Weston Historical Society Tercentennial Exhibition reopens at Town Hall

The Farmers’ Precinct: Three Centuries of Weston History will reopen June 13 in a new location, Weston Town Hall auditorium, where it will remain through September 3.

The Weston Historical Society is sponsoring an Opening Reception this Sunday, June 16, from 2:00 to 4:30 pm, with refreshments and gallery talks by exhibit coordinator Pam Fox. The exhibition and opening party are free and open to all.

The museum quality exhibition was widely praised during its January debut at Weston library.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children during school vacation. A children’s activity table will have scavenger hunt cards prepared by Weston third graders.

The Farmers’ Precinct will be open whenever Town Hall is open, including evenings whenever a meeting is being held. For the month of June, Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 pm. Summer hours for July and August will be on the town website.

The Farmers’ Precinct tells the story of Weston’s 300-year history through objects, photographs, and memorabilia drawn largely from the society’s collections. For example, the industry section includes school chairs, cotton thread, calipers, earthenware pots, and organ pipes of various sizes, all made in Weston mills and factories. One new object on display will be a metal “hat tub” used for bathing by members of the Jones family, owners of the Josiah Smith Tavern.

Topics covered include agriculture, industry, commerce, education, estates, summer pleasures, Weston in war, and post-war growth.  A volunteer committee consisting of Pam Fox, Mary Gregory, Mary Marder, Tania Deary, Rebekah Gardiner, and Robin Reisman spent more than a year choosing and researching objects. Exhibit designer Will Twombly of Spokeshave Design and graphic designer Mary Orr helped to create the professional display.

In addition to the Opening Reception and Gallery Talks scheduled for Sunday, June 16, the society will be offering daytime, evening, and weekend Gallery Talks in July and August. Watch for announcements.