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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Freedom's Way National Heritage Area
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DTSTART:20210101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250209T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250209T150000
DTSTAMP:20250204T161627Z
CREATED:20250204T161627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T161627Z
UID:26251-1739107800-1739113200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford REV 250: “Bartering\, Currency\, and the American Economy in Colonial Times”
DESCRIPTION:The early American colonies faced significant cash problems\, and various solutions were devised to address them. \nMoney\, or the lack of it\, was a persistent issue in colonial America. The colonists were subject to British rule\, where gold and silver were the official legal tender; however\, British coins circulated only infrequently in the colonies. Lacking a dependable commodity to use as currency\, colonial governments in the eighteenth century turned to paper money instead. \nIn this program\, you will explore and understand the value of money in colonial America\, including the types of currency used\, how people kept track of it\, how they obtained it\, and what they could purchase. The presentation will feature period images and begin by explaining the currency of the United Kingdom\, its use in the colonies\, the concept of “legal money\,” and the various “Tenors.” It will also outline the primary forms of the medium used for conducting business and exchanging goods in pre-revolutionary America. \nMatthew Mees\, Living Historian\, Mees\, specializes in the Colonial life of the late 18th century\, from British rule to the early years of independence. \nSuggested Donation:** $10 per person \nYour contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-rev-250-bartering-currency-and-the-american-economy-in-colonial-times/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Living History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20252-Mees-Battering.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250130T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250130T203000
DTSTAMP:20240930T160758Z
CREATED:20240930T160509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240930T160758Z
UID:24934-1738263600-1738269000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250: In the Margins - Women Printers in the 18th Century
DESCRIPTION:18th century newspapers and pamphlets were essential to the dissemination of information and were instrumental in fanning the flames of discord on both sides of the revolutionary conflict.  While the job of printing was largely considered a masculine activity\, widows\, wives\, and daughters took up the mantle of a free press.  Not only did women printers set the type that would be read and shared by readers and subscribers\, but in some cases even ran and owned their own printing operations. In this lecture\, learn about the indispensable role that women in printing played in the pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution.\n\nMichele Gabrielson\, M.Ed\, The Revolutionary Classroom\nMichele is a professional historian and public school educator with 17 years experience of teaching early American History. As a living historian and reenactor of the American Revolution\, she offers any presentation to be delivered in historically accurate\, hand sewn and documented 18th century clothing.Suggested donation $10 per person. Your donation supports the preservation and maintenance of artifacts in the collection of the Westford Museum. Thank you for your donation. \n\n  \nWhat is Westford 250?  In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories. \n  \n\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n		 \n		\n			This event explores our region’s revolutionary past! Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-in-the-margins-women-printers-in-the-18th-century/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Slide7-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240811T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240811T150000
DTSTAMP:20240801T125127Z
CREATED:20240801T124946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240801T125127Z
UID:22357-1723384800-1723388400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Connecting Communities: Walks & Talks — "How We Remember" with Westford 250
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we continue Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s 2024 Connecting Communities: Walks & Talks program with Rally at the Liberty Tree\, A Revolutionary Walking Tour of Westford Common hosted by the Westford Museum & Historical Society. \nMeet Ken Tebbetts at 1:50 PM at the Liberty Tree near the Westford Public Safety Courtyard next to Town Hall (55 Main St) for a guided tour of the Revolutionary War Monuments and Memorials surrounding Westford Common. \nWhat is Westford 250?  In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories. \nFor more information about all of the Museum’s events and programs\, visit their website at https://museum.westford.org/upcoming-events/. \n===\nThis walking tour is featured in the 2024 Connecting Communities: Walks & Talks series\, “How We Remember.” Connecting Communities: Walks & Talks is part of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s larger interpretive strategy which aims to provide life-long learning opportunities to residents and visitors\, connecting them to local landscapes while raising awareness of and inspiring support for conservation and preservation initiatives in the region. \nThis year’s thematic focus is inspired by our semiquincentennial initiative\, How We Remember: A Survey of Revolutionary War Monuments\, Memorials and Markers within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. The series explores the ways in which people and events of the Revolutionary War period are commemorated in various towns’ landscapes while sharing fascinating stories behind how and why these commemorative objects came to be.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/connecting-communities-walks-talks-how-we-remember-with-westford-250/
