SEPTEMBER
Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
COMMUNITY WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to our museums. At the Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, September 11, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
KENNARD PARK SCULPTURE TRAIL
In the early 20th century, Kennard Park was a gentleman’s estate planted with fruit trees and shrubs designed to attract a variety of birds. The park and conservation land are now owned by the City of Newton. This fall, Friends of Kennard Park have created the new outdoor Kennard Park Sculpture Trail. Join curator Allison Newsome, an internationally known sculptor, for a walk along this trail to see how artists used the landscape and its history to create site-specific work. Meet in the parking lot at 246 Dudley Road. Suggested donation, $10. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, September 18, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
A STROLL THROUGH 300 YEARS IN CHESTNUT HILL
Originally settled by a few farmers in the 1650s, Chestnut Hill retains buildings and structures from each phase of its history. Starting at the 1868 Chestnut Hill Chapel, John Wyman, chair of the Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission since its establishment in 1992, leads a walk down Suffolk Road. Observe one of the oldest houses in Newton (built around 1700), as well as the late 19th and early 20th century architect-designed houses and gardens that followed the introduction of commuter rail service to Chestnut Hill. Wyman will describe how the establishment of the Chestnut Hill Historic District in 1992 has encouraged the preservation of historic structures. The tour ends at Mrs. Hammond’s 10-acre English style garden and Houghton Garden, now owned by the City of Newton. Meet at the Chestnut Hill School parking lot, 428 Hammond Street. Suggested donation, $10. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, September 25, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
NEWTON CEMETERY: AN EARLY PUBLIC PARK
Did you know that the land that Newton Cemetery occupies now was once used for pharmaceutical and leather factories? Learn about how that industrial land was developed as part of the garden cemetery movement, and why it’s important as a green space today. Follow Katy Hax Holmes of the Newton Department of Planning and Development on a walk through Newton Cemetery, featuring some of the cemetery’s most notable “residents.” Uneven terrain; wear sturdy walking shoes. Meet in front of the chapel just inside the main gate, 791 Walnut St, Newton Centre. Parking is available in the parking lot to the left of the chapel. Suggested donation, $10. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, September 25, Noon-5 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON AT NEWTONVILLE DAY
Come by the Historic Newton booth at Newtonville Day to view slides through a stereoscope, play a ball and cup game, and learn more about Historic Newton programs for all ages. Free. On Walnut Street between Newtonville Ave. and Washington Park. Information: 617-796-1450.
Thursday, September 29, 7:30 PM
HISTORY BOOK CLUB
Join us for a discussion of The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War by David Halberstam. The author recreates trench warfare and also explores the decisions that world and military leaders made during the conflict, which lasted from 1950-53. The book club is free and open to all. At the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street,617-796-1450.
Sunday, October 2, Noon – 4 PM
ANNUAL HOMESTEAD HAYFEST
Come celebrate the harvest season at the Homestead Hayfest, a hands-on family festival that celebrates 19th century family life. Try your hand at dyeing cloth with vegetable dyes, butter making, cider pressing, and candle dipping. Jump into a burlap sack for a race or play the hoop-tossing game of graces. Enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun. Free. At the Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St, Newton. Information: 617-796-1450.
