PAST PROGRAMS
Carte-de-visite of Peter, 1863
Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution |
Thursday, December 6, 2018 | 7 pm | Presentation
The Need for Iconic Photographs: Race, Images & Representation presented by Kent Alexander In conjunction with Historic Northampton's current exhibit, Chaotic Freedom and the Scars of Slavery, Kent Alexander will explore why iconic photographs of slavery were so useful as instruments of change and why this need still seems to be woven into the fabric of our times. Kent Alexander is a playwright, writer, humanities professor and an anti-racism and workplace culture consultant. He serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant for the ValleyCreates program initiated by the Community Foundation of Western MA. He lives in Northampton. $5 donation suggested. |
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Friday, December 7, 2018 | 5 to 7 pm | Reception
Annual Reception for Members and Supporters It's time to celebrate! Come celebrate our 2018 accomplishments, preview our plans for a new exhibit coming in Spring 2019, & enjoy delicious refreshments in the company of other supporters! P.S. You will get more than nuts & berries! |
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Thursday, December 13, 2018 | 7 pm | Book-Signing Event
The Power of Women: Celebrating Women from Western and Central Massachusetts from the 1600s to the Present Day with editors Wayne E. Phaneuf and Joseph Carvalho III The Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) will host a book-signing event at Historic Northampton with the editors of The Republican's new book, The Power of Women. The Power of Women features the stories of 1000 influential women in western and central Massachusetts from the 1600s until the present day. The editors, Wayne E. Phaneuf, editor of The Republican, and historian Joseph Carvalho III, will speak about making the book and show a short video. They will sign copies, available for purchase at a special price. Part of the proceeds will help support the Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) and Historic Northampton. |
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Saturday, December 1, 2018 | 2 pm | Book-Signing Event
The Search for Lickingwater and the Making of Northampton A Public Talk and Book Signing by John Sinton John Sinton will talk about the physical creation of the Connecticut River Valley and of Nonotuck village. How did Northampton come to occupy primary of place in the Valley for its first one hundred fifty years? The central section of the presentation will focus on the Mill River itself, its major diversions in 1710 and 1940, and the role the river played in the formation and development of Northampton. Free and open to the public. Donations welcome. First come, first served. |
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Thursday, November 29, 2018 | 6 - 8 pm
Living History Series A Conversation with Bill Newman Public Interest Lawyer, Author, Podcast Producer, and Host of the “The Bill Newman Show” Join us for this special reception and evening presentation recognizing Bill Newman, one of Northampton’s most extraordinary and accomplished residents 6 pm: Reception and Event | $25 7 pm: Event only |$20 Reservations Required. Sold Out. To register, email info@historicnorthampton.org |
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Northampton Association of Education and Industry
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Sunday, October 28, 2018 | 10 am | Walking Tour
All Hamptons Read Walking Tour Florence Underground Railroad & Abolition Sites Walking Tour with Steve Strimer Local historian Steve Strimer of the David Ruggles Center will lead a walking tour of Underground Railroad and Abolition sites in Florence. The tour will be followed by a preview of the upcoming David Ruggles Center exhibit, The Underground Railroad in Northampton & Florence: People, Places and Paper and related lecture at 1 pm. Location: The tour will begin at The David Ruggles Center at 225 Nonotuck Street in Florence |
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Sunday, October 21, 2018 | 10 am | Walking Tour
All Hamptons Read Walking Tour Northampton Underground Railroad - East Walking Tour with Steve Strimer Local historian Steve Strimer of the David Ruggles Center will lead a walking tour of Underground Railroad and Abolition sites in Northampton. The tour will leave from Historic Northampton and cover sites along Bridge Street, Pomeroy Terrace, Phillips Street, Market Street, Cherry Street and North Street. |
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Saturday, October 20, 2018 | 2 pm | Lecture
"Chaotic Freedom" in Civil War Louisiana: The Origins of an Iconic Image A Talk by Bruce Laurie Historian Bruce Laurie will speak at Historic Northampton in conjunction with the exhibition Chaotic Freedom and the Scars of Slavery. Chaotic Freedom is the story to two local Union army soldiers who came face-to-face with slavery and the disorder that followed emancipation in 1863 Baton Rouge. The exhibition is based upon Dr. Laurie's 2016 essay published by the Massachusetts Review. |
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Wednesday, October 17, 2018 | 7 pm | Lecture
A Witch in Paradise by Kathy-Ann Becker Kathy-Ann Becker, author of Silencing the Women: The Witch Trials of Mary Bliss Parsons, will speak at Historic Northampton on Wednesday, October 17th at 7 pm. A slide-show enhanced story of the so-called “Witch of Northampton,” Mary Bliss Parsons, will be presented on the very grounds where Cornet Joseph and Mary Bliss Parsons made their early wilderness home in the 1650s. |
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Saturday, October 13, 2018 | 10 am to 3:30 pm
Pomeroy Terrace Historic District Celebration The recent creation of the Pomeroy Terrace Historic District in Northampton will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13th in a collaboration jointly sponsored by The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Historic Northampton. The celebration will include tours of the new district, a community potluck, and the annual meeting of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association. A historic marker denoting the district has been donated to the City of Northampton by The William G. Pomeroy Foundation. |
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Friday, October 12, 2018 | 5 - 8 pm
Chaotic Freedom and the Scars of Slavery: From Baton Rouge to Northampton Opening Reception for an exhibition based upon historian Bruce Laurie's essay, "Chaotic Freedom" in Civil War Louisiana: The Origins of an Iconic Image. Dr. Laurie's research into the story revealed by card photographs brought home from Civil War Baton Rouge by Henry S. Gere is paired with photographer Stan Sherer's large-scale photographs of the original 1863 cartes-de-visite. |
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Tuesday, October 2, 2018 | 7 pm
