In 1904, Newton hired a progressive superintendent, Frank Spaulding who believed public schools should “provide educational opportunities adapted to the individual needs of every boy and girl from four to eighteen years of age.” He sought class sizes of no more than 25 pupils so teachers could do individual work…
Posts published in “History”
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Historic Newton will host a walking tour through East Parish Burying Ground — the city’s oldest burying ground — on Thursday, August 7, 6PM-7:30PM, to see the final resting places of Newtonians who were active in the conflict. Learn about General…
Historic Newton will lead a walking tour in Farlow Park on August 14, 6:30PM-7:30PM. One of Newton’s oldest parks, Farlow Park was built for passive enjoyment with a rich history and a range of different trees. Join Marc Welch, City Forester, to learn more about the early design and vision…
The Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee and the City of Newton cordially invite all to the annual 9-11 Commemoration on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6PM at the Newton 9-11 Memorial, on the front lawn of the Fire Department Headquarters (1164 Centre Street, Newton Centre). In case of rain, the event…
To celebrate the Newton Free Library’s 150th anniversary, join the Library and Historic Newton on Wednesday, September 10 from 6PM-7:30PM for a tour that takes you to places where writers — including Robert Frost and Harriet Beecher Stowe — visited Newton. Learn more about authors who studied literature at Newton’s…
The Newton Conservators will host a tour of Cold Spring Park with Friends of Cold Spring Parkfounder and president Alan Nogee on Saturday, September 20, from 10AM to 12 noon, to learnabout its natural wonders, threats, and intriguing history. Alan will also discuss what makes anatural plant community invaluable for wildlife, climate mitigation,…
The History Book Club of Historic Newton will meet to discuss The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson on Thursday, September 25 at 7:30PM. Read the book in advance and join the meeting, which is held on Zoom and free and open to all. To receive book club updates and…
Join Historic Newton on Sunday, September 28 from 12PM-4PM for Hayfest — a day of fall-themed historic activities at Jackson Homestead (527 Washington Street). Learn how Autumn was celebrated in the 19th-century at Jackson Homestead. Butter churning, candle dipping, apple cider pressing… oh my! Refreshments will be available. All ages…
On Wednesday, July 23, City Councilor Stephen Farrell met with the Public Facilities committee to support the proposed renaming of the 19 roadways of Oak Hill Park in honor of fallen veterans. Currently these roadways are named for letters of the alphabet. Councilor Farrell highlighted the historical significance of renaming…
At 5PM on Wednesday, July 16, it was hot and still sunny as the 90th start of the five-day St. Mary of Carmen festival — Festa — began in Pellegrini Park on Hawthorne Street. Members of the St. Mary of Carmen Society gathered in their assigned places after three weeks…
Wednesday, July 16, is the beginning of the 90th annual St. Mary of Carmen Society festival, known as Festa, in Nonantum. The festival celebrates the enduring Italian heritage of “The Lake” — as the neighborhood is called in the community, many of whose ancestors emigrated from the San Donato area…
There is still much to be learned about the true meaning of liberty even after this year’s Fourth of July festivities concluded. On July 13, Historic Newton, in collaboration with Newton Cultural Development, will explore Independence Day through the eyes of Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and was a famed…