Past Society Programs

2021

OCTOBER

On October 3, co-sponsors Acton Historical Society, ActonTV, NishkamTV & Acton Memorial Library presented a webinar and online panel discussion about the journeys, experiences and challenges of Acton's Indian-American residents.  Several  long-term residents of diverse backgrounds and interests generously agreed to share their experiences.  Moderators were Doug Herrick and Sunanda Sahay.  View it on YouTube.
MAY

On May 30, the Historical Society collaborated with the Acton Chinese American Civic Society and ActonTV to present a webinar about the experiences of Acton's Chinese residents.  Clips of some of the oral histories that have been collected as part of an ongoing Historical Society project were presented, and there was a panel discussion with Alex Dai, Xuan Kong,  Jianying Shi, Virginia Taylor, and Xuan You with moderators Doug Herrick and Dawn Wang.  View it on ActonTV.
APRIL

On April 11, Doug Herrick and Bill Klauer presented via Zoom a general survey of the history of the five areas of Acton and its development from grazing lands of Concord to the residential town of today.  This presentation included the first native American settlers, the role played by Acton’s rivers and landscapes that enabled early roads and industry, its role in the Revolutionary War, the coming of the railroads, and its growth as part of the suburban Route 128/Route 2 corridors and greater Boston housing and job markets.  View it on YouTube.
MARCH

On March 7, Bill Klauer and Doug Herrick presented via Zoom the history of railroads in Acton.  For such a relatively small town, Acton was fortunate to have had four railroads within its boundaries.  The presentation reviewed the individual rail lines, how they originated, and how these transportation links facilitated the growth of agriculture and industry in Acton.  It also discussed Actonians who worked for the railroads.  View it on YouTube.
 
FEBRUARY

On Feb. 7, Doug Herrick and Bill Klauer did a Zoom presentation on the debate over the Battle of the North Bridge.  Starting in the early 19th century and continuing until the present, Acton, Concord, and Lexington have debated and argued about where the Revolution started, the roles of each town, and how their militias and minutemen performed.  This presentation looks at the history of local militias, what happened on the North Bridge, and who gets to write history.  View it on YouTube.
JANUARY

On Jan. 10, Doug Herrick and Larry Kerpelman did a Zoom presentation on ice harvesting in Acton and New England.  The story of ice harvesting in New England is actually multiple stories: that of a local resource necessary for food preservation and dairy farming; the changing technologies for harvesting ice and refrigeration, and the development of a worldwide consumer market. This presentation looks at the history, tools, harvesting methods, personalities, and changes in the market for ice and refrigeration.  Missed the presentation?  View it on YouTube. 

For a video of harvesting scenes from Ice House Pond in the mid-twentieth century, check out our Online Content Page.

2020

DECEMBER

On December 20, 2020, Bill Klauer did our Society's first Zoom history presentation on George C. Wright, a farm boy and shoemaker who became an expert coffee buyer and eventually the president of the largest coffee and spice company in New England.  His generosity left a lasting mark on the town of Acton.  If you missed it, you can read our blog post about George C. Wright, updated in Feb. 2021 with information from his own (recently shared) reminiscences.

2019

OCTOBER

On October 27th, Bill Klauer shared the story of Aaron Woods, known locally as a hermit and a miser, whose death generated intense speculation and national news coverage in the 1870s. Among the twists and turns of the story were the coming of the railroad to North Acton, the "Potato Cave" (now properly called the Acton Stone Chamber), an Acton crime spree, and the far-reaching consequences of local rumors.  For an introduction to the story, see our blog post on Aaron Woods.
MAY

Thank you to Sara Chase, Preservation Consultant, for her talk on May 5th, discussing what she has learned about historic colors while working for the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.  She reviewed the methods used for archival research as well as on-site work and hands-on investigation.  She used the recent repainting of Acton's Town Hall as a case study on how she does her work.

2018

DECEMBER

On December 8, the Society held its annual holiday open house at the Hosmer House Museum.  The Acton Garden Club had brought in decorations for the Hosmer House, and there were holiday crafts for all ages as well as chocolate making for the kids.  In the Gallery, visitors were able to view the last day of the Society's World War 1 exhibit.

NOVEMBER

Commemorating the End of World War 1
The 26th Division

On Thursday evening, November 9, Brig. General Leonid Kondratiuk, Director of Historical Services, Adjutant General's Office, talked about the history of  the 26th "Yankee" Division during WWI to which many local men belonged, including some from Acton.   We learned about the Division's activities before the war, training, and action overseas. The audience was also able to view a small sampling of the wonderful photographs of the 26th Division held in Massachusetts archives. 
OCTOBER

Chasing Speedwagons

On Sunday, October 28, Bill Klauer recounted the colorful history of four of Acton's fire engines, bought between 1924 and 1936, each built on a REO Speedwagon chassis.  All four still exist and recently were reunited in Acton for the first time in seventy years to honor the Fire Department's 125th anniversary.  Bill shared the stories of the engines and their firefighters as well as the odyssey that brought them back together again. 
SEPTEMBER

Annual Potluck.