PHOTOGRAPHED LETTERS ON WINGS: How Microfilmed V-Mail Helped Win World War II a talk by Tom Weiner Tom Weiner will speak at Historic Northampton on his book, PHOTOGRAPHED LETTERS ON WINGS: How Microfilmed V-Mail Helped Win World War II. The book tells the heretofore untold story of the mail - close to 2 billion letters - that was sent to and from the many fronts of the war using microfilm. The use of V-Mail freed up space for troops and supplies on transport planes since 1600 letters could fit on one small reel. World-renowned bookbinder Bill Streeter wrote the book's preface in which he explains why he provided the research materials to Tom Weiner and why he wanted such a book honoring both V-Mail and his cousin, Henry Streeter, who died while serving in the war. |
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Saturday, September 29, 2018 | 10 am - 12 noon
A Gem of the Valley: The Cultural and Natural History of Arcadia Join the directors of Arcadia and Historic Northampton in celebration of 75 years of Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn about the plants and animals that live at Arcadia and why it's such a special place for wildlife. $10 members | $12 non-members Registration required. |
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Saturday, September 22, 2018 | 10 am - 12 noon
History of Land Use at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, a walk/talk with Laurie Sanders From colonial times to the damming of Broad Brook in the late 1960s that created Fitzgerald Lake, the 850 acres of FLCA have undergone many changes. Laurie Sanders will lead a walk along Boggy Meadow Road to the dam and Cooke’s Pasture, focusing on the economic, social, and environmental history of this area. |
Time, a woodcut by Nancy Haver
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Friday, September 14, 2018 | 5 to 8 pm
Landscapes/Dreamscapes Arts Night Out and Print Fair View the exhibition Landscapes/Dreamscapes on Northampton's Arts Night Out. The September Print Fair will feature eight artists showing and selling their original hand-pulled prints:
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Three Dancers at Smith College, 1919
Photo by Eric Stahlberg Smith College Special Collections |
Friday, September 14, 2018 and
Saturday, September 15, 2018 Historical Footnotes: Dancing Through Northampton's History 7 pm: Music & Art Displays in the Lobby 8 pm: Historical Footnotes Performance Historic Northampton and A.P.E.@Hawley Street join forces for a special collaboration on September 14 & 15 to celebrate the opening of the new Flexible Performance Space at the Arts Trust’s building, 33 Hawley Street. Tickets: $15 at the door; $12 in advance online |
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Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
From Northampton to the Boundary Waters (or at least the boundary with Hatfield) Historic Northampton is teaming up with Paradise City Dragon Boat for a trip on the Connecticut. Betsy Powell, Head Coach of Paradise City Dragon Boat, will begin the outing with a paddling lesson. Laurie Sanders, naturalist & Co-Director of Historic Northampton, will explain about the rich human and natural history in this stretch between Elwell Island and the Hatfield boundary. Registration required|$25-$35 | Ages 18+ |
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Lingering Still by Daniel Chiaccio
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Thursday, September 6, 2018 | 6:30 - 8 pm
Landscapes/Dreamscapes Lecture Dream Landscapes: The art of dreaming, dreams as art by Dr. Annie Rogers Professor of Psychoanalysis and Clinical Psychology at Hampshire College, psychoanalyst and poet, Dr. Annie Rogers will explore how visual artists imagine & make dreamscapes, and how their work conveys the unconscious as a realm of human experience. |
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Tuesday, August 28, 2018 | 6:30 pm | film screening
Life Ain't Fair a documentary by PJ Moynihan A Digital Eyes Production Last year, as part of the 200th Fair Celebration, the Three County Fair partnered with Northampton filmmaker P J Moynihan to produce a documentary film entitled “Life Ain’t Fair” about the Three County Fair (Northampton, MA), America’s oldest continuing agricultural fair. PJ Moynihan will introduce the film. The film weaves the history of the fair with a portrait of contemporary agricultural life in the Pioneer Valley. Narrated by Dennis Lee. Co-sponsored by the Three County Fair. |
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Saturday & Sunday, August 11-12, 2018 | 10 am-5 pm
BIG INK at Zea Mays Printmaking Large scale woodblock printing on the BIG TUNA traveling press in the courtyard of Zea Mays Printmaking. Ongoing throughout the day. The public is welcome to come watch as six artists print giant woodblocks. Location: Zea Mays Printmaking 320 Riverside Drive Florence, MA 01062 |
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Tuesday, July 31, 2018 | 4 pm
A Natural & Cultural History of Ticks by Dr. Kirby Stafford, III During the last three decades deer tick populations have soared in our region and tick-borne illnesses have become a major public health concern. Why has this happened? What’s changed? What were tick populations like in 1654 when Northampton was settled? And what might they be like in 2054? Dr. Kirby Stafford, III, chief entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Station will explore these questions in this illustrated lecture. Limited Seating. First come, first served. $8 for members & donors; $12 for non-members. |
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Sunday, July 29, 2018 | 2 pm
Factual and Fictitious Geography in the Nuremberg Chronicles Lecture by T. Klacsmann Wood engraving demonstration by Nancy Haver Join us for a fascinating double feature: a presentation by New York artist Tate Klacsmann about the woodcuts in the Nuremberg Chronicles, followed by a live wood-cut demonstration by local artist Nancy Haver. Both artists have work in the current exhibit Landscapes/Dreamscapes at Historic Northampton. |
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Friday, July 27, 2018 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Full Moon Group Sing at Historic Northampton led by Jim Armenti Join us for a Group Sing at the gazebo/bandstand in the backyard of Historic Northampton under the full moon. Come learn the three songs the community will sing at the Forbes Library Community Sing in September. Local musician and singer Jim Armenti will lead the singing. After the group sing and weather permitting, all are welcome to take an amble to the Bridge Street Cemetery where we will use binoculars and telescopes to admire the rising full moon. |
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Sunday, June 24, 2018 | 2 - 3:30 PM
Tour of Zea Mays Printmaking Come see where original hand-pulled prints are made! Printing presses, ink rollers, artists at work – Zea Mays Printmaking is a hive of creative printmaking activity in the heart of the Pioneer Valley. The tour will include a walk through the 6,000 sq. ft. studio, a look at prints in the Flat File Project and in the on-site gallery and a short printmaking demonstration. $5 members & donors | $8 non-members. Limited to 12 people. Register with Historic Northampton. |
