Somerville Museum Programs: 2013

Museum News Fall 2013

Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
Music Divine
Countertenor and cornettist Michael Collver joins joins El Dorado Ensemble (viols, lute, cittern) in a celebration of English renaissance music by Ward, Cutting, Weelkes, Tomkins, Gibbons, and others 

 Friday, March 15th, 2013

Raising the Roof and More: A Benefit for the Somerville Museum and a Celebration of the Emerald Isle

A unique opportunity to tour the Historic First Methodist Church, begun in 1858, completed in 1874, and recently converted into condominiums. Enjoy Irish Music by Roseanne Santucci and Friends, an array of finger foods and libations, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Somerville Museum building projects.

Tuesday March 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

The Mystic River: A Natural and Human History

Richard Beinecke, professor and Chair of the Suffolk University Institute for Public Service, gives an overview of this rich subject with special emphasis on the waterways adjacent to Somerville.

Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
La Stravaganza: Musical Brilliance in Late Renaissance Italy

Recorder virtuoso John Tyson joins El Dorado Ensemble

Admission: $19 for the general public, $14 for students, seniors and Museum members. 

Thu, April 18, 2013 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Artists' Choice Opening
In advance of the Somerville Open Studio, the Artists' Choice Exhibit offers the best opportunity to preview the studios and artists' work. Featuring music by Somerville harp and violin duo, Alembic; tastings from Pretty Things Beer, and more!

More about Somerville Open Studios...

Saturday, May 11th, 2013 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 

Repeated on Saturday, June 29th and Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 

Workshop on Repairing Vs. Replacing Your Old Windows

David Liberty of windowrepair.com demonstrates his work on an actual window removed from the Museum. Limited to 15 giving individual attention to attendees. 

$50 per person, with proceeds benefitting the Historic Somerville Museum Building Fund

May is Preservation Month! Don't miss the many other Historic Preservation Commission programs....

Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.
Concerts Royaux

Lisa Brooke, violin, joins Duo Maresienne (Carol Lewis, viola da gamba; Olav Chris Henriksen, theorbo and Baroque guitar) play sonatas, suites and character pieces from the French baroque, with music by Marais, Couperin, Senaillée, and de Visée

For further information, call 617-666-8910. Admission is $19.00 for the general public, $14 for students, seniors and Museum members.

June 9th, 2013 2:30-3:30 p.m. with reception to follow

The Somerville I Didn't Know: the Influence of Africans, West Indians, and African Americans on Somerville, 1630-1860

Alice Mack, poet and historyteller, will present this discussion of early African American history relative to Somerville. Kathleen Wolcott, historian and member of the Cambridge African American Heritage Trail will give a brief introduction. 

Members free, nonmembers $8.00. Sponsored by Historic Somerville.

Sunday, September 22nd, 2013 2:00-3.00 p.m. with reception to follow

The House Beautiful Movement in Somerville

Lecture by local historian and author, Dee Morris

Members free, nonmembers $8.00. Sponsored by Historic Somerville.

Sunday Oct 6, 2:00 p.m. Reception to Follow

For Better or Worse: 19th c. Tales Along the Middlesex and Washington, D.C. Canals

Nancy Lusignan Schultz presents two significant events with common themes and connections to religious intolerance. The burning of the Charlestown Convent, in 1834, was a notorious crime that took place in an area of what is now Somerville. Ten years earlier, a Washington, D.C. widow, whose brother was the city's mayor and investor in the Washington City canal, was miraculously cured on her deathbed of breast cancer. The miracle sparked a movement and a backlash. 
Professor Schultz is professor and Chair of the English Department at Salem State University. Her books will be available for sale. More information at: www.fireandroses.com and www.mrsmattinglysmiracle.com.

 Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

The Enchanted Palace: Italian Baroque Music from the Age of Pope Urban VIII 

Lisa Brooke, violin, Barbara Poeschl-Edrich, triple harp, Olav Chris Henriksen, theorbo & archlute, and Carol Lewis, viola da gamba perform canzonas, sonatas, toccatas and capricci by Trabaci, Frescobaldi, Rognoni, Kapsperger and others.
Monday, November 11th, 2013, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Struggles Unceasing: the POW Experience of the Somerville Guard, 1864-65 
[Flyer]

Prof. Daniel Breen continues to follow the history of the Somerville Guards in this second of a three part talk.
Members free, nonmembers $8.00 Sponsored by Historic Somerville.
To be followed by a short ceremonial wreath laying at the 1863 Civil War Monument in Milk Row Cemetery at 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

L'Accord Nouveau: Lute Music of the French Baroque 

Olav Chris Henriksen, lute, explores the many "new" lute tunings created by Ballard, Mesangeau, Dufault, Ennemond Gaultier and others.

Sunday, December 8, 2013, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the publication of The Spirit of Somerville, an afternoon with author and former Mayor Gene Brune. 

He will discuss the ins and outs of Somerville from his early years to the present, followed by a reception and book signing. More...

Friday, December 13th, 2013 7:00-9.00 p.m. 

Winter Holiday Party (to be held jointly with Historic Somerville)

A good time was had by all!!!!!!!! [Photos by Skip Murray] 

 Live Music, Refreshments, Historic Fashion Show, Raffle of one-of-a-kind Floral Arrangments and more. Good Cheer. 

Suggested donation: $10.00/person; free for members, supporters, and volunteers. 
Those joining either Historic Somerville or the Somerville Museum at the annual individual level ($25) on the night of the event, will become members immediately with full benefits, including free admission.

Music performances by the Somerville High School Honors Chamber Ensemble
Exhibition of Floral Arrangements by The BostonianBow Street FlowersT J Murphy the FloristRicky's Flower MarketNellie's Wild Flowers, and Mystic Florists
Fingerfood, drink, and good cheer in abundance
Historic Costume Fashion Show of costumes valued at over $4,000
Raffle of goods donated by area businesses including What's NuJerry's LiquorsSavMor LiquorsWardMapsSkip Murray, O2 YogaSalon FemiaStarBucks and more (liquors restricted to bidders over 21 years of age)