All posts by Matt Beres

Town Meetings in the Northwest Precinct of Cambridge, 1736-1795

One of the earliest and purest forms of Democracy in the United States took place at “town meetings”- a practice established in Massachusetts and distinct to the New England region. … Continue reading Town Meetings in the Northwest Precinct of Cambridge, 1736-1795

Moxie: “It’s a drink for those who are at all particular”

It’s the official soft drink of Maine, but Moxie has Arlington connections. Moxie’s originator, Dr. Augustin Thompson (1835-1903), came from Union, Maine and set up his medical practice in Lowell, … Continue reading Moxie: “It’s a drink for those who are at all particular”

Commemorative Plates

Ceramic objects in the AHS collection span centuries while telling local stories. Of these ceramics, several plates uniquely celebrate and document Arlington history. These pieces are known as commemorative or … Continue reading Commemorative Plates

Ballad of the War of 1812

On Tuesday, April 24, 1917, Nina Winn wrote about attending a Historical Society event in which “Aunt Sue  read a poem & Elizabeth Smith wore the ball dress she wrote … Continue reading Ballad of the War of 1812

My Experience as a Tour Guide at the Jason Russell House

This is a guest post from Colleen Cunningham, one of our most experienced tour guides at the Jason Russell House.  She talks about why she enjoys showing visitors around the … Continue reading My Experience as a Tour Guide at the Jason Russell House

Tornadoes In Arlington

On Tuesday, June 24, 2015 Arlington residents were under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.  Luckily the time passed without incident.  There were at least two destructive tornadoes in 19th … Continue reading Tornadoes In Arlington