The 1898 Masonic Block featured an
ornate water-powered elevator. |
Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 2 pm & 4 pm | Film Screening
The Gilded Cage: Northampton’s Last Water-Powered Elevator A film by Stan Sherer 
Northampton's Masonic Block (sometimes referred to as the “Fitzwilly Building”) on Main Street, which opened in 1898, featured an ornate water-powered elevator, state-of-the-art engineering at the time. But it was more: the elevator and its chatty, cheery operators created a community of building's shops, offices, denizens and visitors. This came to an end in 2017, when the elevator was decommissioned. To preserve this fascinating bit of Northampton's history, documentary filmmaker Stan Sherer interviewed former operators and the repair service person who maintained it from the mid-1980s until the end. We learn how elevators work and why they matter, and what this one, and its operators, meant to the people and the City of Northampton.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2018 | 10 am - 12 noon
Exploring the Former Pasture of Northampton's Poor Farm (aka Barrett Street Marsh Conservation Area) Co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders lead a walk of this 25-acre island of green, located a ten minute walk from downtown with a remarkably diverse array of plant and animal life. Limited to 20. Registration required. $8 members & donors; $12 non-members. Meeting location upon registration. |
May 16, 2018 is the 144th anniversary of the
devastating 1874 Mill River Reservoir Disaster. |
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | 7 pm
Readers' Theatre: The Mill River Disaster of 1874 Elizabeth Sharpe, co-director of Historic Northampton and author of In the Shadow of the Dam: The Aftermath of the Mill River Flood of 1874 (Free Press), will narrate a readers' theatre presentation on the Mill River Disaster. Registration is full for this program. $8 members & donors; $12 non-members |
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Friday, May 11, 2018 | 6:00 - 7:45 pm
Funktionlust Powers at Historic Northampton Arts Night Out Funktionlust, Northampton High School’s Improvisation Troupe, will perform at Historic Northampton during Arts Night Out. Throughout their 13-year history, the Funks have performed many times - at First Night, Click Workspace, the Lathrop Community and Northampton High School. |
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Sunday, May 6, 2018 | 7:30 - 9:30 am
Exploring Northampton Series: Early Morning Birding at Laurel Park Join naturalist & co-director Laurie Sanders for an early morning bird walk along the trails in Laurel Park's Nine Acre Woods, a conservation area owned by Laurel Park that is open to the public. $8 members of Laurel Park or Historic Northampton $12 non-members |
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Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | 4 pm
Dispelling Myths and Confirming History: Dendroarchaeology Studies as a Means for Establishing Accurate Building Construction Dates by Bill Flynt, Architectural Conservator For the past 15 years, Bill Flynt has been conducting dendroarchaeology studies throughout the Northeast, collecting tree ring samples from interior posts and beams to identify the construction dates of buildings. Bill will describe dendroarchaeology and its impact on the study of early New England architecture. |
Daily Hampshire Gazette photo
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Friday, April 27, 2018 | 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Living History Series: A Conversation with Yvonne Freccero, Advocate for the Homeless Advocate for the Homeless Yvonne Freccero will share her story: her childhood in post World War II England, her emigration to the United States, her decision to move to the Valley, and why she chose to dedicate herself to helping homeless people and what she's learned. Reception & Conversation: $25 Conversation Only: $10 |
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Thursday, April 26, 2018 | 7 pm
Film Screening of A Place for Madness with Christopher Sparks Film screening of the 1994 episode of PBS’s Frontline (60 min.) focusing on Northampton and the stories of families, individuals, lawyers, psychiatrists and caregivers as they dealt with the effects of the closure of Northampton State Hospital. Introductory remarks and a follow-up conservation with Christopher Sparks. |
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Saturday, April 21, 2018 | 10 am - 1 pm
Exploring Northampton Series: Impressive Trees Along the Mill River with Big Tree Expert Bob Leverett Florence resident, big tree hunter and old growth forest expert Bob Leverett will lead a 3-hour walk along the Mill River, where he’ll point out some of his favorite trees and share information about their life history, ecology and earlier uses. $8 members; $12 non-members |
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Friday, April 13, 2018 | 6 pm & 7 pm
Arts Night Out: An Evening with Claire Dacey Claire Dacey is an award-winning folk singer/songwriter and instrumentalist with a voice reminiscent of the legendary female folk singers of the 60’s and 70’s. She will perform two sets - at 6 pm and 7 pm - during Arts Night Out. In conjunction with the current exhibition, Single Room Occupancy, donations will benefit local organizations aiding those in need. |
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Friday, April 6, 2018 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Living History Series: A Conversation & Songs by Local Music Legend Jim Armenti During this special evening, Jim will share why he chose to settle in the Valley, his musical roots, his views on community, and some of local events that have inspired his songwriting. $25 including VIP Pre-Event Reception $10 Jim Armenti event only |
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Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 7 - 8:30 pm
Immigration in the Connecticut River Valley and Around the Country: Then and Now Immigration is in the news this year, and all of the national issues are playing out in the Valley. Dan Berger, a nationally known immigration lawyer, and Kenneth Reade, UMASS International students & faculty advisor, will give a joint presentation that surveys U.S. immigration history and trends. |
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Tuesday, March 20, 2018 | 2 to 4 pm
Explore Northampton Series: Burt's Pit & Greenway Co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders will lead a walk to Burt’s Pit, one of the most ecologically, geologically and historically significant properties within the City’s conservation holdings. The property includes the city’s only extant bog, a network of trails, and a history of ownership that will dazzle. $8 members & donors: $12 non-members Limited to 20. Registration required. |
