Past Events
"Father Philander's Providence Panacea & Vegetable Elixir of Life"
Thursday, August 15th at 6:30 PM
Local historian Dennis Picard presents interesting facts and stories of popular "cure all" remedies of the 19th century. Learn what they were made from, used for and what happened to some of the companies that made them...Patent Medicines. You won't believe it!
All NCCHP Living History events are free to museum members and donations from others of $5 - $10 are appreciated to help defray appearance fees. Light refreshments will be served. NCCHP Monthly programs are supported in part by the MA and Granville Cultural Council grants and donations from members and friends of the museum.
"Appleseeds: From History to Historical Fiction"
Thursday, August 1st at 6:30 PM
Join local author and historian, Melissa Cybulski, to learn how she used real history to inspire her book about Johnny Appleseed's childhood in Western Massachusetts.
Johnny Chapman will grow up to be a legend...but first needs to climb down from that tree, find his little brother, learn perfect cursive, and remember to put on his shoes before he leaves his house! Inspired by new research using primary resources from the archives of the town he grew up in, Appleseeds: A Boy Named Johnny Chapman imagines for the first time the story of the boy who grows up to be the famous orchardist, Johnny Appleseed.
Books will be available for purchase for $10 at the event.
Melissa M. Cybulski lives in Longmeadow, MA with her husband, two children and two pugs. She loves learning and writing about history, especially the lives of women and children in early New England. This book about Johnny Chapman, who would one day be known as Johnny Appleseed, grew out of her work with the Longmeadow Historical Society. When not researching and writing, she works as a guide at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, MA.
All NCCHP Living History events are free to museum members and donations from others of $5 - $10 are appreciated to help defray appearance fees. Light refreshments will be served.
NCCHP monthly programs are supported in part by the MA and Granville Cultural Council grants and donations from members and friends of the museum.
2024 Annual Ice Harvest Cancelled due to Weather |
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Once again, Mother Nature has failed to cooperate and there is no viable ice on the pond for the harvest scheduled for 2/3/2024. Here's hoping 2025 will be a better year for ice!.
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What Makes Connecticut, Connecticut?
Wednesday, October 4th at 6:30
Join the Band of Steady Habits (BOSH) for an entertaining evening of history and music at the NCCHP Museum.
The program uses images, a powerful story and evocative songs from past and present to describe the look, feel and unique character of our nearest neighbor state.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy this final living history program of the 2023 season.
Annual Granville Harvest Fair October 7, 8 and 9
Remember that the Annual Granville Harvest Fair is scheduled for October 7 - 9 this year.
NCCHP will be open for tours all three days and will have the Skyline Beer Company here with beer and pretzels as well as the Crepes Tea House with yummy sweet or savory crepes and kebobs. Live music on Saturday and Sunday, too, so come on over whether you walk from the Green or take a shuttle bus...come and say hi!
Deborah Sampson, A Revolution of Her Own
"Are We There Yet? Song of American Transportation"
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Wednesday, August 16th at 6:30 |
Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle play and sing songs highlighting America's fascination to "be on the Move from one place to another. Come enjoy an evening of traditional and modern songs about travel from just about every different mode imaginable!
Rick and Dawn develop and present a series of theme-based music and history programs. They present songs that give cultural insight into interesting times, places and events in American history. Rick and Dawn carefully craft their vocals and accompaniment to sound as true to a song's era or style as possible. Their vast repertoire includes music from the Colonial era to the present day. They use these songs to illustrate the evolution of our nation's culture and history in an informative and entertaining way.
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"Keep The Bees Humming"
"Paddy on the Canawl"
Wednesday, June 21 at 6:30 PM Dennis Picard’s new lecture is about the Farmington Canal that linked New Haven with Northampton…passing right through Granby, Southwick and Westfield in the 1820’s. This huge construction project took thousands of skilled and unskilled workers of many ethnic groups. Dennis looks at how the Irish laborers built the canal and while initially looked down upon by other segments of society, came to be recognized for their contributions to the effort. This is living history at its best. Come join the fun! |
2023 Annual Ice Harvest - Cancelled
Due to Mother Nature's refusal to bring cold weather and a lack of viable ice. We'll try again next year on 2/3/2024! |
"Robert Frost in Story and Song"
Wednesday, October 5th at 6:30
Join Walt Woodward and the Band of Steady Habits (aka BOSH) for an entertaining evening of poetry and music. The program tells the story of Robert Frost's life and work, including a number of his poems, and the band performs songs from the 20th and 21st centuries that reflect the moods of the poems.
