Lecture Series

“Our Untold Stories”

Observing the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

Please note the day, date, time, and location of each program.
Programs open to the public with a $5 entry fee.
Free for all members of the Arlington Historical Society.

Painting of Battle at Jason Russell House
Painted for the Bicentennial, this painting depicts the fighting at the Jason Russell House on April 19th, 1775.

 Tuesday, October 29, 2024
7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 19 Academy St.
ARLINGTON ON THE EDGE
Howard Winkler
The town of Arlington is surrounded by six cities and towns. Howard Winker, former president of the Society, went in search of the geodetic markers that delineate our town, and in the process found interesting sites removed from the center, that is, on the edge.

Flax Spinning Wheel
Flax spinning wheel in the Jason Russell House. Homespun fiber was an indispensable feature of staying warm in cold colonial New England.


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

7:30 p.m. at Community Center, 27 Maple St.
HAND-SPINNING FIBER IN NEW
ENGLAND: PAST AND PRESENT
Bonny Smith, Chair, Wilmington Historical
Commission

This lecture provides a concise history of the art of spinning fiber, both natural and plant-based, knitting, and crocheting items for apparel and household purposes. Although spinning fiber has been practiced globally for thousands of years, this craft holds particular significance in colonial domestic culture, where it played a vital role in sustaining households.

 

Wednesdays, February 12 & 26, 2025
1:00 p.m. at the Masonic Temple
“WINTER WEDNESDAYS”

An 1883 albumen print showing the “Gateway Elms”looking westbound near Henderson Street.

Wednesday, February 12:  PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OF THE 19TH CENTURY . . . AND TODAY?
Robert Brazile, Society President

Wednesday, February 26:  A CONVERSATION ON PAST SCENES FROM ARLINGTON LAW ENFORCEMENT
Dave McKenna, retired APD officer

Tuesday, March 25, 2024
7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple
A SOLDIER’S LIFE – PROVINCIAL MLITIA AND BRITISH REGULARS IN 1775
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) William Rapp, Ph.D.
This talk will address the many myths about farmers filled with patriotic fervor versus illiterate criminals motivated only by the lash so that we can better understand the life of a soldier in New England at the beginning of the American Revolution.

The earliest days of the American Revolution will be colorfully unfurled at an informative and celebratory event not to be missed!

Saturday, April 19, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall
A PATRIOTIC BEER HALL

On April 19, the actual first day of the American Revolution, we celebrate with food and craft beverages the passage of Paul Revere and William Dawes through present-day Arlington to warn of advance of British troops to suppress the colonial rebellion
Note: The re-enactment of the Battle of Menotomy is scheduled for Monday, April 21, the legal holiday.

Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Jason Russell House

OUR SIGNATURE 250th CELEBRATION
Rain or Shine ◆ Under the Big Tent
★ Morning art show (continental breakfast items for purchase at event—no reservations needed)
★ Noon: Reserved-ticket program, including a gourmet box lunch, followed by an illustrated lecture by historical and conservation architect Eric Gradoia, produced just for this event. Learn how to make sense of the phases of change as the Jason Russell House developed from the 18th to 20th centuries
★ Expert-led interior architectural tours
★ Beer Garden follows for the general public
★ Space is limited for the luncheon, lecture, & tour program. Tickets on sale April 2025.

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