LOCATION:Westford Town Common\, Lincoln Street\, Westford\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Connecting Communities: Walks & Talks,Walks & Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Westford-MA_Revolutionary-War-Drum-Monument-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240711T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240711T203000
DTSTAMP:20240510T145952Z
CREATED:20240510T145952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240510T145952Z
UID:21502-1720724400-1720729800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250 - The Solemn League and Covenant and Westford's Response to the 1774 Intolerable Acts
DESCRIPTION:In the spring and summer of 1774\, news had reached Boston that Britain’s Parliament had invoked several measures in retaliation for the Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor\, known as the “Intolerable Acts”. Samuel Adams and the Boston committee of correspondence developed a non-importation pledge known as the “Solemn League and Covenant”. The Covenant called for its signers to halt the purchase of British goods after August 31st. Westford was one of a small number of towns that supported the pledge. \nJoin Dan Lacroix as he looks at the history behind the document\, Westford’s original copy\, and the wide range of men who signed their names to the pledge and how they set Westford apart from other Massachusetts towns. \nDan Lacroix is a student of Westford’s 18th century history and webmaster of “westford1775.org“\, a resource for Westford’s Revolutionary period history. \nWhat is Westford 250?  In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-the-solemn-league-and-covenant-and-westfords-response-to-the-1774-intolerable-acts/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Slide7-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240523T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240523T203000
DTSTAMP:20240425T192804Z
CREATED:20240425T192804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T192804Z
UID:21291-1716490800-1716496200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250 – Once Known: Slavery in Westford with Leslie Howard
DESCRIPTION:Slavery in Westford?! It may be surprising\, but there were at least 24 confirmed enslaved individuals in the town of Westford from 1730 to 1780. There is little in the historical record of these individuals and their lives\, however some information has been compiled in an attempt to present what their life may have been like and to learn more about them. \nLeslie Howard\, President of the Westford Historical Society\, will share her research of Peggy who was enslaved by Joseph Hildreth\, Jr. and the other enslaved individuals in town. \nPhoto of Leslie Howard by Farmhouse Photography\, Chelmsford\, MA \n  \nThis program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-once-known-slavery-in-westford-with-leslie-howard/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LeslieHoward.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240427T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240427T210000
DTSTAMP:20240328T181928Z
CREATED:20240328T181928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T181928Z
UID:20771-1714246200-1714251600@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Two Truths\, One Lie\, Three Pours with Sam Adams: the Man\, the Beer!
DESCRIPTION:A Revolutionary Fundraiser!\nEnjoy three stories about Sam Adams while sampling a variety of Samuel Adams Beers paired with savory appetizers \nColonial interpreter\, Mike Lepage will share three accounts of the life of Sam Adams\, two accounts will be historically accurate\, one is a fabrication! Can you ferret out the fable from fact. Join us for an evening of Two Truths\, One Lie\, Three Pours with Sam Adams. \nTickets: $60\nWestford Historical Society Members: $45 \nClick here to purchase tickets.\nWestford 250-In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories…….. \n\n  \n  \nPhoto courtesy of the Westford Historical Society & Museum
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/two-truths-one-lie-three-pours-with-sam-adams-the-man-the-beer/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Westford-250-red.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240419T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240419T200000
DTSTAMP:20240328T180915Z
CREATED:20240328T180915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T180915Z
UID:20767-1713551400-1713556800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Patriots' Day Candlelight Tribute at Fairview Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:In this unique self-guided stroll\, you can access the service records of Westford’s Revolutionary War Patriots on your phone or tablet. There will be interpreters to answer your questions stationed throughout the beautifully illuminated cemetery. \nOne of the most distinguished citizens buried here is Capt. Joseph Reed. Capt. Read became a prominent man in Westford\, MA which he represented for 20 years in the General Court. He took part in the famous Boston Tea Party\, an act of protest regarded by many as the spark that ignited the American Revolution. Captain Joseph Read also served the town of Westford as delegate to go to the provincial Congress. He was just one of the men of great distinction buried in Fairview cemetery. \nWestford 250-In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories…….. \n  \nPhoto courtesy of the Westford Historical Society & Museum
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/patriots-day-candlelight-tribute-at-fairview-cemetery/
