The Medway Historical Society, Medway, MA
The Medway Historical Society, Medway, MA
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The Medway Historical Society Upcoming Programs

Spring 2009 Newsletter (pdf)  

Spring 2009 programs will be held at the Senior Center at
76 Oakland Street between Village and Main Streets.

Jan. 27, 2009 - Tuesday 7:30pm  

"Peaches & Daddy" lecture and book signing. The Medway Historical Society is pleased to present a lecture and book signing by local author Michael Greenburg for his recently released book, “Peaches & Daddy”. His book tells the tale of a 1920s scandal in New York City in which Edward “Daddy” Browning, a 51-year old millionaire, courts and marries, 15-year old Frances "Peaches" Heenan. Their relationship becomes fodder for the New York City tabloids for months as they cover the tempestuous affair. Come hear how Greenburg discovered the story and then researched it for his book. Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:30pm at the Medway Senior Center, 76 Oakland St., Medway. The public is cordially invited to attend and bring their books for signing. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Medway Cultural Council.

Feb. 21, 2009 - Saturday 2:00pm  

Expert African American Tool Makers. Expert Tool Collector Richard DeAvila speaks about Early American Tool Makers from the Medway area including Jethro Jones, Cesar Chelor and Sambo. Samples of tools created by Cesar Chelor are found in the Smithsonian and are highly prized by collectors. Often selling in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Richard DeAvila has written extensively on these little known expert craftsmen from our region. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Medway Cultural Council.

March 22, 2009 - Sunday 1:00-5:00pm  
Open House. Have you ever wondered what goes on in that little building on Main Street? This is a perfect opportunity to stop by and meet Society members and view the museum’s collection! Exhibits include artifacts, memorabilia, vital records and more. Books, maps and other items are available for purchase. Stop in any time to chat about your interest in the history of Medway.
March 24, 2009 - Tuesday 7:30pm
******** Event Cancelled ********
"Popular Music of the Gaslight Era (1890-1920)" by popular entertainer John Root. John Root will introduce the audience to the history of the music during the Gaslight Era and serenade the audience with sample performances. Don't miss out on this musically treat!
April 14, 2009 - Tuesday 7:30pm  

The Restoration of Evergreen Cemetery. Restoration will start in April 2009 when conservationist Kai Nalenz begins restoring some of the damaged stones in Evergreen Cemetery in Medway. Kai Nalenz is the owner of Gravestone Services of New England. He is a member of the Association of Gravestone Studies and The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works. Kai has conserved hundreds of markers throughout New England, including entire cemeteries. He specializes in 17-19th cemetery conservation. He is well known for his use of gentle methods and non-abrasive hand tools to clean, preserve and repair.

Come hear a joint presentation by Mark Wilcox, President of the Historical Society and Medway Historical Commission Member, and Kai Nalenz speak about the restoration work that is being done at one of Medway oldest historical resources - Evergreen Cemetery. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Medway Cultural Council.

May 19, 2009 - Tuesday 7:30pm  
Remembering Medway: Reminisce with Medway's "Old-Timers". Once again, visit with Medway "old-timers", both in years and experience with town history, to hear and talk about earlier days in Medway. We have held two of these events in the recent past which were a lot of fun; spontaneous, and informative. You'll hear lots of good stories about the Medway of old.
     
     
Previous Programs    
Sept. 30, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
Pills, Potions, Poultices: A Re-enactment of Revolutionary War Dr. Elisha Skinner. Come see Edwin Page portray Dr. Elisha Skinner, regimental surgeon for the Massachusetts Xth Regiment of the Continental Line. You will learn what sort of anesthesia was used to perform surgery, why infant mortality was so high and how to use an 18th century remedy to cure your next headache. You will most certainly come away with a greater appreciation for 21st century health care.
Oct. 19, 2008, Sunday 1:00-5:00pm 223 Main Street, Medway

OPEN HOUSE. A special display will showcase items from the Bicentennial observance of 1913, when a three-day celebration marked 200 years since the town was founded. We hope this may prompt suggestions about planning for the Tricentennial anniversary in 2013.

The collection of the Society includes artifacts and documents from colonial times to the present - household items, farming equipment, tools used in shoe and straw hat manufacture. Maps and books will be available, including The New Grant: A History of Medway by Francis Donovan. Refreshments will be served.

