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Posts published in “History”

Newton Schools history, Part 3: “If you do not improve the schools, you must enlarge the prisons” – Horace Mann

In 1844, the first state school for teachers and its instructor, Unitarian Reverend Cyrus Pierce, moved to West Newton after Lexington “welched on its financial agreement” to house the school. A wealthy supporter of Horace Mann purchased the Fuller house for the school. Teaching schools were an experiment that the…

Newton Schools history, Part II: Teachers organize for better schools, state funding, and equity

The next span of Newton school history was marked by the growth of private schools; issues of governance, equity and curriculum; and the beginnings of teachers organizing. By 1763, Newton had two full-time school masters and four one-room, 14 ft x 16 ft schoolhouses for a population of 1,306. The…

State legislative “Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism” holds hearing at Newton’s War Memorial

Established as a part of the 2025 legislative budget, sponsored by State Senator John C. Velis, the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism is holding hearings throughout Massachusetts to explore expanding incidents of antisemitism and to give Jewish community leaders and residents an opportunity to share concerns and recommendations. Senator Velis…

“Made in Ethiopia”: West Newton Cinema holds documentary screening and panel discussion

On Thursday, April 3, the West Newton Cinema held a screening of the documentary Made in Ethiopia, followed by a panel discussion. Part of the Cinema’s “Behind the Screen” series, the event was organized by the West Newton Cinema Foundation, a nonprofit organization raising funds to restore and renovate the…

The Great International Walking-Match: When Charles Dickens visited Newton Centre

Did you miss the 157th anniversary of The Great International Walking Match? What sets this event apart in literary and local history is the participation of the iconic English novelist, Charles Dickens, while in Newton, Massachusetts! This is the little known story of the brief visit in 1868 of Charles Dickens to the…

FUUSN Folk Music Sunday: Won’t Back Down – singing our fears, singing our hopes, Apr. 27

The First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton (FUUSN) will have its Folk Music Sunday service on April 27 at 10:15AM, featuring protest songs from past generations, along with contemporary songs that comment on current times. The FUUSN Band will play, joined by members of the FUUSN Choir. All are welcome.…

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