LOCATION:Fairview Cemetery\, Tadmuck Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Living History,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/westlawn-Graves-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240414T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240414T150000
DTSTAMP:20240328T181249Z
CREATED:20240328T181249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T181249Z
UID:20769-1713099600-1713106800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Col. John Robinson Day at the Westford Museum
DESCRIPTION:Experience the aspects of everyday life in Colonial Westford through Woodworking\, spinning\, chocolate and more! \nWestford 250-In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories…….. \n\n  \n  \nPhoto courtesy of the Westford Historical Society & Museum
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/col-john-robinson-day-at-the-westford-museum/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Living History,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Westford-250-red.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240307T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240307T203000
DTSTAMP:20240229T155826Z
CREATED:20240229T155713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T155826Z
UID:20511-1709838000-1709843400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250—Who Was Your Revolutionary War Ancestor? with Bob Oliphant
DESCRIPTION:Did my Ancestor Serve in the American Revolution?\nBoys as young as 16 were allowed to serve\, so any male ancestors who were between the ages of 16 and 50 between 1776 and 1783 were potential candidates. Those who didn’t serve directly in a military capacity may have helped in other ways – by providing goods\, supplies or non-military service to the cause. Women also participated in the American Revolution\, some even accompanying their husbands to battle. \nIf you have an ancestor you believe may have served in the American Revolution\, then Bob Oliphant has tips to help you get started \nRobert “Bob” Oliphant is a local historian of Westford\, but he was not always on that path. He is originally from Oberlin\, Ohio\, and went to college to study metallurgy and materials science. It was while in college that he discovered his passion for genealogy\, the study of tracing lineages. Eight years after graduating from college\, he moved to Westford\, where he and his wife\, Bonnie\, raised their three sons. Since then\, Oliphant has been on the Westford Historical Commission on the board of the Westford Museum and Historical Society\, and serves on the town’s Parkerville Schoolhouse Committee and the Records and Archives Management Committee. He has published a history book on Westford\, The Westford Gazetteer. He also does research and writes articles for the Westford Historical Society\, and has written the “Museum Musings” column in the Westford Eagle\, the local weekly newspaper\, since 2008. He is dedicated to studying Westford history and serving the town in doing so \nSuggested Program donation $10 per person \nWestford 250-In 2025 the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. Join the Westford Museum and Historical Society as we explore Westford’s history in the American Revolution and related stories……..
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-who-was-your-revolutionary-war-ancestor-with-bob-oliphant/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Westford-250-red.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240222T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240222T203000
DTSTAMP:20240222T151832Z
CREATED:20240126T202516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T151832Z
UID:20291-1708628400-1708633800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250—A Pressing Matter: 18th Century Media Literacy & Bias with Michele Gabrielson
DESCRIPTION:Media and information literacy are essential 21st century skills in order to be an informed citizen. These are also skills that when applied in a historical context\, help us become better historians. In this discussion\, we will analyze perspective\, language\, and bias in 18th century newspapers with a critical lens to learn how news was consumed in Colonial America with a focus on news after the Boston Tea Party. \nPresentation format: Lecture (45 mins)  and Q&A (15 mins) \nMichele Gabrielson\, M.Ed\nThe Revolutionary Classroom \nMichele is a professional historian and public school educator with 17 years experience of teaching early American History.  As a living historian and reenactor of the American Revolution\, I offer any presentation to be delivered in historically accurate\, hand sewn and documented 18th century clothing made by hand. \nSuggested Program donation $10 per person\nYour donation supports the preservation and maintenance of artifacts in the collection\nof the Westford Museum. Thank you for your donation
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-a-pressing-matter-18th-century-media-literacy-bias-with-michele-gabrielson/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Michele-Printing-2-600x585-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240129T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240129T203000
DTSTAMP:20240126T202754Z
CREATED:20240126T202754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T202754Z
UID:20294-1706554800-1706560200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Westford 250—The Minutemen and Their World\, An Evening with Robert Gross
