Membership meetings and programs are scheduled 4x a year on the third Thursday of March, May, September and November.
March 18, 2019 7:30 Congregational Church
Howard Johnson created an orange-roofed empire of ice cream stands and restaurants that stretched from Maine to Florida and all the way to the West Coast. Popularly known as the “Father of the Franchise Industry,” Johnson delivered good food and prices that brought appreciative customers back for more. The attractive white Colonial Revival restaurants, with eye-catching porcelain tile roofs, illuminated cupolas and sea blue shutters, were described in Reader’s Digest in 1949 as the epitome of “eating places that look like New England town meeting houses dressed up for Sunday.”
Boston historian and author Anthony Mitchell Sammarco recounts how Howard Johnson introduced twenty-eight flavors of ice cream, the “Tendersweet” clam strips, grilled frankforts and a menu of delicious and traditional foods that families eagerly enjoyed when they traveled.
November 15, 2018 cancelled- snowstorm
September 20,2018 7:30 Congregational Church
Join us for a historical look at Littleton Common on Thursday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church (330 King St).
Littleton Common has been in the forefront of discussions lately so we thought it was an opportune time to take an historical look at the Common area. Old photos will give us a glimpse to what the Common area looked like and how much it has, or hasn’t changed. Today, it is a blend of commercial buildings and residences much like it has been for years, just a lot busier. We will trace some of the changes and look back to when it truly was a New England Common. Presented by Carolyn Mueller, Curator Littleton Historical Society
May 17, 2018 7:30 Congregational Church
While Littleton was primarily an agricultural town with few large industries, our neighbors in Acton had a diverse history of manufacturing in their first years as a town. Early Acton’s manufacturing included an iron works, a forge, saw mills, pencil factories, a powder factory, cooperages, clockmakers, shoe and boot shops, tobacco, and much more.
Acton historian, Bill Klauer, will trace Acton’s manufacturing history from 1736 through the 1950’s. Join us to celebrate the rich history of our area
March 15, 2018 7:30 Congregational Church
Exploring Women’s History through Folk Song presented by Diane Taraz
Passed down for generations, folk songs provide insights into the lives of ordinary people in centuries past. Diane mines these traditional songs for clues to the inner lives of people in Europe and America from about 1500 to 1850, especially women. Audiences are fascinated by the way attitudes and beliefs from the past still echo in our lives today.
Women left few written records, but we can learn much about them through the music that they used to speed their work, lift their spirits, or ease an aching heart. With a sparkling voice and wry humor, Diane performs songs of love, childbirth, marriage, and adventure.
Diane performs in traditional dress and plays lap dulcimer and guitar. She often sings with voice alone, the most authentic style. These are songs that brim with energy and humor, determination and despair, and all the joys and sorrows of a world lit only by fire.
November 16, 2017 7:30PM – Congregational Church
Presidential Landmarks in New England -presented by David Kruh
Do you know where in New England…?
The oath of office was taken by a President of the United States?
A plaque commemorates a Presidential visit to a bar?
You can see a coconut that saved a President’s life?
A former President, accused of being a traitor, was almost lynched?
In this slide show, audiences will take a 50-minute trip through 200 years of the U.S. Presidency, focusing on the native New Englanders who called the White House home. Together, we will visit most of the sites in New England dedicated to the United States Presidents, including birthplaces, homes, libraries, and yes, even bars. Its a great combination history and travelogue will be of interest to both the historically minded and tourist alike.
September 21 2017 7:30PM – Congregational Church
Harvard Shaker Cemetery – presented by Roben Campbell
n 1792, after the Shaker Village Meetinghouse was constructed, the Shakers began building their cemetery. At least 331 Shakers were buried here between 1792 and 1929. In 1879, they began replacing individual stone markers with cast-iron “lollipop” markers. This is the only cemetery where the iron markers remain. Harvard historian and Shaker expert Roben Campbell will explain this unique cemetery, its history, burial patterns, and how it came to look the way it does.
May 18, 2017 7:30PM- Congregational Church
All Men Created Equal: Slavery in Massachusetts – presented by Shawn Quigley
This talk explores the origin of slavery in the Commonwealth, the subsequent protests against it, and why Massachusetts ultimately became the first state to abolish the practice.
March 16, 2017 7:30PM – Congregational Church
An Armchair tour of Foster Street– presented by Carolyn Mueller
A number of years ago, we took a tour of Foster Street from its beginning, near the Houghton Building, to Tenney’s Corner, where Tahattawan Road branches off. This time, we’ll start where we left off and “walk” to Taylor Street to discover the history of the houses and landscapes on the other section of the road.
September 14, 2016 7:30PM- Unitarian Church
Trivia Night
The evening will be something a little different- we’re hosting a trivia night. Littleton and Massachusetts trivia with questions from history and present day will get you thinking. Don’t feel you have to be a history scholar- this is geared for everyone to participate. But, it wouldn’t hurt to pay attention during the festivities this year.
November 17, 2016 7:30PM- Congregational Church
Recollections of Littleton presented by David Whitcomb and Harvey Atkins
Stories of Littleton when it really was a small town.
September 14, 2016 7:30PM- Unitarian Church
Trivia Night
The evening will be something a little different- we’re hosting a trivia night. Littleton and Massachusetts trivia with questions from history and present day will get you thinking. Don’t feel you have to be a history scholar- this is geared for everyone to participate. But, it wouldn’t hurt to pay attention during the festivities this year.