Sunday September 16th was the AHS Annual Potluck at the Hosmer House. About 25 members shared good food, great stories and memories, and enjoyed walking through the new exhibit on the 125 years of the Acton Fire Dept. We were brought up to date on several developments at the society, including the week-long visit of the goats to clear away weeds and vines and progress on opening up a clearer view of the Hosmer House.
JUNE

Annual Meeting & Railroad in Acton

On June 10th, the Society had its annual meeting and ice cream social.  Next co-presidents Doug Herrick and Bill Klauer presented a program about how Acton’s 19th century history and economy were affected by its four railroads. Special focus was given to the Framingham and Lowell section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail through Acton.


APRIL

The Census Takers’ Report (1865)

On April 22nd, Bill Klauer shared with us insights  from the wonderfully detailed Massachusetts state census of 1865 and from the manufacturing censuses in taken in 1850 and 1860.  Great resources for family researchers and local historians, they allow us to learn about the evolution of the community during the 1850s and 1860s.

2017

DECEMBER

Holiday Open House and History of Fanny Farmer Candy

For the Society's holiday open house, Leon Poirier shared his collection of Fanny Farmer candy tins and on Saturday December 2, gave a talk of the history of the Fanny Farmer Candy company.  The Hosmer House Museum, beautifully decorated by the Acton Garden Club, was open for tours.  Goodies and additional decorations were provided by Society members, and The Happy Chocolatier donated a sample of Acton's sweets of today.  Visitors  participated in molding chocolates.  On Sunday, Bill Klauer shared his World War I field organ so that visitors could try their hands (and feet) at playing it.  Bill also enhanced the festive atmosphere by playing holiday songs and encouraging visitors to sing along.
NOVEMBER

Tales from the Grave - Woodlawn Cemetery Tour

Postponed from October because of bad weather, Bill Klauer led his annual tour of a cemetery, this year at Woodlawn between the Chapel and the Revolutionary section.  This area is rich in Acton’s past since it is the final resting place of many of the Town’s leading citizens of their day.
OCTOBER

Firefighting & EMS in Acton - Old & New

In honor of fire prevention month, the Society saluted the efforts of the Acton Fire Department.  On October 15, the Society's barn was open to display Acton's 1890 pumper, and Acton's fire department displayed its new ambulance with its state-of-the art EMS equipment and its new fire engine.



John Law - Acton's First Settler

Later in the day, ​Alfred Woollacott, III, seventh-great grandson of John Law, Acton first settler, spoke about his research and his novel, The Immigrant.  In the winter of 1650/1651, John Law arrived in colonial America in chains as a Scottish Prisoner of War. He began serving his indenture at the Saugus Ironworks before becoming Concord’s public shepherd, residing near the intersection of School Street and Lawsbrook Road of present day Acton.  Attendees enjoyed an interesting talk, and the Society was grateful to receive copies of some of Mr. Woollacott's research into the Law family.
SEPTEMBER

The annual meeting and election of officers took place on September 17th, followed by a potluck dinner at the Hosmer House and a Sing Along in Jenks Library, as Bill Klauer played old-time songs on his 130-year-old roller organ.

MAY

"Still Standing - The Barns of Acton" Reception

On May 20, the Society held a reception for the Acton Boxborough Regional High School student photographers who contributed their impressive artwork to our barns exhibit, their families, friends and teachers, as well as barn owners who generously allowed their barns to be photographed.  Many thanks to Society members who made the reception possible.
APRIL

Acton Bus Tour

On Sunday April 23, local historians Bill Klauer and Anne Forbes narrated a two-bus tour past dozens of Acton's historic sites on a beautiful spring afternoon.  The day concluded with dinner in the Hosmer House Keeping Room.  Dave Christmas of Christmas Motors of Acton generously sponsored the tour.


MARCH

Dr. Edith Maxwell, Author

On Sunday, March 19, a good crowd gathered at South Acton Congregational Church to hear Edith Maxwell, author of Delivering the Truth.  Dr. Mawell shared insights into her writing and the process of doing historical research, as well as facts about midwifery and a bit of mystery.

2016

DECEMBER

Holiday Open Museum Weekend

The Hosmer House Museum was open for the weekend of December 10 and 11.  A festive atmosphere was created through the generous work of the Acton Garden Club and refreshments provided by our members.  Guests learned about the art of Victorian bow-making.  Acton-themed and "old methods" products were available for purchase, and people had a chance to preview the Society's newest publication focusing on Acton Cooking from Colonial Times Onward. 

