Forty-eight years before women had the right to vote, they were serving on Newton’s School Committee. The Massachusetts constitution limited voting to men but omitted the word “male” as a qualification for elective office. Women noticed. Suffragists began working to get women elected (by men) onto school committees. They thought…
Posts published in “History”
Newton’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on June 19, 12PM-4PM, at the Hyde Community Center (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands). Families, kids, friends, and parents are invited for a day of unity and joy, filled with fun, food, and community spirit. This free outdoor celebration will feature two…
The City of Newton will be hosting a Celebration of Queer Culture with food, art, and performances. It will take place on Saturday, June 28, 11AM-4PM at the Hyde Community Center (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands). During the event, there will be a Queer Family Meetup, 12:30PM-1:30PM. Bring a picnic…
The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton will host the 3rd Annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle on June 28, 10AM-2PM. It’s fundraiser and a relaxing midday paddle on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Charles River. Meet at the Newton Historic Boathouse (map). This event…
The Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that designed, raised funds for, and installed a memorial to the victims and heroes of 9/11/2001, especially the eight Newton residents who lost their lives that day. Thanks to its generous contributors, the Committee offers annual scholarships to Newton…
Historic Newton, in collaboration with Newton Cultural Development, will host a free community reading of Frederick Douglass’s famous 1852 speech — What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? — on Sunday, July 13, at 2PM at the Jackson Homestead and Museum (527 Washington Street, Newton). Guests are encouraged…
Historic Newton will conduct a walking tour on July 15, 6PM-7:30PM in Newton Cemetery focusing on the final resting places of some of Hollywood’s finest actors, performers, and musicians. Learn about Josephine Hull, who originated the role of Abby Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”; B.F. Keith, the father of…
On Sunday, June 1, Coletti-Magni Park and the Nonantum business district offered something for every age group: a large climbing wall, a “bronco” ride, axe-throwing, batting balls, train rides, face-painting, a puppet show, step-dancing, a boxing demonstration, a clown, a wide array of crafts and jewelry, and street dancing to…
On mornings of May 25 and 26, Newton gathered to lay Memorial Day wreaths in honor and memory of those who died in military service to the nation. Photo locations include Forte Park, Coletti-Magni Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Mass. Pike bridges, and three memorial sections of Newton Cemetery.
Each year, a highlight of Memorial Day Weekend is Newton’s annual Memorial Day Parade. On Sunday, May 25, the weather cooperated and spirits were upbeat for this year’s celebration before a day of remembrance. Fig City News caught the parade as it passed through Newtonville.
Historic Newton’s 2025 Newton House Tour took place on May 18, showcasing seven residences that were open to the public. Now in its 42nd year, the event welcomes visitors inside their neighbors’ storied homes and explores the homes’ varied histories. Here are short profiles of four of the residences: Walnut…
Historic Newton will host a Newton House Tour where participants can visit historic homes in Newton to learn about how homeowners have made creative renovations and interesting interior design choices that add to the life of a historic structure. Participants must be aged 12+. It will take place on Sunday,…