Calendar & Events, 2021 – 2022
All events are at the Needham History Center, 1147 Central Avenue, unless otherwise noted. All programs are open to the public.
SEPTEMBER
September 29 (Wednesday) at 12:00 pm – Lunch and Presentation: Tinseltown Inventor
Judith Kalaora, History At Play (TM, LLC)
Tinseltown Inventor – The Most Beautiful Woman in the World, Hedy Lamarr. An acclaimed one-woman performance chronicling the life of Hollywood icon and inventor Hedy Lamarr.
At the MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven Street, Dedham.
This event has SOLD OUT
OCTOBER
This Event has been POSTPONED – we will reschedule soon!
October 24 (Sunday) at 2:00 pm – Exhibit Opening and Reception
- Deja View: a Look Backward at Needham through the Cartoons of Bob Larsen. A witty and affectionate take on events in Needham, from Bob’s unique perspective.
- The Game of Life. An interactive look at the changing perceptions of children’s play and leisure, using antique games in our collection. Made possible by a generous grant from BID-Needham.
NOVEMBER
November 17 (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm – Brilliant Beacons: a History of the American Lighthouse
Set against the backdrop of an expanding nation, Brilliant Beacons traces the evolution of America’s lighthouse system, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles fought to illuminate the nation’s hardscrabble coastlines.
DECEMBER
December 1 (Wednesday), 6:00-9:00 pm – Winter Reception and Concert
Tom Nutile Big Band.
Kick off the winter with some tasty nibbles and a Big Band concert from the Tom Nutile Band! This event is free, but space is limited and Registration is required. (Donations gratefully accepted).
at Milas Hall, Olin College. Reservations after October 2 at https://needhamhistory.org/tickets/
JANUARY
January 12 (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm – Vikings on the Charles, or The Strange Saga of Dighton Rock, Norumbega, and Rumford Double-Acting Baking Powder. (via ZOOM)
Gloria Greis, Executive Director, Needham History Center.
Why is there a statue of Leif Eriksson on Comm Ave? How did Boston, of all places, become identified with the Vinland of Viking legend? And what does Rumford Double-Acting Baking Powder have to with all this? The story is more complicated than you’d think.
This program will be offered on Zoom. Link will be posted soon.
FEBRUARY
February 2, 2022 (Saturday), 7:00-11:00 pm – Champagne & Chocolate
Details TBA. Tickets available after December 2nd at https://needhamhistory.org/tickets/
MARCH
March 23, 2022 (Wednesday) at 7:00 pm – The Road to Revolution (In person + Zoom)
Gloria Greis, Executive Director, Needham History Center
As he sent the Needham militia off with his blessing, on the morning of April 19, 1775, the rev. Samuel West was worried. He had reason to be – what was a small group of farmers with minimal military training doing, going up against the strongest army in the world? In preparation for the Walk to Arlington on April 9, learn the story of Needham’s participation in the Lexington Alarm.
This program will be offered both in-person and on Zoom. Link will be posted soon.
APRIL
April 2, 2022 (Saturday), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – Pansy Day Festival
Pansy Day = Spring! We will have pansy plants of all sizes — flats, potted and hanging in an array of vibrant colors. Items from the History Center Gift and Heirloom Shops will also be available for browsing and purchase.
April 9, 2022 (Saturday), 9:00 am-3:00 pm – The Walk to Arlington
Needham 1775, the Needham History Center, and Needham Park & Rec.
Follow the route that the Needham militia took on April 19, 1775. Headed for Lexington, they were diverted to Arlington instead, where they met the retreating British troops for the harshest and bloodiest battle of that day. The walk leaves from Townsend Green (Central Avenue at Nehoiden Street), and ends 12 miles later at the Jason Russell House in Arlington, the scene of the day’s battle. The Russell House is now a property of the Arlington Historical Society, who is kindly hosting the arrival.
Registration is required. Updated information will be posted soon at Needham1775.org.
MAY
May 25 (Wednesday), 4:00 – 7:00 pm – Concert and Picnic on the Lawn, with Jam Sandwich
Help us kick off summer with a food-truck picnic, and some fine tunes by Needham band Jam Sandwich!
JUNE
June 1 (Wednesday) at 5:00 pm – The Needham History Center & Museum Annual Meeting
Details TBA.
