Winslow House 2008 Program
Tuesday Morning Coffee Hour Series:
Beginning at 10 am. Season Pass: $ 20 for members; $30 for non-members. Individual lectures: $ 5 for members, $ 7 for non-members.
· Eric Jay Dolin —author of Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America”. Tuesday, June 24th
Massachusetts historian Eric Jay Dolin chronicles the rise of a burgeoning New England industry—from its brutal struggles during the Revolutionary War era to the golden age in the mid-1800’s when more than 700 ships hunted the seas and American whale oil lit the world, to its decline as the 20th century dawned. Containing a wealth of detail on whales and the men who hunted them, Leviathan is the most original and stirring history of American whaling in many decades.
· John Horrigan—“The Great Ocean Bluff Fire”.
Tuesday, July 15th
On April 21, 1941, a firestorm, driven by unseasonably high winds, engulfed a section of Marshfield called Ocean Bluff. Miraculously, not one life was lost. But, in the aftermath of the inferno, many things changed—including how life was led in Marshfield, both for residents and for businesses.
· Philip McFarland, author of Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Tuesday, July 22nd
The best-known member of the remarkable Beecher family was Harriet, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. But her family also produced other prominent figures. This snapshot of antebellum Northern society as well as the private lives of the Beecher’s is the focus of local historian Philip McFarland’s newest book.
· Jane Kamensky, author of The Exchange Artist. Tuesday, August 5th
Though all but unheard of today, banker and real-estate speculator Andrew Dexter Jr. was widely known—and reviled—in 19th century America, particularly in Boston, where he oversaw the construction of the Exchange Coffee House, a marketplace, hotel and dining venue that was the city’s tallest building. Unfortunately, the Exchange proved the financial ruin of nearly everyone involved and forced Dexter to flee the city. Dexter never stopped believing “that the next hand would be a royal flush” and nearly destroyed the local economy in the process.
· Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Bridgewater State College, lecturing on presidential elections past & present. Tuesday, August 19th
As the 2008 presidential election nears its final stages, Dr. Michael Kryzanek—professor and chair of the political science department at Bridgewater State College—will reflect on some of the most memorable presidential campaigns in American history.
“Java Fridays”:
Beginning at 7:00 pm. Season Pass: Members, $ 65.00; Non-Members, $ 80.00.
Individual Events: Members, $ 8.00, Non-Members, $ 10.00
· Eve LaPlante, author of Salem Witch Judge: The Life and Repentance of Samuel Sewall . Friday, May 30
In 1692, Puritan Samuel Sewall sent twenty people to their deaths during the nefarious Salem witch trials. The sentencing might have doomed Sewall to infamy except for a courageous act of contrition and public repentance. Eve LaPlante, a descendant of Sewall, chronicles how Sewell endeavored to make up for his role by turning his attention to other social issues of the time, including the slave trade, the relations with the Native Americans, and gender equality during the colonial era.
· Mark Schmidt, “The Enigma machine and its role at the Normandy Invasion”. Friday, June 6
The story of the D-Day invasion and the Allied landing at Normandy is one that has stirred the imagination of the Western world since 1944. But how were the troops able to successfully complete this mission, and how did the Allies break the code of the infamous Enigma code machine used by the Nazis? On this, the 64th anniversary of the landing, this aspect of the invasion will be remembered and chronicled.
· Bruce Watson—author of Sacco & Vanzetti. Friday, June 13th
When the state of Massachusetts electrocuted immigrant anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti on August 23, 1927, for a murder committed in Braintree, it concluded one of the most controversial legal cases in American history. In the eight decades since, debate has raged over what was probably a miscarriage of justice. In the first full-length narrative of the case in thirty years, Bruce Watson unwinds a gripping tale of the trial and execution that mines new archival sources to discuss a case that still haunts the American imagination.
· Christopher Price, author of The Blueprint: A Study of the New England Patriots. Friday, June 20th
For years, the New England Patriots were the laughingstock of the National Football League. But in the spring of 2000, their fortunes changed. Their non-traditional approach to building a team led to three Super Bowl titles in four years. Christopher Price will chronicle how the team became the gold standard for professional sports franchises everywhere.
