By Dan Hinchen
Even with a shortened week there is a plethora of public programs going on at the MHS. The Society is closed for business on Monday, 14 October, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday, however, the building will be open to visitors as part of the Fenway Cultural District’s Opening Our Doors event. This is the largest single day of free arts and cultural events in Boston and the MHS will have an open house from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.
On Wednesday, 16 October, the Society will host Charlene Mires of Rutgers University for an author talk. “Capital of the World: The Race to Host the United Nations” tells the story of an ambitious dream shared and pursued by Bostonians in 1945-1946: to serve as headquarters for the new United Nations and to become not only “the Hub” but also the Capital of the World. This illustrated talk will draw from Mires’ book to talk about the dramatic, surprising, and often comic story of civic boosterism awakened by the UN’s search for a home. Registration is required for this talk and tickets are $10 per person (no charge for Fellows and Members). Please call 617-646-0560 or register online by clicking here. There is a pre-talk reception beginning at 5:30PM and the talk will commence at 6:00PM.
That author talk is followed up by another the next day, Thursday 17 October. “Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin” is presented by Jill Lepore of Harvard University. Taking place at Boston Public Library, Copley Square, this talk will center on Lepore’s new book about the constant presence and influence that Jane Franklin had in the life of her brother, Benjamin Franklin. The author provides a revelatory portrait of the youngest Franklin daughter, herself a passionate reader, gifted writer, and shrewd political commentator, through the use of little-studied documents, objects, and recently-discovered portraits. The is event is free and open to the public. To reserve a spot, visit the Boston Public Library’s website for additional information and directions. Talk begins at 6:00PM.
On Friday, 18 October, at 2:00PM, stop by the Society for a free public program centered around the current exhibition: “The Call of Classicism: Boston Furniture from the Early 19th Century.” This exhibition spotlight by Irfan Ali, a collector of American furniture, examines Boston’s answer to the call of classicism in the early 19th century, a time of prosperity for the city, by looking at furniture made by craftsmen such as Thomas Seymour, Isaac Vose, and Archibald and Emmons. This program is free and open to the public.
As a reminder, our current exhibition, “The Cabinetmaker & the Carver: Boston Furniture from Private Collections,” is on view to the public six days per week, Monday – Saturday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM. Visit fourcenturies.org to learn about other similar exhibits done in conjunction with our own.
There is no tour this Saturday, 19 October.