Around Town

Historical Society of Watertown Offering Historic American Legion Artifacts to the Public

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

Three or more decades ago, when American Legion Post 99 closed, the Historical Society of Watertown acquired a quantity of their documents and artifacts. It is a sad fact that small museums, such as ours, have limited space for proper storage and now that we are slowly cataloging our accumulated collection, it has become clear that while it is appropriate that we keep some of these items, we lack the room to house them all. The next step in cases like this is to offer the items to another appropriate party or organization. Last month, we donated a photo from 1930 to the Shutt Detachment, Marine Corp League, depicting the dedication of the WWI memorial stone out in front of their building at 215 Mt. Auburn St., which was occupied by the American Legion Post 99 at that time.

Around Town

Historical Society Leading “Watertown During the Revolution” Walking Tour

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown invites you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fight for American Independence by taking a walking tour of “WATERTOWN DURING THE REVOLUTION.”

Join Historical Society of Watertown walking tour leaders Lynne O’Connell and Beth Houston for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about the important role that the town played during the American Revolution.  

After the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Provincial Congress assembled in the town’s Meeting House, making Watertown the seat of the Massachusetts government for 18 months. As a result, many prominent Revolutionary War figures boarded in town, including Paul Revere and Joseph Warren.  

On the tour, we’ll visit the sites of important dwellings (many of which are no longer standing), public spaces, monuments and plaques as we make our way to the 1772 Edmund Fowle House, where the Executive Council of the Provincial Congress met. Participants will be invited to enter the house and view the current exhibit that celebrates the 250th anniversary of both the Fowle House and the fight for American independence. The tour ends here at the Edmund Fowle House.

Around Town

Historic Photo Presented to Watertown Veterans Group is a Reminder of a Tradition of Service

By |

George McMasters, Commandant of the Marine Corps League Shutt Detachment holds the historic photo of the memorial outside the Post. He and Ed Aucoin, right, were presented the photo by Joyce Kelly of the Historical Society of Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Two of the leaders of Watertown’s veteran groups recently reflected on the sacrifices made by members of the military from town when they were presented a photo of the dedication of a memorial to Watertown servicemen who died in First World War. The memorial still sits outside the Marine Corps League Charles Shutt Detachment on Mt. Auburn Street.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Historic Home Tour, Kid’s Clothes Swap, Free Comic Books, Mount Auburn Cemetery Walk

By |

Let’s start the weekend by saving money on children’s clothes. At the library on Friday afternoon there is a kid’s clothing swap. It’s good for the environment and your wallet, and there’s no need to worry about tariffs when buying used clothes! All day Saturday there will be a celebration going on at the Comic Stop, as they will be celebrating World Free Comic Book Day! It’s great fun for children and adults. Saturday afternoon, you can join a tour of Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Around Town

Find Out About Watertown During the Revolution on Historical Society’s Walking Tour

By |

A pre-19th century depiction of the Fowle House. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown invites you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fight forAmerican Independence by taking a walking tour of “Watertown During the Revolution.”

Dates: Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.(3 chances to take this walking tour)

Meeting Place: Zussman Memorial Park beside 66 Galen St. (The tour will be cancelled for rain.)

Join Historical Society of Watertown walking tour leaders Lynne O’Connell and Beth Houston for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about the important role that the town played during the American Revolution. After the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Provincial Congress assembled in the town’s Meeting House, making Watertown the seat of the Massachusetts government for 18 months. As a result, many prominent Revolutionary War figures boarded in town, including Paul Revere and Joseph Warren.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Persian New Year, Armenian & Irish Music, Historical Event, National Tamale Day

By |

Our bulbs are pushing their way up out of the warming gardens to tell us that spring is here. On Saturday morning, the spring celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, will be at the library for all to enjoy. There is music to go along with the springing of spring, a concert of an Armenian trio at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on Friday, and a folk music concert on Saturday night at the Canadian American Club. On Sunday, it will be time for some history focused learning, with a talk on Watertown’s patriot printer, Benjamin Edes, whose printing press apparently affected the course of the Revolutionary War. After the talk, if you’re feeling hungry, head to the Condesa Restaurant to dig into a plate of steaming tamales for National Tamale Day.

Around Town

Hear About the Watertown Printer Who Played an Important Role in the American Revolution

By |

The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown & the Watertown Free Public Library Presents: “The Press and the American Revolution and Watertown’s most famous printer, Benjamin Edes,” a slide show and talk by Gary Gregory. Without the printing presses of Boston, we wouldn’t have had a revolution! Why was Boston such a hot bed of sedition and incubator of the American Revolution? How did the printing press impact Boston’s rise to rebellion? How were newspapers produced and by whom?

Around Town

Historical Society of Watertown Gift Shop Open for Holiday Sale

By |

The Edmund Fowle House & Museum with our 2022 Yard Art exhibit on display. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

The Historical Society of Watertown announced that its gift shop at the historic Edmund Fowle House will be open on Sunday for a holiday sale. See details below. The gift shop will be open Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00. The Historical Society has many wonderful books and other items related to Watertown history available for sale to the public.