Thank you to all who contributed to making the weekend a success!  See you in the new year.
NOVEMBER

Monumental Acton: The Harris Family, 130 Years of Monuments, and Counting

On Sunday, November 20, Bill Klauer, in conjunction with members of the Harris family, presented the story of the Harris family's fifth-generation granite business in Acton that dates back to the early 1880s.  We learned about early quarrying efforts and Acton granite, the evolution of the business, and the lasting mark that the family and their company has left upon the town of Acton.
Harris Family Gravestone
"An Unfinished Life"

Unsettling New England: The Story of the Pequot War (1636-1638)

On Thursday evening, November 3, the Society was delighted to host a talk by Katherine Grandjean, Assistant Professor of History, Wellesley College who spoke about her recent research on one of English America’s first violent conflicts with Native people. Set against the backdrop of a hungry and distressed New England, the Pequot War (1636-38) culminated in a brutal attack on the Pequot people. Dr. Grandjean discussed what led to this bloodshed and the war's legacies and place in popular memory.
OCTOBER

Acton Through the Lens of Eugene L. Hall

On Sunday, October 16th, Bill Klauer shared newly digitized images from the glass plate collection that the Society received from the family of Eugene L. Hall.  These pictures from around the turn of the twentieth century reveal glimpses of some Acton scenes that no longer exist.  Bill sharee his insights into the pictures and also talked about the Hall family, well-known in Acton for their community service and for their wooden-ware factory that was a prominent employer for many years.
SEPTEMBER

Heritage Mustards Workshop

In September, the Society joined forces with the Patel family from Acton’s Indo American Convenience Store (at 485 Great Road, Acton) to discuss what our English, French, German, Italian, Eastern European, Japanese, and Indian ancestors knew about growing and using mustard.  Beginning with Acton Colonial methods, participants learned about the diverse uses of mustard on hotdogs, pastramis, and in the savory curries and other dishes we so enjoy, using seeds harvested from the Hosmer garden and the Patel grocery!
 
A more versatile garden product can scarcely be named: mustard oil can be burned for light and heat as well as mixed to medicate. As an aromatic, it has historically been used to clear out lingering scents and provides complexity to a wide spectrum of meat and vegetable dishes in the ethnic cuisine of every continent.

Thank you to the Patels for so generously sharing your knowledge with us!
SEPTEMBER

Hosmer House Celebration: Forty Years of Stewardship

At the Society's Annual Meeting, attendees were treated to a slide show celebrating the Society's 40 years of stewardship of the Hosmer House Museum and especially the astounding transformation of the House from its dilapidated condition when the Society acquired it in 1976.  Attendees also enjoyed a 15th century game and a barbecue dinner.
JULY

Red. White & Blue - Flags & Quilts

In July, along with the Society's exhibit of historic American flags and patriotic quilts, both old and new, a resident artist offered hands-on quilting lessons for children and adults alike!
MAY

Made in Acton, Part 1 1736-1870

On May 22nd, Bill Klauer gave a talk about the diverse history of manufacturing in Acton's first years as a town.  Early Acton's manufacturing included an iron works, a forge, saw mills, pencil factories, a powder factory, cooperages, clockmakers, shoe and boot shops, and much more.  Those who attended were given a sneak peek at some of the the items to be featured in the upcoming Made in Acton exhibit at the Hosmer House.
APRIL

Doll-Making Workshop

On April 20th, Samantha Morgan, professional seamstress and Revolutionary period wardrobe specialist, taught a group of students how to create their own unique colonial doll.  The students learned several techniques for working with fabric and created a wonderful group of colonial dolls.

2015

NOVEMBER

From Hosmer to Todd, an Introduction to People who lived in the Hosmer House

On November 15th, Bill Klauer shared stories of the many people who resided in our House Museum over a period of 210 years. He spoke about the three generations of Hosmers who owned it prior to acquisition by Francis Tuttle.  During his era, the house became the setting for a number of weddings. The house was sold often in the following years; Bill described bargain purchases by people who probably were related, but much more research is needed to understand the relationships.  There were Edward and Mary O’Neil who purchased it in 1868, Dixons, Craigs, and finally the Todd family. Bill talked about the periods of time that the house fell into disrepair, the fire that burned the back side of the house and a log cabin in the woods.  Thank you, Bill, for reminding us to be grateful for all the work that went into saving the Hosmer House and for all the people, past and present, whose contributions have contributed to its preservation.
HALLOWEEN

Woodlawn Cemetery Tour

On Halloween afternoon, Bill Klauer, dressed in the spirit of the day, led a crowd on a tour of Woodlawn Cemetery.  They visited the Woodlawn Chapel where Bill surprised everyone with a demonstration of the organ.  Later, Bill told the story of Rocky Guzzle and gave a guided tour of the oldest parts of the cemetery, sharing stories of some of Acton's families.
OCTOBER

Local Boys in the Civil War’s 26th Mass. Regiment

On October 18th,  Alan Rohwer discussed the Mass 26th Regiment in the Civil War.  He spoke about the history of the regiment and told the story of three soldiers, one each from Acton, Boxborough and Stow, who died in the September 1864 Battle of Winchester, Virginia. 
SEPTEMBER

Nooks and Crannies of the Hosmer House

The September potluck and program gave Society members a chance both to enjoy a wonderful dinner served by members in Colonial dress and to walk through the Hosmer House and the Jenks Library to see the many changes that have been wrought over the last few months. Both the Hosmer House and Jenks Library have been tidied up, extensive winter damage has been repaired, and wonderful, informative exhibits have been set up for all to enjoy.  Thanks to all whose work, both over the summer and at the potluck, contributed to this great start of our program season.