City Of Newton: Newton History Series Presents Talks, Exhibits About Innovation, Black History In WWII, And Jazz

Press release from the City of Newton:

01/03/2022 3:57 PM

Highlighting Newtonians who influenced local and national history, the 2022 Newton History Series presents lectures and exhibits from January through March as a partnership between Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library. The series brings a guest speaker each month, with a related exhibit on display throughout the month in the main lobby of the Newton Free Library. The lectures take place on Zoom.

January

Exhibit, January 4-31, Great Ideas: Newton Inventors Who Changed the World 

Lecture, Thursday, January 27, 7:00 p.m., Boston’s Great Innovations

What makes Boston one of the world's top innovation centers? Join Robert Krim and Alan Earls, co-authors of Boston Made: From Revolution to Robotics-Innovations that Changed the World, as they reinterpret Boston history through the lens of innovation. Trace four centuries of this history to learn about scientific discoveries, groundbreaking social policies, and other innovations - some with Newton ties - that made a lasting impact. Register here.

February

Exhibit, February 1-28, Called to Serve: Black Newtonians in World War II

Lecture, Thursday, February 10, 5:00 p.m., Half American: The Epic Story of Black Americans Fighting WWII

For Black Americans World War II was about not only America’s standing in the world but also about how much actual freedom would exist in the United States. Black troops fought bravely in combat and they formed the backbone of the United States military’s supply effort, all while fighting in a segregated military. Black veterans returned from the war and kept fighting white supremacy at home. Drawing on his upcoming book, historian Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth College explains how World War II raised questions regarding race and democracy that remain unanswered more than seventy years later. This is an inspiring history of bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism. Register here.

March

Exhibit, March 1-31 All That Jazz: An Appreciation of George Wein

Lecture, Thursday, March 31, 7:00 p.m., George Wein: Newton’s Jazz Master

Explore the life and achievements of Newton native George Wein (1925-2021), founder of the Newport Jazz Festival, pianist, bandleader, educator, nightclub proprietor and producer of concerts and festivals worldwide, in this talk by jazz critic Bob Blumenthal. Named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts in 2005, Wein is best known for pioneering the contemporary music festival.  In a career that spanned three quarters of a century, he presented every major figure in the jazz world and worked tirelessly to expand the music’s national and international audience. Register here.

This press release was produced by the City of Newton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.