"Now and Then" Living History
The Wednesday, September 14th program will be "Now and Then" a retrospective featuring the current process of creating professional drums and just how that came to be from the very humble beginnings back in 1854.
Join us at 6:30 for a short clip followed by discussion (and musings) by three direct descendants of James P. Cooley as we hit the highlights of the growing company along the timeline of history.
"The Softer Side of Celtic" Featuring Jeff Snow
Wednesday, August 17th at 6:30 PM
The Softer Side of Celtic combines music, stories and a wee bit of history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a program that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There will be singing, clapping, laughing and perhaps a bit of foot stomping. The concert is interactive with questions and input from the audience encouraged!
The Ne'er Do Well Band is Coming to Town!
Wednesday, July 17th at 6:30 PM
Join us as Dennis Picard and his merry band (Stan Svec, Stephen Svec and guests) entertain us with their specialty, “camp music”, at the first Living History program of 2022.
The band will narrate and perform tunes that were commonly heard around New England town commons from 1650 to 1885.
2021 Ice Harvest Cancelled Due to COVID-19
90th Birthday Parade For Joyce H. Jones on 9/11/2020
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Many thanks to all who participated in the parade and send 118 cards to honor her birthday. Mom was totally surprised by all the attention and had an excellent day. The cards were wonderful and brought her much joy as she relived all the hoopla around her milestone birthday. She loved this town and everyone in it!
************************************************************************************************** It's official! There will be a surprise birthday parade in Granville on Friday, 9/11 to celebrate Joyce Jones’s 90th birthday. In this time of social distancing a parade is a wonderful way to safely celebrate and we hope many of you will enjoy this special outing with us in Granville. If you and your family would like to join the parade in your favorite vehicle (car, truck, tractor, motorcycle, antique car, etc.,) and follow the Granville police and fire vehicles leading the parade…please be at the police station in Granville (behind the Town Hall at 707 Main Road) by 5:45 PM. Your participation will definitely add to the excitement of the day for Joyce. She will be sitting on the lawn at the 174 Granby Road house to watch the parade and wave at everyone passing by. Also, in lieu of a party for her birthday we are requesting cards for Joyce. Our goal is to get 90 birthday cards to celebrate her 90 wonderful years. Joyce H. Jones PO Box 352 Granville, MA 01034 Thanks in advance from the whole Jones clan for helping us make more wonderful memories with and for mom on her special day! Hope to see you in the parade on 9/11. |
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2020 Annual Ice Harvest Is Cancelled Due to Warm Weather
2020 HARVEST IS CANCELLED DUE TO WARM WEATHER NEXT YEAR'S HARVEST WILL BE SAT. FEB 6, 2021
Saturday, February 1, 2020
12th Annual Ice Harvest on the Shop Pond
Dennis Picard, former director of Storrowton Village Museum, will organize the harvest and invite visitors to join him on the ice (conditions permitting) to use the ice saw and other antique tools to experience life before the days of refrigeration.
During the ice harvest the museum will be open for tours that focus on Yankee Ingenuity from the 1850's to current day. We hope to bring people together to rekindle the community spirit of farm communities and industrial villages that were common in most of New England. Come see and participate in this fascinating "living history" program.
There is no charge for the ice harvest event, but donations will be gratefully accepted. This living history presentation is supported in part by grants from the Granville Cultural Council, the Suffield Historical Society and the Suffield Land Conservancy.
Thanks in advance for your support to keep our living history programs alive!
Irish Songs With BOSH
Wednesday, October 16th - "Irish Songs"
BOSH Returns! (The Band of Steady Habits)
Join Walt Woodward and The Band Of Steady Habits (BOSH) performing their musical program of lively familiar tunes brought to America by the Irish. Learn about the Irish immigration in New England and tap your toes to the music. History as presented by BOSH is simply amazing!
