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Posts published in “History”

Newton Memorial Day Observances, May 25-26

Wreath-Laying Ceremonies (Sunday, May 25)Wreaths will be laid down throughout the City’s bridges and monuments starting at 9AM at Forte Park (235 California Street, Nonantum). Memorial Day Parade (Sunday, May 25)It will begin at 3PM at Newton North High School (457 Walnut Street, Newtonville) and will continue down Walnut Street…

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 2: 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…

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