DESCRIPTION:On April 19\, 1775\, the American Revolution began at the Old North Bridge in Concord\, Massachusetts. The “shot heard round the world” catapulted this sleepy New England town into the midst of revolutionary fervor\, and Concord went on to become the intellectual capital of the new republic. The town–future home to Emerson\, Thoreau\, and Hawthorne–soon came to symbolize devotion to liberty\, intellectual freedom\, and the stubborn integrity of rural life. In The Minutemen and Their World\, Robert Gross shares a remarkably subtle and detailed reconstruction of the lives and community of this special place\, and a compelling interpretation of the American Revolution as a social movement. \nRobert A. Gross is the James L. and Shirley A. Draper Professor of Early American History Emeritus at the University of Connecticut. He is the author of The Minutemen and Their World (1976)\, which won the Bancroft Prize; Books and Libraries in Thoreau’s Concord (1988); and The Transcendentalists and Their World (2021). With Mary Kelley\, he is the co-editor of An Extensive Republic: Print\, Culture\, and Society in the New Nation\, 1790–1840 (2010). A former assistant editor of Newsweek\, he has written for such periodicals as Esquire\, Harper’s Magazine\, \nSuggested Program donation $10 per person\nYour donation supports the preservation and maintenance of artifacts in the collection of the Westford Museum. Thank you for your donation
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/westford-250-the-minutemen-and-their-world-an-evening-with-robert-gross/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/robert-gross-crop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230511T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230511T200000
DTSTAMP:20230503T153425Z
CREATED:20230419T182444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230503T153425Z
UID:17637-1683831600-1683835200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Fibers of Life; MORE textiles from the Westford Historical Society’s Collection
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Westford Historical Society & Museum for the show and tell lecture\, “Fibers of Life.” Their collection of local artifacts\, from clothing and accouterments to linens and household items is typical of many New England towns. However\, each one of these objects has its own unique and interesting story to tell. Penny Lacroix\, co-chair of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild\, will highlight eight textile objects from the Museum’s collections. Attendees will be able to look at the objects up close and in-person while hearing the stories about their provenance here in Westford and how they were made. \nDue to the popularity of last year’s program\, we are researching and exploring additional items in our textile collection\, and sharing the historical value of the artifact and and history of the person or family that originally owned it. Join us for a dive into these Fibers of Life! \nREGISTRATION REQUIRED: Space is limited to 15. Reservations required\, visit museum.westford.org/events. \nPARKING & ACCESS: There is limited parking in the Museum parking lot. Please park along Lincoln Street\, or in the Police or Library parking lots nearby. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. \n  \n \nThis program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/fibers-of-life-2/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ht-2022_westford-historical-society_robinson-pincushion.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230601
DTSTAMP:20230419T183218Z
CREATED:20230419T183218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230419T183218Z
UID:17639-1682899200-1685577599@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Stroll Through Historic Westford Center with Kate Hamlin & Fred Fisher
DESCRIPTION:Step back in time and start your audio tour of historic Westford Center as it was prior to the Civil War. Your tour guides are Kate Hamlin (1847-1937) and Fred Fisher (1855-1941). Enjoy their remembrances of the town they grew up in and your stroll through historic Westford Center. Narrated by: Ellen Harde\, Barbara Seavey and Ralph Hinckley. \nThis walking tour is self-guided and available daily. Click to access the map and audio on the Westford Historical Society & Museum’s website. \nPARKING: There is limited parking in the Museum parking lot. Please park along Lincoln Street\, or in the Police or Library parking lots nearby. \n  \n \nThis program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/stroll-through-historic-westford-center-with-kate-hamlin-fred-fisher/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hamlin-Fisher-Map041-600x444-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230419T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230419T200000
DTSTAMP:20230329T161011Z
CREATED:20230324T173403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T161011Z
UID:17405-1681930800-1681934400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Patriots Day (April 19th) Candlelight Tribute at Westlawn Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:Join us while the sun sets for our Patriots Day (April 19th) Candlelight Tribute at Westlawn Cemetery. In this unique self-guided stroll\, you can access the service records of Westford’s Revolutionary War Patriots on your phone or tablet. There will be colonial interpreters to answer your questions stationed throughout the illuminated cemetery. \nThis triangular burial place at the fork of Concord and Country roads was originally on land belonging to Deacon Joshua Fletcher\, one of the town’s original 89 taxpayers. His daughter married Samuel Parker\, who inherited it when the Deacon died in 1736. Parker sold the land to Nathan Proctor (1698-1788)\, who donated what was then called West Burying Ground to the town. When Westford assumed care of West cemetery in 1761\, many of its founding citizens had been interred here. \nThe most distinguished citizen buried here is Colonel John Robinson (1735-1805) Westford’s highest ranking Revolutionary War officer\, who has the largest slate marker in the cemetery. Robinson was also a town selectman who led three companies of Westford Minutemen to the North Bridge in Concord on the morning of April 19\, 1775\, where his men engaged the British regulars and fired “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Colonel Robinson also fought alongside many of these men at the Battle of Bunker Hill\, where he comported himself with courage and honor. West Burying Ground was nearly named after Colonel Robinson in 1895\, but residents instead chose the name Westlawn. The town did rename the road where he had lived less than a mile away\, and the school on that road\, in his honor. \nColonel Robinson joins with 15 other Revolutionary War veterans\, many of whom served with him\, whose graves are marked by iron Maltese crosses placed by the Sons of the American Revolution in 1902. \nSuggested Donation: $10 per person \nPhoto courtesy of the Westford Historical Society & Museum