The five-member acoustic Band of Steady Habits came together as a group in 2014 to share their love of music, and to use their talents to help create a new kind of public history presentation. The Band uses banjo, guitars, violin, recorders, bass, percussion, and beautiful harmonies to perform songs – some old, some original, and some contemporary – to accompany the visually rich and evocative stories of state historian Walt Woodward. These presentations provide new insights and perspectives into a wide range of historical topics including the Civil War, the uniqueness of Connecticut, Irish Immigration, and the poetry of Robert Frost.
Living History programs at the NCCHP museum are free for members and free will donations of $10 to help offset appearance fees are gratefully accepted from others. Light refreshments will be served after the program.
Edgar Allan Poe
Wednesday, September 18th @ 6:30 PM
"Edgar Allan Poe"
Campbell Harmon appears in costume and persona as the legendary Master of Macabre and founder of the modern horror genre.
Mr. Harmon has performed as Edgar Allan Poe since 2009. Come be captivated as this great writer is brought to life in dramatic readings, historical biography and direct audience interaction. You will be riveted by dramatic performances of "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven". Edgar Allan Poe and his genius still resonates after 160 years. Prepare to be amazed!
Abigail Adams
Wednesday, August 21st at 6:30 PM "Abigail Adams" Sheryl Faye appears in costume and persona as the first Second Lady and the second First Lady of the United States. She engagingly presents Abigail Adams and many details of her life from childhood to her marriage to 2nd President John Adams. Come be captivated by Abigail Adams life and work as Ms Faye brings us back in time and describes Abigail's plea of "Remember the ladies". Prepare to be amazed! This NCCHP living history is free to museum members and free will donations from others of $10 to offset appearance fees is appreciated. Light refreshments will be served after the program. Our monthly programs are made possible in part by grants from the Granville Cultural Council and donations from members and friends of the museum. Thanks in advance for your support to keep history alive! .
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Running Away To Join The Circus
Wednesday, July 17th at 6:30 PM "Running Away to Join The Circus" Come learn the backstory of what circuses were like in the 1830's and how they grew into their present form. Find out what life was really like beneath the Big Top! M. P. Barker is a writer, editor, historical consultant, and time traveler. She got a firsthand taste (sometimes literally!) of 19th-century New England rural life when she was a costumed historical interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village. There she milked cows, mucked out barns, and found inspiration for her historical novels, A Difficult Boy and Mending Horses, which have been honored by organizations ranging from the Massachusetts Center for the Book to the International Reading Association. Find out more at www.mpbarker.net A Lamplighter's Life |
Wednesday, June 19th at 6:30 PM
"A Lamplighter's Life"
From candles to whale oil to gas - illuminating the streets was a time consuming chore before electricity. Dennis Picard talked about the men who trimmed the wicks and filled the fonts in villages and towns to aid travelers in the darkest times of the year...and how technology changed it all!
NCCHP Living History programs are free for members and donations from others are appreciated. Light refreshments will be served.
2019 Annual Ice HarvestSaturday, 2/2 - noon - 3:00 Don't miss the 11th annual Ice Harvest on the shop pond. Dennis Picard, former director of Storrowton Village Museum, will organize the harvest and invite visitors to join him on the ice (conditions permitting) to use the ice saw and other antique tools to experience life before the days of refrigeration. During the ice harvest the museum will be open for tours that focus on Yankee Ingenuity from the 1850's to current day. We hope to bring people together to rekindle the community spirit of farm communities and industrial villages that were common in most of New England. Come see and participate in this fascinating "living history" program. There is no charge for the ice harvest event, but donations will be gratefully accepted. This living history presentation is supported in part by grants from the Granville Cultural Council, the Suffield Historical Society and the Suffield Land Conservancy. The Civil War Search For a New National Anthem
