Wrentham Historical Society

Dr. Gary Hylander, Presidential Historian and Professor of American History, Stonehill College, discusses Benjamin Franklin, his accomplishments, and his place in US History.

Dr. John Ambacher, Framingham State College, presents "living history" experiences of his great, great grandfather, John Christian Ambacher, during the Civil War in camp and on the battlefield. 

Brian Donahue, Associate Professor of American Environmental Studies, Brandeis University, will describe how the landscape of Massachusetts has undergone remarkable historical changes  The lecture will explore the natural and cultural forces that drove them.   

This is a 45 minute film which explores the history of Christmas from the earliest times when the Winter Solstice was celebrated by the Norse and the Romans.  The celebration of Christmas became entwined with the Winter Solstice until Christmas celebrations were banned.  Christmas celebrations WHS style will follow! 

What was it to be a Puritan?  Dr. Francis Bremer, Professor of History and Editor of The Winthrop Papers for The Massachusetts Historical Society, is author of over a dozen books including prize-winning "John Winthrop: America's Forgotten Founding Father." 

AN INSIGHT INTO THE PEACE CORPS IN MALAYSIA

Charles Donahue, MA, Peace Corps Volunteer, worked in a tuberculosis control program in Malaysia.  Mr. Donahue will focus on why people joined the Peace Corps, training, culture of Malaysia, and his travels in Southeast Asia.

VIKINGS ON THE CHARLES, or The Strange Saga of Dighton Rock, Norumbega, and Rumford Double-Acting Baking Powder.

Dr. Gloria Greis, Ph.D. Anthropology, specializes in the prehistoric history of Europe.  In Boston's late 19th century political context, Leif Eriksson became a hero of the Brahmins, Columbus was embraced by the Irish and Italian populations, and in1884 the first Catholic Mayor of Boston was elected and created a shift of political power between the Protestants and Catholic immigrants.

Lisa Compton, BA, explores the background and the role of social dancing and its influence on manners and morals in the US.. 

Henry Hicks, President of New England History Teachers National Council, and coordinator and teacher of Elder Hostel programs since 1982, discusses the circus in America. The circus originated in England in 1768 and flourished in America.  Buffalo Bill and many cowboys starred in shows in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century.  Dan Rice, a clown, received 15,000 votes for the Presidency!!  P. T. Barnum is still a household word.