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/patriots-day-april-19th-candlelight-tribute-at-westlawn-cemetery/
LOCATION:Westlawn Cemetery\, Concord & Country Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Living History,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/westlawn-Graves-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230405T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230405T200000
DTSTAMP:20230329T161539Z
CREATED:20230329T160401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230329T161539Z
UID:17469-1680721200-1680724800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:The Ten Tea Parties-Historic Book Discussion with Leslie Howard
DESCRIPTION:Joseph Cummins: Ten Tea Parties\, Patriotic Protests That History Forgot\nThe stories in Ten Tea Parties illuminate the power of Americans banding together as Americans \nTo borrow a copy of the book\, contact Linda at director@museum.westford.org \nWe all know the story of the Boston Tea Party\, but do you know the history the Philadelphia Tea Party\, or the York Tea Party? Or how about the Wilmington Tea Party? Ten Tea Parties is the first book to chronicle all these uniquely American protests. Author and historian Joseph Cummins begins with the history of the East India Company (the biggest global corporation in the eighteenth century) and their staggering financial losses during the Boston Party- move than a million dollars in today’s money. We then travel to Philadelphia where Captain Samuel Ayres was nearly tarred and feathered by a mob of 8\,000 angry patriots. Then we set sail for New York where the Sons of Liberty raided the London\, and heaved 18 chests of tea into the Hudson River. Still later\, in Annapolis\, a brigantine carrying 2\,300 pounds of the “wretched weed” was burned to ashes. Together\, the stories in Ten Tea Parties illuminate the power of Americans banding together as Americans- perhaps for the first time in the fledgling nation’s history. It is no wonder that these patriots remain an inspiration to many people to this day. Order book here \nDiscussion led by Leslie Howard\, President\, Westford Historical Society \nSuggestion Program Donation: $10 per person \nPhoto courtesy of the Westford Historical Society & Museum
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/the-ten-tea-parties-historic-book-discussion-with-leslie-howard/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ten-Tea-Parties-Cover-scaled-1.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230108T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230108T163000
DTSTAMP:20230104T142154Z
CREATED:20230104T142154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230104T142154Z
UID:16384-1673182800-1673195400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:St. Distaff Day
DESCRIPTION:Spinners from around the region are invited to join us for this traditional end-of-holiday season event. Bring a spindle or wheel\, something to share in the silent auction. Snacks to share are also welcome. Doors open at 1 pm. \nParking at the museum is limited. Please plan to drop your equipment at the door (we’ll have people there to help you unload!) and then park on Lincoln St. or at the Town Hall. Those with limited mobility should contact the Museum ahead of time so we can block off a spot for you. \nSt. Distaff’s Day; Or\, the Morrow after Twelfth-day\nby Robert Herrick (1591-1674) \nPartly work and partly play\nYou must on St. Distaffs Day:\nFrom the plough soon free your team;\nThen cane home and fother them:\nIf the maids a-spinning go\,\nBurn the flax and fire the tow.\nBring in pails of water then\,\nLet the maids bewash the men.\nGive St. Distaff’ all the right:\nThen bid Christmas sport good night\,\nAnd next morrow every one\nTo his own vocation. \nSuggested program donation $10 per person
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/st-distaff-day/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/spinnywheelgiovanni.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220505T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220505T200000
DTSTAMP:20230421T200419Z
CREATED:20220425T222417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230421T200419Z
UID:13603-1651777200-1651780800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Fibers of Life
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Westford Historical Society & Museum for the show and tell lecture\, “Fibers of Life.” Their collection of local artifacts\, from clothing and accouterments to linens and household items is typical of many New England towns. However\, each one of these objects has its own unique and interesting story to tell. Penny Lacroix\, co-chair of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild\, will highlight eight textile objects from the Museum’s collections. Attendees will be able to look at the objects up close and in-person while hearing the stories about their provenance here in Westford and how they were made. \nMuseum visitors may already be familiar with the so-called Robinson Pincushion\, which is on display in the Museum’s Military exhibit. It was made by the wife of Col. John Robinson (our local Revolutionary War hero). Although faded\, there is much to be gleaned from this unique piece of everyday Westford history. \nEach of the other pieces – some clothing\, household items and accoutrements – will be pulled from storage\, where they are kept