In the early 1980s, the State requested, then required, that school districts assess basic skills using tests that the State provided and scored. The testing was driven by a nationwide fear that public schools were graduating poorly educated students unable to compete in the international economy. Newton’s Annual City Report…
Posts published in “History”
On Wednesday, July 15, Pellegrini Park on Hawthorne Street was packed with excited, multi-generational festival attendees anticipating Festa’s wide selection of music, food, rides, games, and fun. Many were longtime Festa fans, but many were newcomers to the 91st annual carnival, which attracts several thousand people on each of its…
I’m trying to be open-minded about the City’s Gas-light replacement proposal. However, your article exposes an unusual and incomplete process that has resulted in a dubious and very flawed proposal. If you compare the proposed LED fixtures to our existing original historic fixtures, you will see that the proposed fixture type is entirely different from our…
In honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence, the Declaration of Independence was read publicly in a ceremony at the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall on Wednesday, July 8. According to Mayor Marc Laredo, the event was intended to renew pride in national identity and bring about…
The Newtonville Historic District Commission’s review of a proposal to replace four gas-powered street lamps on Prescott Street with solar-powered LED fixtures was postponed last week due to lack of a quorum. This may delay a decision that could shape the future of Newton’s remaining 77 historic gas-powered street lamps.…
Newton celebrated the 4th of July on Saturday, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Despite impending storms in nearby towns, celebrations in the Garden City went on with gusto, featuring an impressive fireworks display in the evening, and parades, a carnival, vendors, and ice cream earlier in the day.…
On June 7th, members of the Upper Falls Neighborhood Area Council and local volunteers shone a spotlight on the hidden history behind several buildings in Upper Falls that many Newton residents pass by without a second thought. Speakers were stationed at 14 historically significant stops along the walking tour path,…
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be a public reading of the document on July 8 at 10AM in the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall. Newton’s State House delegation will bring a framed copy of the Declaration to share during…
Historic Newton presents the Artists and Authors at Newton Cemetery Walking Tour at Newton Cemetery (Newton Centre) on Tuesday, July 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Newton has been home to creative people throughout history, and many are laid to rest in Newton Cemetery. During this new walking tour, visit…
Among several large stones arranged on the hill overlooking Weeks Field are two taller stones set vertically, with a narrow slit between them. Some residents, surmising the stones may have been set to align with a solstice, have nicknamed the arrangement Newton Henge. When does it align with the sun?…
Newton Free Library (330 Homer Street, Newton Centre) presents Reading Frederick Douglass Together on Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30PM. Come gather in community to read and discuss Frederick Douglass’ famous address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” At Reading Frederick Douglass Together, attendees will read, listen to,…
Historic Newton presents Early Life and Industry in Newton Lower Falls on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 – 7:30PM. Registration is required. Walking tours are $10 for Historic Newton members and $15 for non-members. Meeting location will be shared with registrants. Learn about the rise and fall of industry in…