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Friday, March 16, 2018 | 12 noon to 1 pm
Exploring Downtown Northampton Co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders will lead a one-hour amble along a stretch of the former rail-line, now bike path and describe the natural and cultural history along the route. $8 members & donors; $12 non-members Limited to 15. Registration required. To register, lsanders@historicnorthampton.org |
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Thursday, March 15, 2018 | 7 pm
Artists' Talk with Cassandra Holden and Paul Shoul Single Room Occupancy: Portraits & Stories from Northampton Lodging, 1976 - 2016 Guest curator Cassandra Holden and photographer Paul Shoul will discuss the process of getting to know the former residents of Northampton Lodging and how they approached the project intellectually, emotionally and artistically. |
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Friday, March 9, 2018 | 5 - 8 pm
Opening Reception Single Room Occupancy: Portraits & Stories from Northampton Lodging, 1976 - 2016 Join guest curator Cassandra Holden and photographer Paul Shoul for the opening reception of their exhibition of photographs and oral histories of former residents of Northampton Lodging on Pleasant Street. |
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Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | 11 am
Oxen Logging Demonstration & Parade Forester and oxen driver Tom Jenkins of Blue Dog Forestry will bring his oxen "Rock" and "Star" to Historic Northampton for an outdoor demonstration on oxen logging. After the 45-minute presentation, Rock and Star will drag logs from Historic Northampton down Bridge Street to 33 Hawley Street. |
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Sunday, December 3, 2017 | 2 pm
Belchertown State School: Pictures and Words from Behind the Bars by Ed Orzechowski “You’ll like it here.” — Donald Vitkus, Belchertown Patient #3394” exposes the de-humanizing environment of Belchertown State School where six-year-old Donald Vitkus was committed in 1949. n a series of interviews over eight years, Donald related his story to author Ed Orzechowski. Ed will explain how his book came about, and present a slide show about the Belchertown State School. |
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Saturday, December 2, 2017 | 4 - 6 pm
End-of-Year Celebration at Historic Northampton Historic Northampton invites you to celebrate our accomplishments of 2017. Join others who love Northampton's history, enjoy delicious refreshments, hear our latest news and look behind-the-scenes at our new state-of-the-art collections storage facility. |
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Friday, November 10, 2017 | 5 - 8 pm
Opening Reception Vanished: the Hospital on the Hill Photographs by Stan Sherer Text by J. Michael Moore This exhibition tells the story of the Northampton State Hospital through the words of the employees, Stan Sherer’s photographs, commentary by J. Michael Moore, and historical photographs from the collection of Historic Northampton. |
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Saturday, October 21, 2017 | 11 am
Dedication of the Northampton State Hospital Burial Ground Memorial Bench The Northampton Historical Commission will dedicate a new memorial bench overlooking "Cemetery Hill," used as a burial ground by Northampton State Hospital from 1858 until the 1920s. |
Annie Woodhull and Gordie Thorne
Photograph by Stephen Petegorsky |
Friday, October 13, 2017 | 5 - 7:30 pm
Living History Series: Arts in Northampton - Then, Now and Going Forward A Conversation with Gordie Thorne and Annie Woodhull Gordie Thorne and Annie Woodhull, in conversation with co-director Laurie Sanders, will describe the state of the arts in Northampton in the early 1970s when they first arrived to today, with the creation of the new Northampton Community Arts Trust project at 33 Hawley Street. Reception: 5 - 6 pm Presentation 6 - 7:30 pm |
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Sunday, September 24, 2017 | 2 pm
Parsing the Past of the Parsons House Professional archaeologist Craig Chartier will discuss the finds from the excavation behind the Parsons House during the past week and explain the discoveries and observations within the context of the history of the house (1719), the history of the town and similar sites in New England. |
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Friday, September 22, 2017 | 10 am to 12 noon
Explore Northampton Series: Exploring Roberts Hill, Leeds, MA Join naturalist & co-director Laurie Sanders for a 2-hour exploration of one of Northampton's oldest conservation areas. Roberts Hill is an important wildlife habitat with an elaborate network of well-maintained trails. Co-sponsored by the Leeds Civic Association. $8 members; $12 non-members. Limited to 20. |
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Thursday, September 21, 2017 | 10:30 am - 3 pm
Public Invitation to the Archaeology Dig Behind the Parsons House From September 18-22, a small archaeological dig will be underway behind the Parsons House (1719) to investigate a historic well and its immediate surroundings. On Thursday, September 21, from 10:30 am to 3 pm, you're invited to come by the site and talk to professional archaeologists Craig Chartier and Greg Walwer about what they're doing and finding. |
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Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 7 pm
The Scarlet Professor: An Evening of Discussion & Song Award-winning biographer Barry Werth and composer Eric Sawyer will describe how they and librettest Harley Erdman transformed the powerful story of Newton Arvin into an opera. Location: Unitarian Society, 220 Main Street, Northampton |
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Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 2 pm | Film Screening
The Brush Shop A film by Stan Sherer 64 minutes The sprawling brick complex in Northampton, Massachusetts called “Brushworks Arts and Industry” hosts the studios of a hundred artists and craftspeople. But the brush in “Brushworks” isn't a paintbrush, it's a toothbrush. The building had been the home of the Pro Corporation. Under different names and ownerships, the company spanned the manufacturing life of this lively city. Through interviews with former Pro Brush people, archival photographs from the collection of Historic Northampton, and commercials and advertisements from different periods, this film tells the story of a vital Northampton industrial history. |
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Saturday, July 22, 2017 | 4:30 - 6 pm | Painting Party
Good Neighbors Paint Good Fences Join dozens (100s?) of volunteers at Historic Northampton where you'll have the "privilege"of helping to paint all 300 feet of fence along Bridge Street. |
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Saturday, July 22, 2017 | 9:30 am | Reunion
