Prior 2007/2008 Season Events

Lecture Series

Victorian Arlington Rediscovered: the Shirley Stowell Duffy Print Collection

Richard A. Duffy,
Co-chairman Arlington Historical Commission

Tuesday May 27, 2008

A gift to the Society in memory of the speaker's mother has made possible the printing of a long-overlooked and extensive collection of glass negatives from the late 19th century. Enjoy the first public viewing of these exceptional antique images of Arlington.

Old Homes, New Foundations: Relocated Buildings in Arlington

Robert Fredieu
President, Arlington Historical Society

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

A surprising number of historic structures in Arlington have moved from their original sites. Learn of moves ranging from the 1800's to the 21st century-including a first-hand account of a well-remembered "double-move."

The History of Vision Aids

David Fleishman, MD

March 25, 2008

A fascinating illustrated talk by an ophthalmologist-turned-historian. Dr. Fleishman also will share items from his own collection, and evaluate antique eyewear brought by audience members that evening.

Mysteries and Crises in Menotomy: 1732-1807

Lori Stokes, Historian

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What was life like between 1732 and 1807, after Menotomy became a separate precinct of Cambridge, but before it became an independent town? Uncover forgotten crises and lost conflicts, as well as small details that bring this era to life.

Dissent Among the Puritans

Linda K. Palmer

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A vivid costumed portrayal of Mrs. Ann Vassall in the year 1637. She describes her life as a new arrival, first in Massachusetts Bay, and later in the Plymouth Colony.

The Separation of Brighton from Cambridge

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
William P. Marchione, Ph.D.

Arlington was formed when the Second Parish of Cambridge was incorporated in 1807. That same year, the Third Parish was set-off to create the independent town of Brighton. Similar beginnings led to very different destinies for the former "sister" communities.

Other Events

Sunday Stories Book Club

Megan Marshall's The Peabody Sisters
Sunday, May 18, 2-3:30 at the Smith Museum.

Doreen Stevens leads a discussion at the Smith Museum.

Patriot's Day at Arlington Historical Society

Jason Russell House battle re-enactment is April 20 at 12:30 on the grounds of the Jason Russell House.

Arlington's Patriot's Day parade will start at 2pm. After the re-enactment the Jason Russell House will be open for tours from 1:30-5pm. It will also be open Monday, April 21, 1-4pm.

Sunday Stories Book Club

Family Day at Sunday Stories
Sunday, April 6, 2-3:30 at the Smith Museum.

Paul Hogman and Doreen Stevens lead a discussion for the adults and a separate children's activity for Patriot’s Day.

There will be a separate discussion of Paul Revere's ride in his own words (copies provided) for the adults. Amaze your friends and drop the name of Paul Revere's horse into the conversational lull at your next dinner party!

For the children, 5-10 years old, (each child needs one adult attending with them) there will be colonial craft activities, games, and an eighteenth-century treat. Historical Society members are free; non-members $3/adult or $5/family.

Events at other historical societies

The Historic Cambridge Collaborative
presents

Cambridge Discovery Days 2008: from Settlement to Revolution

Two Saturdays! August 9 and 16, 2008

Explore Cambridge history and culture with free tours and programs on a variety of topics at sites throughout the city. This year's events focus on Cambridge from the settlement of Newtowne in 1630 through the early colonial period to the years leading up to the American Revolution. Cambridge Discovery Days will also include old favorites, such as talks about architecture and public art, dramatic character portrayals, and a vintage baseball game. Special programs and tours for children and young people will also be offered. Details are on the Cambridge Historical Commission Website.