· Stephen Puleo—author of The Boston Italians Friday, July 11th
Local historian Stephen Puleo offers a lively and engaging history of the Italian immigrants in Boston—from their earliest years, when a largely illiterate and impoverished people in a strange land recreated the bonds of village ad region in the cramped quarters of the North End. This is the story of how the Italian community battled poverty, illiteracy and prejudice, and were able to transform themselves into a successful and vibrant part of the local culture.
· Jennifer Glanville, Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), discussing the history of beer and breweries in New England, and a beer tasting.
Special Day: Thursday, July 17th
Boston has a long history of successful brew houses. In fact, there was a time that Boston had more breweries than St. Louis and Milwaukee combined! Jennifer Glanville of the Samuel Adams Brewery will discuss the history of Boston breweries, and will also host a special beer tasting of the various Samuel Adams lagers.
· Andrew Holman, Professor of History, Bridgewater State College, and varsity hockey coach: “Is it still Canada’s Game? The History of Hockey”
Friday, July 25th
Even before the days of Bobby Orr, the New England sports mindset was one that welcomed the game of hockey. Historian Andrew Holman, coach of the Bridgewater State hockey program, will chronicle the history of this great sport and ask the question, “Is it only Canada’s game?”
· Casey Sherman, author of Black Dragon. Friday, August 8th
Local author Casey Sherman will discuss his new book, chronicling his quest to adopt his baby daughter from China and how he encountered the political process in that Communist country.
· John Root— A Program of Music from the Gaslight-Era (1890-1920).
Friday, August 15th
Singer/pianist John Root will perform a variety of musical styles from the turn of the previous century. Members of the audience will be invited to sing along with familiar selections.
SPECIAL EVENTS & DINNERS
· Town Hall Officials’ Open House—Friday, May 16
· “Marshfield Day”—official opening of the Winslow House—Saturday, May 17
Free Admission to the Winslow House as well as a complimentary Ice Cream Social.
· Annual Meeting and Members’ Only Function—Friday, June 27
· “Family Film Night”—Saturday, July 5
· “New England Lobster Boil”—Saturday, July 12
Enjoy a summer New England tradition with a complete Lobster boil, including steamed clams, corn on the cob, and a special menu for children as well. This is for the entire family!
· Shipwreck Dinner—Saturday, July 19. Special guest speaker: Colin Woodard —author of The Republic of Pirates
Join the Winslow House for an elegant evening with a nautically-themed dinner and lecture, as we continue with one of our most popular events. This year’s lecture will talk about “The Republic of Pirates”:
In the early 18th century, a number of the great pirate captains, including Edward “Blackbeard” Teach and “Black Sam” Bellamy, joined forces this infamous “Flying Gang” was more than simply a thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the Old and New Worlds. Inspired by notions of self-government, they established a crude but distinctive form of democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which indentured servants were released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote. They were ultimately overcome by their arch-nemesis Captain Woodes Rogers—a merchant fleet owner and former privateer—and the brief though glorious moment of the Republic of Pirates came to an end. Colin Woodard will chronicle this virtually unexplored chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy.
· Tavern Night—Saturday, August 9
The Winslow House recreates an 18th century Publick House with tavern games, snacks and musical entertainment with Three of Cups. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and try your hand in colonial games of chance.
· Art Auction and Fundraiser—Saturday, September 13
· Turkey Dinner—Saturday, September 27
Join the Winslow House in the annual autumn feast. Bring friends, family, renew acquaintances and carve your own turkey! Bring summer to a close at our traditional end to the season program.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM (Dates TBD)
· Teddy Bear Picnic—Build Your Own Bear!
· Brian Lies, children’s author from Duxbury—author of Bats at the Beach
· Matt Tavares—children’s author who lives in Ogunquit, Maine, Author of Mudball and Oliver’s Game—Friday, July 18th
· Big Ryan—Friday, June 27th
· Halloween Party
Still Working On:
For Summer:
· Civil War-era re-enactors/kids’ program
· Johnson & Wales about the chocolate chip cookie
· Tedy Bruschi—book signing in the fall, when his paperback comes out. Talking to Keira Kordowski from Wiley Publishing about this.
For Fall or for 2009:
· Robert Morgan, professor at Cornell University, and author of Boone (a biography of Daniel Boone) [WILL COME IN 2009]
· Combine with Seaside Gardeners on a Pumpkin/Scarecrow event