Parsons Family Association 2017 Reunion The Parsons Family Association 2017 Reunion will be held at Historic Northampton on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Pre-registration required. |
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Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 2 pm | Public Talk
The Other Battle of the Somme: The Smith College Relief Unit in World War I by Jennifer Hall-Witt The women of the Smith College Relief Unit arrived in Grécourt, a village in the Somme Valley, in September 1917 to help civilians recover from two and a half years of German occupation and utter devastation. Jennifer Hall-Witt tells the story of this remarkable group of women. |
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Saturday, June 17, 2017 | 2 pm| Public Talk
Chaotic Freedom in Civil War Louisiana: The Origins of an Iconic Image by Bruce Laurie Bruce Laurie will speak on his research into two Pioneer Valley soldiers who changed the course of the Civil War. Laurie’s work culminated in the essay, “Chaotic Freedom” in Civil War Louisiana: The Origins of an Iconic Image, a Working Titles e-book published by The Massachusetts Review. Northampton-based printer and newspaper publisher Henry S. Gere (Hampshire Gazette) and Greenfield currier and carpenter Marshall S. Stearns, collaborated to produce a photo that became an emblem of abolitionism during the Civil War, featured in Harper’s and throughout the country. The carte de visite features “Peter,” often misidentified as “Gordon,” the slave with scourged back, elbow jutting, and striking profile. |
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Saturday, June 3, 2017 | 4:30 pm | Concert
The Super PAC Band An Acoustic Concert on the grounds of Historic Northampton Historic Northampton will host the Super PAC Band, a talented group of local musicians, who describe themselves this way: “The Super PAC Band is Passionate About Community! We play for the general good will and your listening pleasure… Our waltzes and foot-tappin’ tunes hail from New England, including the Connecticut River Valley, Appalachia, Scandinavia, and Ireland.” Please bring a blanket, picnic, and your friends and family! |
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Saturday, May 13, 2017 | 2 pm | Lecture
Wildlife Changes in Northampton: From Nonotuck to Now by Laurie Sanders During the last 500 years, major changes have occurred in Northampton's wildlife. Wolves and passenger pigeons and mountain lions are gone, while beaver, bear and turkeys, which had disappeared for decades, are now back in abundance. In this presentation, Laurie Sanders will highlight some of the major trends and changes that explain the mix of animal species that we now encounter in Northampton, from its urbanized center to its wilder spaces. |
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Friday, May 12, 2017 | 5 - 8 pm | Opening Reception
Laws Change. People Die. The Land Remains. Curated by Sally Curcio and Anne LaPrade Seuthe Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out An exhibition of paintings and sculpture by five Western Massachusetts artists who reflect on how our actions impact the landscape. The five artists are Jesse Connor, Sally Curcio, Karen Evans, Anne LaPrade Seuthe and Jenny Tibbetts. |
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Thursday, April 27, 2017 | 6 - 8:30 pm | Special Event
An In-Depth Conversation with Frances Crowe
Reservations are required. |
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Monday, April 3, 2017 | 7 pm | Staged Reading
Getting Out: A staged reading by the Holyoke Community College Theatre Department of Getting Out, a play by Marsha Norman, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for 'Night Mother. Getting Out is the story of Arlene, a woman struggling to survive on the outside after being incarcerated for eight years in a Kentucky prison. The guards, prison officials, and her former self (Arlie) all appear on stage in flashbacks. Location: Forbes Library Community Room |
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Sunday, April 2, 2017 | 2 pm | Lecture
The Final Flourish, the Rhetoric of the Hat by Margaret Bruzelius Beginning with illustrations derived from 30's screwball comedies, Margaret Bruzelius will discuss the patterns of meaning in hats in film: high crown versus low crown, broad versus narrow brim, feathers and trim, and where and how the hat fits on the head. Location: Historic Northampton |
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Wednesday, March 29, 2017 | 7 pm | Lecture
Real Madness: Warehousing People with Mental Illness in Prisons presented by Robert Fleischner The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country, and a substantial percentage of those prisoners have a serious mental illness. Contrary to their mission, prisons and jails have become the new asylums. Robert Fleischner will discuss why so many people with mental illness are in prison and other aspects of this issue. Location: Forbes Library, Coolidge Room |
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Saturday, March 25, 2017 | 3 pm | Lecture
Punishment in Paradise: The History of Incarceration in Northampton, 1654-present a lecture presented by Mike Ryan Mike Ryan will discuss crime and punishment in Northampton and the development of the series of Northampton jails and houses of correction. He will describe how philosophies about incarceration have changed here over the last 350 years. A native of Northampton, Mike Ryan is a board member of Historic Northampton, a former District Attorney, and a retired lawyer and judge. Location: Forbes Library, Coolidge Room |
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Thursday, March 23, 2017 | 7 pm | Film Screening
Film Screening of Ava DuVernay's film 13th This Oscar-nominated documentary powerfully explores the intersection of racism and criminal justice, from its roots in slavery to today's modern-day prison labor system. Presented by Historic Northampton and the American Studies Department at Smith College. Location: Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall, Smith College |
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Saturday, March 18, 2017 | 10 am | Quarterly Meeting
Meadow City Historians At the March 2017 quarterly meeting of Meadow City Historians, Julie Bartlett Nelson, archivist and Elise Bernier-Feeley, local history librarian will discuss special collections relating to local history at Forbes Library. To join MCH, email us at info@historicnorthampton.org and tell us about your research interests. Location: Forbes Library |
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Monday, March 13, 2017 | 5 - 8 pm
States of Incarceration Opening Reception Opening reception for States of Incarceration, a traveling exhibit from the Humanities Action Lab. The exhibit will be on view from March 13th to March 30th at Historic Northampton and at Forbes Library. At 7 pm, at Historic Northampton, Voices From Inside will perform Voices Carry, a collection of original poetry readings by women who were formerly incarcerated. |
