Program Schedule
2019/2020
All meetings are free and opened to the public with the exception of
the June Reception which is for members only.
Monday,
October 21, 2019
7:30 pm
Topic:
"Restoration of the Means Mansion"
Speaker:
Bill Veillette
Location: Wigwam Museum (Corner of Middle &
Cross Streets)
Did you know that U.S.
president Franklin Pierce was married right here in Amherst, and that the
ceremony took place in a stately home that still graces the edge of our Village
Green?
Join the Historical Society of Amherst and Bill
Veillette, current owner of the Col. Robert Means ‘mansion house,’ for a free,
fascinating program on the history, architectural features, and rehabilitation
of a true Amherst treasure. Learn about the home’s long history and its many
changes over the years, including its extensive restoration earlier this
century. The Veillettes purchased the house in 1998, researched and planned its
rehabilitation for 3 years, and did the work from 2001-2003. Along the way Bill
learned much about colonial architecture—including our many modern
misconceptions about the past. During the program he will also gently bust
well-worn myths about "coffin doors," "Indian shutters," "widow's walks," and
"exposed beams.”
All are welcome to this free
event and refreshments will be served.
Saturday,
December 7, 2019
12:00 to
7:00 pm
Topic: "German Christmas Market"
Location: Wigwam Museum (Corner of Middle &
Cross Streets)
Get into the holiday
spirit while supporting Amherst’s Historic Society! Inspired by the Christkindl
markets of Europe, the second annual German Christmas Market will take place at
the Wigwam Museum, 17 Middle Street, in Amherst, NH. Come partake in some
holiday shopping... Listen to Christmas carolers while warming yourself by
the bonfire... Enjoy hot food, drinks, and treats- plus festive light displays,
and more!
Monday,
February 10, 2020
7:30 pm
Topic: "Untimely: The Life and Death of Lelia
Robinson Sawtelle"
Speaker: Rebecca Curtin, Professor of Law, Suffolk University
Law School
Location: Congregational Church of Amherst (Village Green) Vestry
 Please
join us as Professor Rebecca Curtin discusses the life and death of a remarkable
pioneer of women's rights, Lelia Robinson Sawtelle (1850-1891). This is a
particularly timely presentation as we celebrate the centenniel of the 19th
Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote.
Although Lelia sadly passed before seeing the Amendment's passage, she certainly
exemplifies the spirit of the suffragist movement.
Lelia was the first
woman graduate of Boston University Law School. When denied admission to the
Massachusetts Bar based on gender, she worked to change the law; paving the way
for countless women to follow. The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
remembers her with their coveted Lelia J. Robinson Award which has been bestowed
on such notables as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Janet Reno.
Leila, whose
life was tragically cut short at age 41, is laid to rest in our own Meadow View
cemetery with an epitaph that reads: "The pioneer
woman lawyer of Massachusetts, Author, and Journalist. A lover of the true, the
good and the beautiful."
Monday,
April 13, 2020 - Postponed Due to the Coronavirus
Pandemic
7:30 pm
Topic: "TBD"
Speaker:
Location:
Congregational Church of Amherst (Village Green) Vestry
Monday,
June 8, 2020 - May be Postponed Due to the
Coronavirus Pandemic
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Annual Membership Reception
Speaker:
Society President with special
presentations and refreshments
Location:
Wigwam Museum
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