Amelia Peabody, Artist and Pioneer
In celebration of Women’s History Month
Amelia Peabody (1890-1984) died more than 40 years ago and yet continues to profoundly impact daily life in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. How? Why? This lecture will shine light on this extraordinary woman who quietly transformed institutions both large and small. From Mass General Brigham to the ICA, The Museum of Science to Tufts Veterinary Medical Center, Joslin Diabetes Clinic, Harvard and Northeastern—her name adorns walls as founder, supporter, donor and guiding light.
Art was her passion and her calling. After studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Peabody gained recognition in the 1920’s and 30’s, showing her sculpture at major exhibitions across the US. Her priorities shifted with coming of WWII when she was appointed Chairman of the Arts and Skills Division of the American Red Cross in 1944—a position she held into her eighties—her program becoming the national model for helping soldiers heal through creative expression, a precursor to modern art therapy.
Her farms in Dover, MA became her sanctuary and workspace. She sculpted in her studio and raised champion Yorkshire pigs, Hereford cattle and Thoroughbred horses. In efforts to find affordable and sustainable housing for her farm workers, she experimented with different building materials at her farms – including constructing the first solar home in the US in 1948. Peabody opened her lands to all, providing access to green space before its recognition as essential to wellbeing. Today, these properties remain public spaces through The Trustees’ Noanet Woodlands and Powisset Farm.
Join us as speaker, Judy Schulz, shares the story of this remarkable—revolutionary—woman, in celebration of Womens History Month.
The Speaker Series is held at the Museum, located at 612 High Street, Dedham, and begins at 7:00 p.m.
Free to members, $10 for non-members (pay at the door).
If you would like to watch a recording of this talk the following evening, Thursday, March 19th, please register here. This link is only for anyone interested in watching the recording and not to attend in person.