In colonial Newton, the public school mission was clear: protect children against Satan by teaching them to read the Bible. After the Civil War, the school day still began with devotional activities, but there were more demands on the curriculum. The government wanted civics and heroic American history to unite…
Posts published in “History”
Music, food, dancing, and community– Newton’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration brought together a melting pot of generations, cultures, and emotions on the lawn outside of the Hyde Community Center on the sunny afternoon of June 19. Juneteeth, celebrated on June 19th, recognizes the day that enslaved African Americans were informed…
Forty-eight years before women had the right to vote, they were serving on Newton’s School Committee. The Massachusetts constitution limited voting to men but omitted the word “male” as a qualification for elective office. Women noticed. Suffragists began working to get women elected (by men) onto school committees. They thought…
Newton’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on June 19, 12PM-4PM, at the Hyde Community Center (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands). Families, kids, friends, and parents are invited for a day of unity and joy, filled with fun, food, and community spirit. This free outdoor celebration will feature two…
The City of Newton will be hosting a Celebration of Queer Culture with food, art, and performances. It will take place on Saturday, June 28, 11AM-4PM at the Hyde Community Center (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands). During the event, there will be a Queer Family Meetup, 12:30PM-1:30PM. Bring a picnic…
The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton will host the 3rd Annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle on June 28, 10AM-2PM. It’s fundraiser and a relaxing midday paddle on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Charles River. Meet at the Newton Historic Boathouse (map). This event…
The Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that designed, raised funds for, and installed a memorial to the victims and heroes of 9/11/2001, especially the eight Newton residents who lost their lives that day. Thanks to its generous contributors, the Committee offers annual scholarships to Newton…
Historic Newton, in collaboration with Newton Cultural Development, will host a free community reading of Frederick Douglass’s famous 1852 speech — What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? — on Sunday, July 13, at 2PM at the Jackson Homestead and Museum (527 Washington Street, Newton). Guests are encouraged…
Historic Newton will conduct a walking tour on July 15, 6PM-7:30PM in Newton Cemetery focusing on the final resting places of some of Hollywood’s finest actors, performers, and musicians. Learn about Josephine Hull, who originated the role of Abby Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”; B.F. Keith, the father of…
On Sunday, June 1, Coletti-Magni Park and the Nonantum business district offered something for every age group: a large climbing wall, a “bronco” ride, axe-throwing, batting balls, train rides, face-painting, a puppet show, step-dancing, a boxing demonstration, a clown, a wide array of crafts and jewelry, and street dancing to…