Join Walt Woodward and The Band Of Steady Habits (BOSH) performing their musical program of familiar tunes that were considered to become our national anthem. Learn how the Star Spangled Banner was chosen and why, History is simply amazing! The six-member acoustic Band of Steady Habits came together as a group in 2014 to share their love of music, and to use their talents to help create a new kind of public history presentation. The Band uses banjo, guitars, violin, recorders, bass, percussion, and beautiful harmonies to perform songs – some old, some original, and some contemporary – to accompany the visually rich and evocative stories of state historian Walt Woodward. These presentations provide new insights and perspectives into a wide range of historical topics including the Civil War, the uniqueness of Connecticut, Irish Immigration, and the poetry of Robert Frost. Living History programs at the NCCHP museum are free for members and donations are gratefully accepted from others. Light refreshments follow the program. Living History programs are sponsored in part by a grant from the Granville Cultural Council. 37th Annual Granville Harvest Fair - October 6 - 8The museum and Gift Shop will be open all three days of the 37th annual Granville Harvest Fair with tours, demonstrations, great food vendors and the very popular Westfield River Brewery beer tent. Harvest Fair hours: Saturday and Monday, 10AM – 5PM; Sunday, noon to 5PM. Demonstrations this year include: Erick the Blacksmith, small engines displays and drum making processes. The Crepes Tea House will be back again this year with an expanded menu and new to our food court this year is Chef Matt from CPC Smokehouse in Southwick with amazing bbq food. Something for everyone! TV Theme Music Trivia Night
Bring your family and friends for an enjoyable evening of live music and TV trivia as the Premier Swing Band performs their popular TV music theme program. Test your memory and music skills...name the shows and the characters. What do Mr. Ed, DIck Van Dyke, Wyatt Earp, Laverne and Shirley, the Secret Agent Man, Howdy Doody and Donna Reed all have in common? They all have very recognizable theme songs! You'll hear some of these and many more at the performance so get ready for a memorable, magical musical trip to "TV land". Industrial Survival In A Pre-Computer World |
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On Wednesday, August 15th our very own industrial archeologist, Bob Stewart, presented answers to how our ancestors developed our rich industrial culture without the aid of computer technology.
So how did we control rail transportation, generate electricity, build ships, communicate, test aircraft, develop rockets and make all the "stuff" of the early 19th and 20th century without all the magical mysteries of cybernetics and digitization? The story is amazing...history is amazing and Bob enjoyed sharing fascinating rare photos that illustrated how inventors and engineers solved the problems of industrialization. After a retiring from a 30 year career in engineering at United Technologies, Bob founded Historical Technologies, a firm that specializes in documenting archeological industrial sites. Bob works as a field investigator, photographer and consultant in cultural resource documentation. Documentation is done under contract with other cultural resource firms, for The National Park Service, other governmental services and private clients. Historical Technologies has completed projects documenting railroads, power plants, nuclear facilities, bridges, aerospace installations, ships, dams, 19th century factory complexes military/government sites and obsolete process technologies. Bob has taught a graduate course in Industrial Archeology at Northeastern University and has published several monographs on historic industrial sites. He has presented papers at Drew University, The National Canal Museum in Easton, South Street Seaport, the Power Engineering Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers at NYU, Lafayette College, Lehigh University and at the Museo del Patrimonio Industriale di Bologna in Italy. Bob is a member and past president of the Society of Industrial Archeologists and he is a founding director of the NCCHP museum. Our museum exists today because of Bob's vision to save and share the history of the industrial revolution that occurred right here in Granville over 150 years ago. Thank you Bob, for all you've done and continue to do for NCCHP. |
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Scoundrels Who Made America Great |
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August 23rd at 6:30 PM: “Quabbin Reservoir: Then and Now” Photographer Dale Monette will present his program on the “lost” towns and the water source that replaced them at the NCCHP Museum at 42 Water St. in Granville on Wednesday, 8/23 at 6:30 PM. Come see archive photos from the 1930’s of the four towns compared to Mr. Monette’s recent photos of the area. Learn about building the reservoir, the dismantling of almost 3000 structures required before the intentional flooding…and much, much more! Mr. Monette’s nature photography will also be on display. |
The next monthly NCCHP Living History program will be on Wednesday, July 19th at 6:30 PM.
Dennis Picard, as The School Master, shares the history, legends and myths about what was called "district" school education. One room schoolhouses were the norm in New England. Come and find out what it was like to attend classes in a room with students of all ages!
Living history programs are free for NCCHP members and donations are gratefully accepted from others attendees. Light refreshments will be served after the program.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2017 schedule!
