlington Historical Society.

Coat of arms

Prior 2002 Season Events

Lecture Series

All lectures are held at the Smith Museum, adjacent to the Jason Russell House. Admission is free and seating is unreserved. The lectures take place at 8:00 p.m. with doors open at 7:30. Wheelchair access at Jason Terrace entrance. Directions.

Common and Uncommon

Tuesday, October 29, 2002

William H. Mahoney

A look at the way things were in Arlington through a series of photographs taken in 1881. The work of Benjamin Franklin Swan, a young amateur photographer who chose to call himself B. Frank Swan, will be presented in a slide show by visual researcher Bill Mahoney.

Alan Hovhaness in Arlington

Tuesday, November 26, 2002

Pasquale Tassone

Alan Hovhaness, an important composer of the 20th century, graduated from Arlington High School in 1929 and returned to the school for a reunion in 1974. Mr. Tassone, Chair-ofthe Department of Music at Arlington High School and a popular and noted musician in his own right, will talk about Hovhaness' relationship with Arlington and his contribution to music.

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company (1637)

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Dr. John F. McCauley

Dr. John F. McCauley, Curator of The Museum at Faneuil Hall, will discuss the history of The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company from its inception in 1637 to the present. Dr. McCauley leads the Colonial Division in our Patriot's Day parade. More information.

The Squaw Sachem

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Ralph D. Sexton

The speaker, a Life Member of the Arlington Historical Society, will address recent confusion over Squaw Sachem's identity and extend our understanding of how she exercised her sovereignty and influence in a fast-changing world. We will explore her leadership of her people and her relations with the English in the 17th century. More information.

Show Biz at the AFD

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Barbara Horrigan, Nancie Richardson and Ernie Stevens who have spanned years and spun yarns with the Arlington Friends of the Drama will present an oral retrospective of their sure-to-be colorful remembrances. More information.

The Lure of Material Culture

Tuesday, April 29, 2003

Robert Fredieu

Our speaker, an Arlington resident, will show samples from his collection of shawls, sharing their history and construction. Mostly European and Kashmir, they date from the late 1700's to 1870. More information.

Revisiting the Robbins Sisters

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Margie Smigel, Documentary Film Producer

Arlington owes a priceless legacy to its First Family and daughters Caira, Eliza P. and Ida F., creative and generous benefactors of our town. Now a resident of Chicago, Ms. Smigel researched and produced the video, "The Story of Eliza Robbins", twenty years ago, and has agreed to revisit Arlington and the Sisters with a viewing of the video and the story of its making.
More information.

Other Events

Boston Post Roads

Sunday, May 18, 2003.

Paul Hogman

Come hear about the Boston Post Roads, where they go and what is their significance.
Lexington Hancock United Church of Christ, (1912 Mass Ave, Lexington)
More information.

Historical Perspectives on the Mystic River

Thursday, March 20, 2003, 7:00 PM.

Richard A. Duffy

This slide lecture will provide a thorough historical overview the Mystic River--from Boston Harbor to the Mystic Lakes--using a wealth of historic images and maps. The importance of the river as a former source of tidal waterpower will be a particular focus of the talk, along with environmental issues that have confronted the watershed going back to early Colonial times. Richard A. Duffy is a regional historian, preservation consultant and author, who has spoken on different aspects of the Mystic River and Lakes to a wide variety of audiences.
All Saints Church, (17 Clark St, Belmont)

Jason Russell House and Museum Opens for Season

The Jason Russell House will be open on April 13 following the 2 pm re-enactment there of the April 19, 1775 battle. Tours are available from after the re-enactment until 4 pm.

The following weekend, April 18-21 (including Patriot's Day), the Jason Russell House and Smith Museum will be open from 1-5pm. More information.

Prince Hall Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Noon, Memorial Day, May 26, 2003

There will be a service at the Prince Hall Cemetery arranged by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Dorchester. The cemetery is located near the intersection of Gardner and Norcross Streets in Arlington. Afterwards, the Grand Lodge participants go to Copps Hill in Boston where a service will be held at the grave of their founder.
The Prince Hall Mystic Arlington Cemetery Association, Inc. is a joint venture of the Grand Lodge and the Arlington Historical Society.

Copyright 2002 - 2007, Arlington Historical Society, 7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Questions or comments about the web site: webmaster@arlingtonhistorical.org