Oct. 21, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
"Root! Hog! or Die! - The Glory Days of Medway's Wonderful Union Base Ball Club". Come hear Holliston historian Joanne Hulbert as she talks about the Massachusetts Baseball League and the rivalries that shaped early baseball.
Nov. 18th, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
The story of Hannah Smith and the local bonnet making industry. Local author Walter McClennen will speak about 19th century bonnet maker Hannah Smith and the bonnet making industry that shaped the economy of our region. McClennen's book of original letters of the Smith family of Medfield from 1804-1825 depicts the entrance of young local girls and women into a new and vital area of the early American economy - a fascinating tale of recently discovered original source documents awakening a renewed interest in our New England past. Books will be available for purchase and author signing.
Dec. 7, 2008, Sunday 2:00pm  
The 1917 Halifax Harbour Explosion and the Massachusetts Connection. Hazel Miele will tell the story behind why Halifax sends a Christmas Tree to Boston every year. Discover the Massachusetts connection and how its people responded to the tragedy. A great story before Christmas.
Dec. 7, 2008, Sunday 5:00-7:00pm at 223 Main Street, Medway
Annual Potluck Holiday Party. Please join Medway Historical Society members and friends at annual social event. It's a great time to stroll through our collections. Please bring an hors d'oeuvre or dessert to share.
January 29, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
Annual Business Meeting. Calling all members, and those who wish to become involved. Please attend this important meeting to elect officers for the coming year, and to help chart the future direction of our Society.
February 19, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
Researching the History of Your House. You can research the history of your house whether it is 20 years old or 150 years old. Marian Pierre-Louis will introduce where to find the deeds to your house, how to chain a deed, and locating other sources of information such as the US Federal Census records. Come learn some tricks to get the most out of your house history research. This talk is appropriate for both beginners and those who have some research experience.
March 18, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  

Restoring Old Homes: Advice from a Professional. Mark Landry, a Medway resident and founder of Landmark Services, has been restoring and renovating old houses for more than 20 years. He is an experienced craftsperson and designer who has managed professional history preservation projects of all sizes and budgets.

Mark holds an M.A. in Historic Preservation from Boston University, and spent two years at the Boston Architectural Center studying design, building technology, and architectural history. During his studies, he was an intern at both the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities and in Great Britain.

April 15, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  

From Coffee Street to the Ishmael Coffee Estates: Who was Ishmael Coffee? Ishmael Coffee was more than just a Revolutionary War soldier. He spent the majority of his life in Medway. Yet was he a beloved citizen or a controversial figure in Medway town history? Come hear a tale by local genealogist, Marian Pierre-Louis of Fieldstone Historic Research, that has so many twists you will leave amazed and with a broader appreciation of Medway’s past.

May 20, 2008, Tuesday 7:30pm  
Note Change: This program will be held at the Medway Senior Center, 76 Oakland Street.
Remembering Medway: Reminisce with Medway's "Old-Timers". Once again, visit with Medway "old-timers", both in years and experience with town history, to hear and talk about earlier days in Medway. We have held two of these events in the recent past which were a lot of fun; spontaneous, and informative. You'll hear lots of good stories about the Medway of old.
June 22, 2008, Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 pm  
Spring Open House. Have you ever wondered what goes on in that little building on Main Street? This is a perfect opportunity to stop by and meet Society members and view the museum’s collection! Exhibits include artifacts, memorabilia, vital records and more. Books, maps and other items are available for purchase. Stop in any time to chat about your interest in the history of Medway.
     
December 9, 2007, Sunday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm  
Holiday Party. Join us for our annual Holiday Celebration. Light refreshments and casual conversation will be in ample supply. Please bring a goodie to share with others.
November 13, 2007, Tuesday 7:30pm  
2B Oak Street: The Future of the Thayer Homeplace. Rob Pomponio, chairman of the Medway Historical Commission, will talk about the recent activity at the Thayer Homeplace as well as the future plans and hopes of the Historical Commission to make the Thayer Homeplace an asset to the town.
October 21, 2007, Sunday 2:00 pm  
A First-Hand Account: Life in London During World War II. As a teenage girl in London during World War II, Daphne G. Freeman survived the German bombing of the city with her family. The continuous bombing tested the will of the British people, and the courage they displayed discouraged the enemy from undertaking an invasion of the British Isles. Using slides and stories, Ms. Freeman will share her experiences with us in a first-hand account of these dramatic events.
October 16, 2007, Tuesday 7:30pm  
Meet the Thayers: The Significance of the Thayer Family in Medway. Marian Pierre-Louis, a member of the Historical Society, the Historical Commission, and a professional genealogist will describe the history of the Thayer Homeplace (2B Oak Street), the people who lived there and their historical significance in the development of Medway.
September 16, 2007, Sunday 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm  
Fall Open House. Help celebrate the beginning of our 2007-2008 season. Thanks to the Historical Commission, there’s a lot going on in Medway. We’ll have preliminary information on the status of the proposed Village Historic District and the start-up work on development of the Thayer property. Artifacts and illustrations reflecting Medway’s agricultural and industrial past will be on view and maps and books will be available for sale, including several books by Francis D. Donovan.
Sunday, May 20, 2007 1:00pm - 4:00pm  

Spring Open House. The Medway Girl Scouts - We're not Just Cookies! Founded in Medway in 1926, the Girl Scouts have participated in many community events through the years. Kim Campbell will join us at this special open house to display artifacts and memorabilia that illustrate the role the Girl Scouts have, and continue to play in Medway society. 

View information about the history of the Medway Girl Scouts online.

     
     

 



Medway Historical Society, 223 Main Street, Medway, MA 02053 (508) 533-7222