The Dedham Historical Society & Museum’s 2017-18 lecture series kicks off on Thursday, September 28 with the story of Paul Revere, Artisan and Businessman by Patrick M. Leehey, Research Director at the Paul Revere House. As school children we are taught the story of Paul Revere’s famous ride, but Leehey will tell us more about Paul Revere as a successful businessman. The DHS owns a bell made in Revere’s foundry in 1796. It hung in the Norfolk County Courthouse and is the smallest bell known with the Revere name on it.
Back by popular demand, we are dedicating a special program, Letters from the Civil War, on Thursday, October 26, to those who have served our country in the military. The Society owns a collection of several hundred letters written by local residents to friends and family during the Civil War. The DHS will give a special nod to our veterans by having them read some of this correspondence. The readers will give a short biography of the author of the letter to help personalize their words. Join State Senator Mike Rush and other local veterans for this special program.
On Thursday, November 16, we welcome Laura Johnson, Associate Curator at Historic New England, for a presentation on Mementos: Jewelry of Life and Love from Historic New England. Based on her book of the same title (and an exhibit at the Eustis Estate Museum), this program highlights jewelry’s unique role as public display of personal history.
Unless otherwise noted, all lectures begin at 7:30 pm at the Dedham Historical Society & Museum auditorium. Admission: DHS members free; $5 per person for non-members. The 2017-2018 lecture series is sponsored by David G. Newsom in memory of his wife, Carol L. Newsom.