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Friday, March 10, 2017 | 5 - 8 pm | Opening Reception
Unidentified Woman by Jodi Colella In Unidentified Woman, Jodi Colella engages with headwear and daguerreotypes from the collection of the Historic Northampton Museum and responds to forces that have shaped women’s identities since the 18th century. |
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Saturday, February 25, 2017 | 2 pm | Lecture
Florence at the Turn of the Twentieth Century: The Goodwin Photographic Collection by Steve Strimer Steve Strimer will present a selection of images from the Goodwin Photographic Collection of over 300 glass-plate negatives taken by J.W. Bird and Ferdinand Schadee. Taken around 1900, these images document the growth of the village of Florence. The collection was donated to the Florence History Museum by Ann Goodwin. |
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Saturday, December 10, 2016 | 4 - 6 pm | Reception
A Special Celebration for Members & Supporters Our new co-directors, Laurie Sanders and Betty Sharpe, will review our year's activities and thank our volunteers. View a slide show of images of this year's exhibitions, lectures, events and building renovations. Hear our exciting news and mingle with others who love Northampton's history. Enjoy delicious treats that Sylvester Graham would never eat. |
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Saturday, December 10, 2016 | 10 am - 12 noon | Meeting
Meadow City Historians Quarterly Meeting The next quarterly meeting of Meadow City Historians will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10 am in the Damon Education Center at 46 Bridge Street. On the agenda:
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Friday, December 9, 2016 | 5 - 8 pm | Holiday Stroll
Downtown Northampton Holiday Stroll 2016 The Downtown Northampton Association is closing Main Street to car traffic on Friday, December 9th for a holiday stroll. Enjoy entertainment, treats and holiday lights. Celebrate the winter season with S'Mores and marshmallow roasting at a fire pit outside Thornes Marketplace. Historic Northampton will host a special graham cracker activity in honor of Sylvester Graham. Find us downtown at Memorial Hall on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 5 to 8 pm. |
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Saturday, December 3, 2016 | 2 pm | Book Launch
A Northampton Journey: from Pumps to Politics to Print Book Launch of Jim Cahillane's new book, The Pilot's Satchel In his latest book of poems, The Pilot’s Satchel, Jim recounts his dreams of worldly travels, books, theater, life, and near-death medical tales over a three-month odyssey of local hospitals and rehabs, and conjectures their relations to events in his life: emigration, boxing, political races, City Hall itself, Union Street Jail, Halligan and Daley, the auto business, and much more. Mr. Cahillane will read selections from The Pilot's Satchel and recount stories of the family’s rich local history. |
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Saturday, November 19, 2016 | 2 - 4 pm | Walking Tour
Hidden Mill River Walk: Paradise Pond to Old South Street John Sinton, Mill River Greenway Initiative Laurie Sanders, Historic Northampton Join John Sinton and Laurie Sanders on a walk through more than 15,000 years of geological history and 10,000 years of human history, focusing on the section from Paradise Pond to Old South Street Suggested Donation: $5 for members of Historic Northampton $10 for non-members of Historic Northampton |
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Saturday, October 15, 2016 | 1 to 3 pm |Walking Tour
Wildsboro & Roberts Meadow Walk Join John Clapp on a walk along “Mosquito Hollow Road” to view the cellar holes, stone walls and stone lined wells of former residents of Wildsboro, a long-forgotten neighborhood within the larger village of Roberts Meadow. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required at lsanders@historicnorthampton.org. Suggested donation: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. |
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Friday, October 14, 2016 | 5 to 8 pm | Opening Reception
Mask by Jenni Sussman Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out For her series Mask, Jenni Sussman explores how we as individuals choose to present ourselves to the world. Sussman questions daguerreotypes, tintypes and painted portraits in the museum collection to discover what is revealed and what is not. |
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Saturday, September 17, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Leather and Wool: Early Industries in the Lost Village of Roberts Meadow by John Clapp John Clapp will talk about his forthcoming book, The Lost Village of Roberts Meadow, focusing on the rise and fall of its wool and leather industries. |
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Saturday, September 17, 2016 |10 am to 12 noon | Meeting
Meadow City Historians Quarterly Meeting The quarterly meeting of Meadow City Historians will take place on Saturday, September 17th at 10 am in the Damon Education Center. On the agenda:
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Friday, September 9, 2016 | 5 to 8 pm | Opening Reception
Utopia to Paradise? by Anna VA Polesny Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out Anna Polesny blends the old with the new by exploring a variety of leathers and leather working techniques and miniature locally-found objects and decorative materials. Art garments and wall hangings tell the continuing story of Northampton influenced by geography and history. |
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Sunday, July 17, 2016 | 11 am | Slide Presentation & Guided Walk
The Surprising Natural and Cultural History of Laurel Park by Laurie Sanders Laurie Sanders, naturalist and co-director of Historic Northampton, will present a slide presentation and guided walk as part of Chautauqua Weekend at Laurel Park. |
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Friday, July 8, 2016 | 5 to 8 pm| Opening Reception
Mary Bliss Parsons: Accused Witch of Northampton by Susan Montgomery Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out In this Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton exhibition, Susan Montgomery explores the confusing and contradictory rumors and accusations against Mary Bliss Parsons. Montgomery's selection of watercolor paintings are complemented by a sculpture installation and linocut print. The presentation of women in history, culture and our communal memory has always been a subject for Montgomery, who has worked with such figures in her art as Pope Joan, Marie Curie, The Radium Girls, Hester Prynne, the Daughters of Saint Crispin among other female heroes. At left is The Great She-Goat: Mary Bliss Parsons, watercolor and mixed media, 24" x 36," 2016. |
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Tuesday, June 28, 2016 | 12 noon | Natural History Walking Tour