September 15, 2016 7:30PM- Congregational Church
Central Massachusetts Houses prior to 1870 presented by Nicholas Langhart
Nicholas Langhart, former property manager at Historic New England, Boston, will illustrate features of the earliest houses of our area and the transition through the Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Co-hosted with the Littleton Historical Commission.
May 19, 2016 7:30PM- Congregational Church
The Art of Littleton’s Cemeteries presented by Carolyn Mueller
You may think of a cemetery as strictly a utilitarian place where we bury our dead, or a peaceful park we visit during a funeral or on Memorial Day. but, it could also be thought of as a museum of local folk art and customs that have evolved over time. In this slide show, we’ll trace the evolution of gravestone “art” and our outlook on life and death from the Colonial period to present day using our burial grounds as a basis for examples of the symbolism, warnings, legacies, and, yes, art left for our survivors
Thursday September 10, 2015 7:30PM multi purpose room Shattuck Street
The Development of Long Lake, presented by David Whitcomb
Mr. Whitcomb tells us why Long Pond became Long Lake. Until the early 20th century the kettle pond in our town known as Long Pond, circled by woods and cow pastures, was inaccessible to all but a few hardy fishermen. By 1915, Town Road had been built and we had a beach for swimming. In 1925 with developer Warren Smadbeck purchasing the waterfront properties of four large farms, our fishing pond was about to change profoundly.
March 20, 2014 7:30PM
Dan Boudillion
Thursday November 21, 2013 7:30PM
WAR OF 1812 U.S. MARINES
Society member Matt McGrath returns as a Sargeant in the 1812 U.S. Marines. In full costume, Mr. McGrath will talk about the soldiers and what they endured during the war. As a volunteer at the U.S.S. Constitution museum, he can answer questions about the ship and its history.
Thursday September 19, 2013 7:30PM
Thursday November 17, 2011 7:30PM
Envisioning Nashoba village After King Philip’s War
Presented by Anne Ipsen
Who was Chief Tahattawan anyway? how did Philip Metcomb’s rebellion shatter the vision of a peaceful village by Nagog Pond? What happened to the Nashoba Indians after King Philip’s War and their exile to Deer Island? Author Anne Ipsen will briefly introduce the history of Nashoba Village and then share the story of a fictional Indian family from her latest historical novel, “At the Concord of the Rivers”. This book and Anne’s other books will be for sale at the program.
Thursday May 29, 2011 7:30PM
Congregational Church
Roads of Littleton- presented by Carolyn Mueller
Come take a ride with us as we examine the evolution of Littleton roadways. From the highways to the avenues, this illustrated presentation will trace the beginnings of the roads, their names, the controversies, and other interesting anecdotes leading up to the present 62+ miles of town roads we travel today.
Thursday March 17, 2011 7:30PM
Congregational Church
Return to Scollay Square
Slide show presentation by David Kruh
One of our best-remembered lectures was the presentation on Scollay Square. David Kruh returns with a sequel to his history on one of Boston’s most famous-or infamous areas.
Based on his 2004 Images of America book, he will feature dozens of never-before-seen photos, postcards, and receipts including backstage photos at the Old Howard. Performers, politicians, inventors and activists combined to make Scollay Square an exciting place.
Thursday September 16, 2010 7:30PM
Congregational Church
Barry M. Curcio, B.A.J.D.
Indians of the Northeast
This well-researched two-part presentation will cover the culture-dynamics of various New England area tribes, their interaction with Europeans, conflicts and ultimate outcomes. Also covered will be how stereotypes start and are perpetuated, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and recent Federal Court cases affective Native Americans.
Part two will be held in October.
Thursday May 20, 2010 7:30PM
Congregational Church
Carolyn Mueller
Business & Industry in Littleton
We may think of historical Littleton as an agricultural community but it was also a place where businesses of all kinds sprang up and thrived. In this illustrated presentation, we will look at a variety of business that have existed over the years-some you may know well and others that aren’t quite so familiar. From saw mills to pickles to bowling pin setters, we’ll take a tour through industrial Littleton.
Thursday March 18, 2010
Littleton Congregational Church
Matt McGrath
Leathernecks: U.S.S. Constitution’s Marines
Do you know why the U.S. Marines are called Leathernecks? What exactly is grog? Historian and re-enactor Matt McGrath answered these questions and discussed the United States Marines aboard USS Constitution and their lessor known, but far flung service during the “forgotten” War of 1812.
Thursday November 19, 2009
Littleton Congregational Church
Daniel Boudillion of Littleton:
1720 Littleton: The Dudley Witchcraft Affair
The Town of Littleton was barely 6 years old when it was rocked in 1720 by accusations of Witchcraft. The young daughter of Joseph Blanchard, followed by her two younger sisters, exhibited outrageous afflictions and behaviors that they attributed to the machinations of a witch. Ultimately they accused Mrs. Abigail Dudley, the wife of Littleton’s first Town Clerk and Selectman, Samuel Dudley, as their diabolical tormentor.
In the almost 300 years that have since passed, fact has faded into fiction, and many peculiar tales have been woven around the so-called “White Witch of Littleton”– many as outrageous as the contortions of her accusers. And yet, in the words of the youthful Puritan minister, Rev. Ebenezer Turell in 1728 regarding the affair, “Many things that have been dubbed witchcraft, and called the works of the devil, [are] nothing more than the contrivance of the children of men.”
Told correctly for the first time since it happened, this is the story of the last recorded accusation of Witchcraft in Massachusetts.
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