Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, noon-5:00 PM
NEWTON COMMUNITY WEEKEND
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum.
Sunday, September 8, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
Newton Cemetery: A Good State of Forwardness
Did you know that the land that Newton Cemetery occupies now was once used for pharmaceutical and leather factories? Learn about how that industrial land was developed as part of the garden cemetery movement, and why it’s important as a green space today. Follow Archivist Sara Goldberg and Preservation Planner Katy Holmes on a walk through Newton Cemetery, featuring some of the cemetery’s most notable “residents.” Meet in front of the chapel just inside the main gate. Parking is available in the parking lot to the left of the chapel. Free.
Thursday, September 19, 7:30 PM
HISTORY BOOK CLUB
This month’s book selection is 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann. In this book, the author dispels myths about Indian life and communities before Columbus, describing the heterogeneity and sophistication of their cultures. The book takes the reader through a vibrant overview of centuries of Indian culture both before and shortly after Columbus lands in America. The book club is free and open to all, new members are welcome.
Sunday, September 22, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
A Remarkable Woman: Annie Cobb, Victorian Architect and Builder
Annie Cobb, a Victorian woman of some means but with no traditional education, became an architect-arguably America’s first woman architect-and builder in the newly emerging suburb of Newton Highlands. Join Laura Fitzmaurice to learn about Cobb’s unique story and her houses, dating from 1877 to 1903. Meet at the Corner of Forest and Chester Streets. Free.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Confronting Our Legacy: Slavery and Antislavery in the North: This new exhibition transforms the lower gallery of the museum into a three-dimensional learning center with hands-on activities and information about colonial slavery, the Underground Railroad, and local abolitionists.
An Architect Ahead of Her Time: Annie Cobb (1830-1911): Starting in the 1870s, Annie Cobb built 16 homes in Newton Highlands and exhibited at the World’s Fair of 1893 in Chicago. She was arguably the first woman architect in America, and succeeded in fashioning a career for herself in the male world of building in a time when women’s work was mainly limited to the home.
Newton and the Civil War: In celebration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Historic Newton will be featuring a changing exhibit showcasing Newton residents in the Civil War. Also be sure to visit our new Women’s Fashions of the Civil War Era exhibit.
Peeking into Newton’s Toy Chest: The values and lessons toys teach us, as shown by the Historic Newton collection, are explored in this exhibit. Children’s attractions include hands-on toys and a model train.
Mapping a New Town: 1714-1874: Maps depicting Newton’s growth over the centuries are displayed; special activities for children are also featured.
Newton Salutes-Newton’s Civil War Soldiers and Citizens: Our city’s citizens participated in the war effort in many ways-from fighting on the battlefields to sewing undergarments at home. See their faces and learn their stories in this salute to Newton’s brave citizens from an earlier era
The Newton History Gallery: Featuring tools, furniture, clothing, and toys to illustrate the Newton of the past.
The Jackson Homestead and Museum is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and Noon to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
If you need special assistance, please call 617-796-1450.