Exploring the Natural History of the Bridge Street Cemetery with naturalist Laurie Sanders Join naturalist Laurie Sanders for a lunchtime walking tour exploring the natural history of the Bridge Street Cemetery. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 20 participants. Donation: Members: $5 and Non-members: $10 |
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Saturday, June 18, 2016 | 2 pm | Hestia Mural Lecture Series
Up on the Wall: The Story of the Hestia Mural featuring Linda Bond, Mariah Fee, Susan Pontious & Wednesday Nelena Sorokin Muralists Linda Bond, Mariah Fee, Susan Pontious and Wednesday Nelena Sorokin will speak about creating the Hestia Mural: how the Hestia Art Collective came together as a group, the evolution of the initial concept, historical research, community engagement, grant writing, designing & painting the mural. Location: Neilson Library Browsing Room, Smith College |
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Tuesday, June 14, 2016 | 12 noon | Natural History Walking Tour
Natural History of Historic Northampton and Vicinity with naturalist Laurie Sanders Join naturalist Laurie Sanders for a lunchtime walking tour focusing on the natural history of Historic Northampton and vicinity. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 20 participants. Donation: Members: $5 Non-members: $10 |
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Sunday, June 12, 2016 | 2 pm | Panel Discussion
Do today's toys develop lasting creative and social skills in our children? Panelists:
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Friday, June 10, 2016 | 5 to 8 pm | Opening Reception
Toys: Yesterday and Today: Artwork by Jan Ruby-Crystal Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out Jan Ruby-Crystal intertwines toys from Historic Northampton's collections with contemporary toys and creates a responding body of artwork exploring the ways that play supports creative growth in children. |
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Sunday, May 15, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Copper Kettles & Lonesome Pines: Northampton's Tea Room Era by Jan Whitaker Consumer historian Jan Whitaker will present an illustrated talk on the history of Northampton’s tea rooms. Iced tea, lemonade and pastries will be served afterwards on the terrace. This program is held in conjunction with the exhibition, Table Talk: Food, Cooking and Eating in Northampton, Then and Now curated by Barbara B. Blumenthal. |
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Saturday, May 14, 2016 | 10 am | Walking Tour
Women's History of Florence Walking Tour Hestia Mural 35th Anniversary Lecture Series Tour guide Steve Strimer will lead a walking tour of Florence highlighting abolition-era women who worked to create a better society. Location: Meet at the Sojourner Truth Memorial Statue, corner of Park and Pine streets in Florence |
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Saturday, May 7, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Why Die For Beauty? Dorothy Wrinch's Saga through Science by Marjorie Senechal, Smith College Mathematician and biologist Dorothy Wrinch proposed a model for protein molecules which sparked the "protein war" of the mid-1930s. Marjorie Senechal will focus on a puzzle that perplexed Wrinch's contemporaries: why did she cling to her model? |
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Saturday, April 23, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
"My Buried Life": Adelene Moffat in Crete, 1903 by Frances Freeman Paden, Northwestern University Hestia Mural 35th Anniversary Lecture Series From 1889 to 1907, Adelene Moffat was the moving spirit of the Home Culture Clubs, a social settlement project founded in Northampton by George Cable. In 1903, Adelene took a leave from the Home Culture Clubs to work as an archaeological artist in Crete. |
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Saturday, April 16, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Very Early Youth Baseball: Games and Sports at the Round Hill School, 1823 to 1834 by Brian Turner Brian Turner, author of The Hurrah Game: Baseball in Northampton 1791-1953, will present his recent research on games and sports at the Round Hill School. |
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Friday, April 8, 2016 | 5-8 pm | Opening Reception Children of the Game: Northampton Little League Baseball Portraits Featured Artist: Robert Aller Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out An exhibition of color photographs taken 30 years ago by Robert Aller of his son's Little League team and the player's families. |
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Saturday, March 19, 2016 | 2 pm |Lecture Marion Dodd and the Hampshire Bookshop by Barbara B. Blumenthal, Mortimer Rare Book Room Bookbinder and Rare Book Specialist Barbara B. Blumenthal will speak on Marion Dodd and the Hamsphire Bookshop founded in 1916. Hestia Mural 35th Anniversary Lecture Series |
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Saturday, March 12, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture Capitalism and Calamity: The Mill River Flood of 1874 by Elizabeth Sharpe Elizabeth Sharpe, author of In the Shadow of the Dam: The Aftermath of the Mill River Flood of 1874, will speak in conjunction with Rebecca Muller's Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton exhibition, Debris Flow. |
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Saturday, March 5, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Martians and a Hole in the Sky: Amherst Astronomer David Todd by George Greenstein, Amherst College George Greenstein will speak on astronomer David Todd. A master inventor who once worked with Thomas Edison, Todd was a leader in studies of the Sun's atmosphere and the planet Mars. Lecture 2 of 4 in the spring 2016 science lecture series From Mars to Molecules: Quirky Scientists who put the Valley on the Map curated by Marjorie Senechal of Smith College. |
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Friday, February 12, 2016 | 5 to 8 pm | Opening Reception Keeping Busy: Five Contemporary Artists Respond to Henrietta Lambie's Mourning Quilt, circa 1884 Curated by Esther White Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception | Northampton's Arts Night Out Artist and arts organizer Esther White has brought together five contemporary artists - Angela Zammarelli, Anna Slezak, Annie Sollinger, Kat Howard and Lucy Trainor - to create new artwork in response to Henrietta Lambie's Mourning Quilt started in 1884. Saturday, February 6, 2016 | 2 pm | Lecture
Science in Exile: Albert Francis Blakeslee and Sophie Satin in Northampton by C. John Burk, Biological Sciences Department, Smith College C. John Burk will speak on Albert Francis Blakeslee and Sophie Satin, eminent geneticists who conducted botanical research at Smith College. Lecture 1 of 4 in the lecture series From Mars to Molecules: Quirky Scientists who put the Valley on the Map curated by Marjorie Senechal of Smith College. |
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Accessorize This!