Dennis Picard, as The School Master, shares the history, legends and myths about what was called "district" school education. One room schoolhouses were the norm in New England. Come and find out what it was like to attend classes in a room with students of all ages!
Living history programs are free for NCCHP members and donations are gratefully accepted from others attendees. Light refreshments will be served after the program.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2017 schedule!
Past Living History Events:
5/24/2017 - Rick Spenser and Dawn Indermuelhe to Kick Off the 2017 Living History Season at NCCHP
Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle will play and sing their “American Pop Music Time Machine” songs from the 19th century. Rick has performed many times at NCCHP and has a vast musical repertoire and plays several different instruments. Dawn has been his partner in harmony for the last two years and their shows are always a crowd favorite.
VALLEY GIVES DAY 2017 RESULTS
WHAT A SUCCESS! Your generous donations and membership renewals on 5/2/17 were more than double last years giving campaign amount. An amazing result! In addition, NCCHP was awarded a $500 Golden Ticket and a $250 random drawing prize....for a combined total of over $4200!
Thank you one and all for your contributions and helping the museum participate and benefit during this annual day of philanthropy in the Pioneer Valley. Special kudos to The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, founder and host for Valley Gives, for working to improve the quality of life for everyone in the three counties of the valley.
Your continued support and belief in the NCCHP mission "Keeping The Drumbeat of History" alive is truly appreciated.
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10/19/2016 - Kevin Johnson portrays "Jordan Freeman - The Fight
to Set a People Free" On October 19th NCCHP presented Kevin Johnson as Jordan Freeman, an African-American servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Col. William Ledyard in the Revolutionary War. Jordan Freeman was an actual person, a native of Old Lyme, Connecticut. He witnessed and participated in key events of the war while with Col. Ledyard. Jordan Freeman was a hero at the Battle of Groton Heights, one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War. To give you some idea of the scope of the bravery of the patriot militia defending New London, they were approximately 150 in number under the command of William Ledyard, facing a total invading force of 1700 British regulars under the command of the traitor Benedict Arnold, 800 of whom were directly involved in the attack on Fort Griswold at Groton Heights. Other black patriots mentioned during the presentation includes Granville's own Lemuel Haynes, Venture Smith, Crispus Attucks and Prince Estabrook. The Jordan Freeman presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History at 231 Capitol Ave., opposite the state capitol in Hartford. Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library's History and Genealogy Unit. In addition to portraying Jordan Freeman, he has been presenting as Pvt. William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for more than 18 years and has given more than 500 presentations. So concludes NCCHP's 2016 Living History series. It was an outstanding year of wonderful presentations. If you missed this year please resolve to join us in Granville for the 2017 series, and if you joined us in 2016 thank you for supporting NCCHP, dedicated to keeping the drumbeat of history alive. 10/8 - 10/10/2016 - Annual Granville Harvest Fair weekend 9/21/2016 - Carolyn Ivanoff "Dear Sarah - Letters Home During the Civil War" On September 21, 2016 NCCHP's Living History series hosted Carolyn Ivanoff's excellent program, "Dear Sarah - Letters Home During the Civil War." The program featured excerpts from Army Private Friend H. Smith's letters home to his wife Sarah, in which he described life in the Union Army, his feelings about the war, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Using actual letters, photographs and historical records the presentation provided a vivid picture of Army life, major battle engagements, and family life during the Civil War. The program's remarkable insights into the significance of events to the future of the country not only brought history alive but underscored its direct connection with and relevance to our times. A packed house was not disappointed and listened intently throughout the amazing presentation. 8/17 - Dennis Picard "It's All Fun & Games: Recess Times and Farm Pastimes in 19th Century New England" Dennis Picard gave a wonderful presentation at NCCHP this evening (2016-08-17), featuring toys, games and puzzles of days past. He covered everything from corn husk dolls to marbles to baseball. And sledding, hoop rolling, mumbley peg and more. It was amazing to realize how many of these games and activities live on in one form or another. Many of the games were set up around the exhibition space so attendees could try them out after the presentation, much to their delight. The event was well attended and included some great displays which will continue to be exhibited at the museum. NCCHP, Mr. Picard and the volunteers who helped set up the exhibits did a great job as evidenced by the applause at the end of the presentation. 7/19 - Movie Night! Films on steelmaking, logging and how ink is made 6/15 - Walt Woodward and the Band of Steady Habits present: "Robert Frost - A Tribute in Story and Music" |
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5/18 - Bill Hosley presents "Sam and Elizabeth Colt"
Agawam Paranormal Group - FindingsThe Agawam Paranormal group will present findings from the two investigations they conducted at the museum this summer. Come learn about the investigation process and see and hear what was revealed! This will be the last Living History event in 2015. Light refreshments will be served after the program. The Living History event series is free to NCCHP members and donations from guests are appreciated.
