By Dan Hinchen

Hard to believe that we are already in the last week of September, but so it is. With the closing of the month comes the dawn of seminar season here at the MHS, and while there are only a couple of programs this week, it signals the coming of a much busier October. Here is what’s on tap:

On Tuesday, 23 September, come by for this year’s first installment of the Immigration and Urban History seminar series, “The Importance of Place and Place-makers in the Life of a Los Angeles Community: What Gentrification Erases from Echo Park, 1950s-Present.” In this talk, Natalia Molina of the University of California – San Diego, examines and discusses the history of the Los Angeles neighborhood, Echo Park, shaped by its Leftist, Communist, and gay residents. Ms. Molina’s project asks what the role of history is in the neighborhood’s evolving identity. Comment provided by Judith Smith, University of Massachusetts – Boston. The talk begins at 5:15PM and is free and open to the public, though RSVP is required. You can also Subscribe to receive advance copies of the seminar papers. 

Also on this week is the final event in a series of teacher workshops called “Old Towns/New Country: The First Years of a New Nation.” This edition of the workshop takes place at the Framingham History Center on Friday and Saturday, 26 and 27 September. Please complete this registration form and send it with your payment to: Kathleen Barker, Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215. There is a $25 charge to cover lunches both days; program and material costs have been generously funded by the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation. 

And on Saturday, 27 September, is another free tour at the Society, “The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society.” This 90-minute docent-led tour is free and open to the public and begins at 10:00AM. There is no need to make reservations for individuals or small groups, but parties of 8 or more should contact the MHS prior to attending a tour. For more information, please contact Curator of Art Anne Bentley at 617-646-0508 or abentley@masshist.org. While you’re here you will also have the opportunity to view our current exhibition, “Letters and Photographs from the Battle Country: Massachusetts Women in World War I.” This exhibit is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-4:00PM, free of charge. 

As always, be sure to keep an eye on our online events calendar to see what other programs are coming up at the Society. We hope to see you here soon!