with Amy Halliday First Night Northampton 2016 Thursday, December 31, 2015 | 2 to 5 pm Drop into Historic Northampton for family-friendly crafting activities inspired by the collection. Make your own decorative paper fan, bead a friendship bracelet, or strike a pose in our photo-booth. Open to ages four and over with First Night buttons. |
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Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 3 pm
Fast Forward Film Series Fall 2015: Artifacts of Fixation Harun Farocki: Still Life (1997, 58 minutes) In his film Still Life Harun Farocki connects the contemporary advertising of consumer objects to the 17th century Flemish tradition of still life painting. |
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Hestia Mural 35th Anniversary Lecture Series Lydia Maria Child and Anti-Slavery Work in Northampton a public lecture by Patricia G. Holland Saturday, December 5, 2015 2 pm |
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Rediscovering Northampton
a six-part lecture series with naturalist Laurie Sanders Sunday, November 22, 2015, 2 pm Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall at Smith College Lecture #6 of 6 Northampton's Poor Farm & the City's Most Accessible Conservation Area: Barrett Street Marsh |
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Meadow City Historians Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10 am The inaugural meeting of Meadow City Historians. This new group is open to all people who are doing research on any aspect of local history related to Northampton, Massachusetts. |
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Farewell to Another Technology
an exhibition by Abraham Ravett Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton Opening Reception (Arts Night Out) Friday, November 13, 2015, 5-8 pm An exhibition of experimental Polaroids by Abraham Ravett and historical photographs from the collection of Historic Northampton Exhibition Dates: November 13 - December 20, 2015 |
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Rediscovering Northampton
a six-part lecture series with naturalist Laurie Sanders Sunday, November 8, 2015, 2 pm Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall at Smith College Lecture #5 of 6 Burt's Pit, Peat Fever, Abolitionists, and Avarice |
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Hestia Mural 35th Anniversary Lecture Series
Every Delicate Shade Imaginable: The Adventurous Lathrop Artist-Sisters (and their Black Sheep Brother) a public lecture by Eve M. Kahn Eve M. Kahn will discuss what's known and what's still mysterious about the artists Clara Lathrop, Bessie Lathrop and Susanne Lathrop. Saturday, November 7, 2015 2 pm |
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Rediscovering Northampton a six-part lecture series with naturalist Laurie Sanders Sunday, October 25, 2015, 2 pm Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall at Smith College Lecture #4 of 6 Northampton's History of Conservation in Context with the Nation |
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Rediscovering Northampton
a six-part lecture series with naturalist Laurie Sanders Sunday, October 11, 2015, 2 pm Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall at Smith College Lecture #3 of 6 “An Ever Present Danger:” Fire and the Creation of Northampton’s Water Supplies |
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Saturday, October 10, 2015, 2 pm
Playing in the Past: Objects of Childhood in Early America a public lecture by Nan Wolverton Nan Wolverton will speak on the world of childhood from early America to the early 20th century, as attitudes changed toward work, play, furnishings and decor. |
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Fast Forward Film Series Fall 2015: Artifacts of Fixation
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 3 pm Featured Filmmaker: Abraham Ravett Lunch with Fela (2005, 59 min. color, sound, dvd) Tziporah (2007, 7 minutes, color, silent, 16mm) |
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Gallery Talk with artist Donnabelle Casis
Saturday, October 3, 2015 3:30 pm in Gallery III Donnabelle Casis will present a gallery talk to discuss her process in working with the artifacts from the Historic Northampton collection for her Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton exhibit, twixt & tween. |
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Fast Forward Film Series Fall 2015: Artifacts of Fixation
Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 3 pm Featured Films: heartbeats for conjunction. (2014, 23 minutes) by filmmaker Jeremy Johnston The Hummingbird Wars (2014, 11 minutes) by filmmaker Janie Geiser |
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Rediscovering Northampton
a six-part lecture series with naturalist Laurie Sanders Sunday, September 13, 2015, 2 pm Lecture #1 of 6 Understanding the Northampton Landscape: A Sense of Place Location: Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Smith College |
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Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 2 pm
Caleb Cooley Dickinson: Eccentric, Lunatic or Something Else a public talk by W. Michael Ryan W. Michael Ryan will speak on Caleb Cooley Dickinson, the Hatfield farmer who left his $100,000 estate to build a hospital in Northampton for the “sick poor” of Northampton, Hatfield and Whately. Predictably, the heirs-at-law sued to break the will, claiming Uncle Cooley was insane and incapable of executing a lawful will. At left: Caleb Cooley Dickinson by Nicholas Biddle Kittell, 1861, courtesy of Cooley Dickinson Hospital via Stan Sherer |
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Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 2 pm
Remembering Pro Brush: A Panel Discussion with Dorrie Blakney, Tom Gagnon and Terry Minnick This panel discussion is the official launch of the Remembering Pro Brush oral history project. This new oral history project, directed by Stan Sherer and Marjorie Senechal, will record the stories and memories of people who worked at the Pro Brush Company. |
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Friday, August 14, 2015, 5 to 8 pm
Water as Cure and Transformation Opening Reception on Northampton's Arts Night Out by featured artist Katie Richardson A contemporary interpretation of the Round Hill Water Cures inspired by documents and objects from the museum’s collection. |
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Sunday, July 26, 2015: Drop-In from 1 to 4 pm Spinning a Silken Story: An Interactive Silkworm Exhibit presented by Faith Deering |
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Sunday, July 19, 2015, 2 pm
Speaker: Christine DeLucia Title: What Mean These Stones? Native American and Colonial Placemaking along the Great River Friday, July 10, 2015, 5 pm Opening Reception (Arts Night Out) Artist: Neal Parks Title: Muse Memory Museum Dates: July 10 - August 9 |
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Saturday, June 13th at 11 am
Walking Tour of Bridge Street Cemetery Led by Susan Stinson Co-sponsored with Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Meet at Parsons Street Entrance of Bridge Street Cemetery |
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Saturday, May 16, 2015 | 2 pm
Not Your Grandmother's Cursive: Teaching Handwriting in America from Colonial Times to the Computer Era a public talk by Rosetta Cohen, offered in connection with Elizabeth Pols' exhibition Letters from Away |
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Friday, May 8, 2015 5 to 8 pm (Arts Night Out) Opening Reception for the exhibition, Letters From Away by artist Elizabeth Pols part of the series Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton |
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Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 3 pm The Cycling Craze of the 1890s: A Story of Race, Gender, Sport & Society a public talk by Lorenz Finison, author of Boston's Cycling Craze, 1880-1900: A Story of Race, Gender, Sport and Society, |
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Monday, April 27, 2015 7:30-9:00 pm The River Runs Through Us: Life Along the Mill River A presentation by students in the course Public History Workshop, University of Massachusetts Amherst, in partnership with the Mill River Greenway Initiative. |
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Saturday, April 25, 2015, 2 pm Thoughts on Turning 200 In conjunction with the exhibition, Fair People: Continuing a Tradition, Bruce Shallcross will give a public talk on the Three County Fair as it nears it 200th anniversary. Shallcross is general manager of the Three County Fair Association. |