The Pioneer Valley is full of opportunities to explore local history. Please check the events calendar often.
See Past Events here.
Because of public health concerns, the PVHN Calendar has been suspended until at least May.
MAY 2020
9 May — Assn. for Gravestone Studies Western New England Chapter, Spring 2020 Meeting
Worthington
Postponed
14 May — “Grace Goodhue Coolidge”
Westhampton Public Library, 1 North Rd., Westhampton, 6:30 pm
Julie Bartlett Nelson, archivist of the Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum at Northampton’s Forbes Library, will share her wealth of knowledge about the life of Grace Goodhue Coolidge (1879-1957), the first First Lady to have had a career. Many valley residents still recall Mrs. Coolidge’s work with the local Girl Scouts of America and other Northampton area organizations.
17 May — “Springfield Cemetery: The Italian Experience (1890 – 1920)”
Western Massachusetts Italian Cultural Center, 56 Margaret St., Springfield, 2-3 pm
with Bob Riopel
Springfield Cemetery is a private cemetery, established in 1841. Although non-sectarian, the turn of the 20th century saw very few Italian immigrants buried at Springfield Cemetery, as they were mostly Catholic, and required by the Church to be buried at a Catholic cemetery. Still, Italians had a significant impact at Springfield Cemetery, in the 1890s.
Adding to the information provided by Guy A. McLain, in his book, Pioneer Valley: A Pictorial History, you’ll learn how “the prejudices of the day” played out in a drama that threatened the economic stability of Springfield Cemetery. You’ll also get a glimpse into the life of a typical, hard-working, young Italian immigrant, whose life tragically ended at age 24, and whose remains are at Springfield Cemetery.
28 May — “Reflections on Congamond Lakes”
Southwick Historical Society Annual Meeting
at Christ Church (Methodist), 222 College Hwy., Southwick, 7 pm
Hosted by Linda Schomer & Suzanne Davis
JUNE 2020
1 June — Mass. History Conference
Massachusetts History Alliance
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester
Cancelled
13 June — History & Geography of Southwick Bus Tour
Southwick Historical Society
meet at Woodland School parking lot, 9 am – noon
presented by Pat Odiorne & Friends
JULY 2020
13-17 July — “The River, Drifting Continents, Dinosaurs, and a Glacial Lake: Understanding the Amazing Stories Preserved in our Rocks and Landscape”
Historic Deerfield Outdoors
Historic Deerfield, Deerfield
The Connecticut River Valley is one of the best places to study geology in the world. It displays an amazing array of dramatic and even unique geologic events. The Valley’s geologic heritage also created the environment for diverse human achievements. Waterfalls, due to glacial Lake Hitchcock that disrupted the Connecticut River’s natural course, became an essential part of the Valley’s famous industrial heritage. Glacial Lake Hitchcock also provided the Valley’s agricultural richness.
During this 5-day, small-group program, you will learn how colliding plates enlarged North America to become part of the Pangea Supercontinent, and then split to create the early Connecticut Valley as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Dinosaurs ruled this faulted valley landscape, and you will see abundant evidence of the history. There will be talks by experts in geology, paleontology, history, and culture, and we will explore the first person to bring dinosaur footprints into the scientific world, Deerfield’s Edward Hitchcock, an important figure of the mid-19th century who eventually became president of Amherst College. You will learn how the river shaped the lives, culture and economy of humans since the beginning of their occupation in the valley.
This Historic Deerfield program will highlight how geology influences world history and local culture and development. You will learn how to read the history preserved in rocks and landscape, a language that is universal.
A talk and picnic on top of Mt. Sugarloaf will cap off the week with the iconic views of the valley that has enriched all locally and beyond.
The cost of the program is $995/person including a double occupancy room at the Deerfield Inn for 4 nights (Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17) and most meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners). For a single room, add $350. If you would like to extend your stay at the Deerfield Inn through Friday night, July 17, leaving on Saturday, July 18, you may add a reservation for the extra night below for $200/inclusive. For local residents not staying at the Deerfield Inn, subtract $350. For more information and registration, contact Julie Orvis at:
jorvis@historic-deerfield.org or (413) 775-7179.
25 July — History Camp Pioneer Valley
Pioneer Valley History Network
at Kittredge Center, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke
CANCELLED
AUGUST 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020
24 September — “Southwick 250/Plymouth 400: In the Footsteps of Pilgrims”
Southwick Historical Society Pot Luck Supper
at Christ Church (Methodist), 222 College Hwy., Southwick, 6:30 pm
presented by Pat Odiorne
Postponed until January 24, 2021 at 2 P.M., Southwick Town Hall auditorium
OCTOBER 2020
NOVEMBER 2020
DECEMBER 2020
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