Author Archives: Saria Sweeney

Join us for a friendly, inclusive afternoon of sharing of the human spirit through the arts. Singer-songwriters and folk singers will present their original works and all are invited to simply listen and enjoy the work of these area artists and share in their vibrant, creative energy. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a presentation slot, please email info@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org or call us at 508-822-1622 to get on the list.

Witches, ghosts, and goblins… think it’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus? Find out at our Haunted History After Hours. We’ll have food and fun inspired by the classic Halloween movie! You can show off your skills in our pumpkin carving competition, sip on some witches brew, and learn about the darker history of our city on our special walking tour. You’ll have such a great time you’ll think we put a spell on you! Consider becoming a member for reduced admission to this event (and so much more!) Walking tour 4:30 pm Party 5:30-8:00 Ticket cost: $10 for members $15 for non-members Tickets include admission to the Haunted History Downtown Walking Tour and party at the Museum, a slot in our Upside Down Escapes Competition, and a free drink! To purchase tickets visit www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/shop This event is 21+, please bring a valid photo ID. OCHM After Hours is a program for young professionals (21 and older) looking for an evening of low-key, hands-on fun. Developed in conjunction with the Museum’s art and history collections and special exhibitions, each OCHM After Hours program will include a variety of music, hands-on art-making, food, beer, wine, cocktails and more!

Lecture presented by Vince Luti: "In Death Remember'd: Gravestone Carvers of the Taunton River Basin" In his book "In Death Remember’d," Vincent Luti focuses on an aspect of our history that has been largely overlooked; the 18th century Taunton River Basin School of Gravestone Carvers. This rich heritage of early American folk artifacts is a precious resource for scholars of all stripes, and something to be enjoyed by an appreciative public as well. The native work of this overlooked area now has its deserved place in the story of American folk art culture as evidenced in its early gravestones and their carvers. Mr. Luti is one of the most knowledgeable people in the world regarding the history of tombstone carvers in New England. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 1:30 pm with the talk to begin at 2 pm.

Lecture: Christian DiSpigna on his book "Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution's Lost Hero" Little has been known of one of the most important figures in early American history, Dr. Joseph Warren. Warren was involved in almost every major rebellious act in the Boston area for a decade and his provocative writings included the famous Suffolk Resolves, which helped unite the colonies against Britain and inspired the Declaration of Independence. Yet after his death, his life and legend faded, leaving his contemporaries to rise to fame in his place and obscuring his essential role in bringing America to independence. Christian Di Spigna's definitive new biography of Warren is a loving work of historical excavation, the product of two decades of research and scores of newly unearthed primary-source documents. Following Warren from his farming childhood through to his political radicalization and role in sparking the rebellion, Di Spigna's thoughtful retelling not only restores Warren to his rightful place with the Revolutionary greats, it deepens our understanding of the nation's dramatic beginnings. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm with the talk to begin at 7 pm.

“It Belongs in a Museum!” Archaeological Highlights of the OCHM Take a special, guided tour with our curator as he highlights the archaeological finds throughout our museum.

Lecture: Carolyn Ravenscroft on Duxbury’s Women at Sea Between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, hundreds of ships were built in Duxbury, Massachusetts. The resulting economic boom resonated throughout the community and contributed to a rise in both employment and population. Duxbury became the home to many shipbuilding and maritime families, including dozens of master mariners and their wives. For all the history that has been examined and celebrated, however, very little has been said of the women, other than to mention the obvious – that they were the mothers, wives and sisters of the male shipbuilders and sailors. This project puts them not only into the narrative, but directly on to the ships. Duxbury Rural and Historical Society Archivist & Historian, Carolyn Ravenscroft, embarked on a journey to find the names of other women who made voyages and to discover their stories. Although it is still a work in progress, to date, Ravenscroft has discovered 33 Duxbury women who sailed from 1809-1890. Many of these women came from Duxbury’s maritime families, and were related to each other as well. Ravenscroft was also able, in many instances, to personalize their stories. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm with the talk to begin at 7 pm.

Old Colony History Museum FIELD TRIP: Tour & Tasting at Westport Rivers Winery Transportation leaves at 10:15 from museum Pit stop at Partner’s Village Café to pick up lunch items 11-12 pm Private tour of the Winery & Wine tasting 12-1:00 pm Lunch and free time on the Vineyard grounds 1:00 Leave Westport Rivers, return to OCHM at 1:30 pm Tickets include cost of tour and tasting at winery, lunch, and transportation. $30 members $40 non-members Pre-registration is required to attend. Make a reservation by calling us at 508-822-1622 or purchase a ticket from our online shop (oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/shop). Payment is required to reserve your spot, no refunds. Minimum of 10 attendees needed to hold field trip.

Learn how to make a gift that is truly one of a kind. We’ll create a silhouette drawing and turn it into a completely customized ornament that can be hung with your holiday decorations or given as a fantastic gift for a loved one! This workshop is appropriate for both kids (age 5 & up) and adults. **Please note scissor skills (or a grown up) are a must! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a photo taken in profile of the silhouette subject. This workshop is one and half hours in length and is limited to 20 people. The fee for each workshop is $10 for members, $15 for non-members, and always includes cost of materials.