safe but are rarely seen. Join us for a dive into these Fibers of Life! \nOur presenter\, Penny Lacroix\, is a weaver\, spinner\, teacher\, historian\, manager\, learner\, creator and general lover of all things fiber. When she’s not actively learning something\, she’s sharing with others in one way or another –making something by hand\, demonstrating at historic events\, or teaching a class. With past careers as an engineer\, a mom\, a museum educator and a museum director\, combined with her hobby as a historical reenactor\, her worlds collide in the creation of textiles and the study of historic textile tools. Penny is co-chair of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild and teaches weaving and spinning. She lives in Westford\, MA with her husband and their furry friends. \nSpecial Instructions: Space is limited to 15. Reservations required\, visit museum.westford.org/events. \n  \n \nThis program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/fibers-of-life/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ht-2022_westford-historical-society_robinson-pincushion.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220505
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220506
DTSTAMP:20230421T200125Z
CREATED:20220428T141141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230421T200125Z
UID:13608-1651708800-1651795199@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Artist Tour of David P. Christiana Sculptures
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the Westford Historical Society’s self-guided 45-minute Artist Tour of David P. Christiana’s Sculptures in Westford Center. Start your tour at the Westford Museum and follow the directions to walk\, bike\, or drive to the next sculpture. The digital guide features a video of the artist’s perspective for each of the five works of art you will be visiting. \nSpecial Instructions: This is a self-guided activity. Visit museum.westford.org to access the digital tour guide. \n  \n \nThis program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/artist-tour-of-david-p-christiana-sculptures/2022-05-05/
LOCATION:Westford Historical Society & Museum\, 2 Boston Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tours,Walks & Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/westford-ma_battle-drum-monument.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220419T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220419T200000
DTSTAMP:20220428T143727Z
CREATED:20220330T204403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T143727Z
UID:13069-1650393000-1650398400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Patriots Day Candlelight Tribute
DESCRIPTION:Join the Westford Historical Society while the sun sets for our first-ever Patriots Day (April 19th) Candlelight Tribute in the Old Division of Fairview Cemetery. In this unique self-guided stroll\, you can access the service records of Westford’s Revolutionary War Patriots on your phone or tablet. There will be colonial interpreters to answer your questions stationed throughout the illuminated cemetery. \nEvent Donation $5 per person/$10 per family. Rain date: Saturday April 23\, 2022 @6:30pm \nThis Patriots Day (April 19th) pay homage to our Revolutionary War Patriots and stroll through the beautifully illuminated historic Fairview Cemetery. Enter and park at the cemetery via Tadmuck Road. For more information: www.museum.westford.org
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/patriots-day-candlelight-tribute/
LOCATION:Fairview Cemetery\, Tadmuck Road\, Westford\, MA\, 01886\, United States
CATEGORIES:Living History,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/westford-historical-society_patriots-day-candlelight-tribute.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220329T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220329T203000
DTSTAMP:20220428T150047Z
CREATED:20220316T164130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T150047Z
UID:12941-1648580400-1648585800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:World War Women™: The Unsung Heroines of WWII
DESCRIPTION:In a never before seen adventure into the stories of the unknown\, History At Play TM embodies the spirit of international women who risked their lives to defeat Fascism in World War II. World War Women is a suspenseful reliving of the terrors and triumphs of some of our greatest heroines. From organizing the resistance\, to rescuing downed RAF pilots\, testing new aircraft\, and flying dangerous missions\, these stories are not for the faint of heart and may very well be the most influential and often forgotten victories of the war. \nIf you are looking for a performance that reminds audiences young and old that humanity is strongest when working together\, look no further than World War Women. Suitable for all ages. Running Time: Approx. 75 minutes \nThere are five influential and often forgotten women portrayed in this program\, including: \nVera Atki\nOrganized the Special Operations Executive (SOE) British Intelligence Agency.\nVirginia Hall\nThe first female spy sent to Nazi-occupied France to organize the Resistance.\nJane Fawcett\nWorked at Bletchley Park in England to descramble the German Enigma machine.\nAnn Baumgartner\nA Woman Air Force Service Pilot (WASP) and the first woman to fly a jet plane.\nJacqueline Cochran\nOrganized and managed the WASP program. One of the most highly decorated pilots in the world. \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86918921455?pwd=RjZhdm55cG0rbTFubk9nbkJ3cU01dz09 \nMeeting ID: 869 1892 1455\nPasscode: 00585 \nSuggested donation $10 \nThis program is offered with support from a Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grant.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/world-war-women-the-unsung-heroines-of-wwii/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/westford-historical-society_world-war-women.jpg
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