Annual Granville Harvest Fair - Oct 10 - 12, 2015
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Harvest Fair Vendors:EXHIBITORS
Arnie Paye Gail Cortis T. J. Banks Christine Morrissey Deni Sindel Robert Valliere Crysta Rocks Beads John Turek Carol Lareau FOOD & DRINK Sweetcakes by Tanya Crepes TeaHouse Westfield River Brewery* DEMONSTRATORS Alice Flyte Mark Remaly Granville Quilt & Needlework Guild Eric Krusz Seth Blackwell ** Lynne White** Duane McDuffee* * Saturday & Sunday only ** Sunday only |
DESCRIPTION
Wood Scrollsaw demo and sales Colors of Life - floral wreaths, sachets Books By Banks Hand woven scarves Silk & polyester and fleece scowls Silver Dragon Woodcrafts Handmade Beads, jewelry and gifts Granite lazy susans, cutting boards, hot plates Printed Baby Apparel Hand decorated cakes, cookies, cupcakes Lunch and dessert crepes, soda & water Black Squirrel, IPA and Octoberfest Beer on tap Nantucket Basket Weaving Chair Caning Quilting demonstrations, Quilt display & Sales Blacksmith Sock knitting, spinning, weaving Bobbin Lace Antique small engines |
French & Indian War Presentation
Our Living History series continues on Wednesday, August 15th @ 6:30PM
History comes alive as Frank Molander talks about the Royal Rouissillon, a French Army regiment active during the French & Indian War
Frank D. Molander, a resident of Suffield, CT, is a French & Indian War re-enactor who portrays an officer in the French Royal Roussillon Regiment.
The Royal Roussillon was a French Army regiment active during the late 17th century and 18th century. It is principally known for its role in the Seven Years' War, when it served in the North American theatre (French & Indian War).
Frank started researching the period of the French & Indian War and began re-enacting in 1992 while living in Vermont. Over the years Frank has participated in historical re-enactment events throughout the northeast and Canada. From 2005-2008 Frank served as the French Commanding Officer for the annual Grand Encampment of the French & Indian War held at Fort Ticonderoga. This was the largest annual French & Indian War event attended by over 1200 re-enactors from across North America.
This is a free event. Donations are always appreciated!
History comes alive as Frank Molander talks about the Royal Rouissillon, a French Army regiment active during the French & Indian War
Frank D. Molander, a resident of Suffield, CT, is a French & Indian War re-enactor who portrays an officer in the French Royal Roussillon Regiment.
The Royal Roussillon was a French Army regiment active during the late 17th century and 18th century. It is principally known for its role in the Seven Years' War, when it served in the North American theatre (French & Indian War).
Frank started researching the period of the French & Indian War and began re-enacting in 1992 while living in Vermont. Over the years Frank has participated in historical re-enactment events throughout the northeast and Canada. From 2005-2008 Frank served as the French Commanding Officer for the annual Grand Encampment of the French & Indian War held at Fort Ticonderoga. This was the largest annual French & Indian War event attended by over 1200 re-enactors from across North America.
This is a free event. Donations are always appreciated!
Martin Sandler Lecture
Called "the most prolific author in America," by Publishers' Weekly, Martin W. Sandler, who will be the guest speaker at NCCHP on July 25th, is the author of more than 85 books. He has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and,among many other honors, has received seven Emmy Awards. In addition, the New York Times has described him as "arguably the most entertaining speaker of them all."
"I have always believed," Sandler says, "that, if written or told correctly, history is by far more exciting than even the best that fiction has to offer. My goal has always been to make history come alive. Above all else, I love a good story, especially if it is one that has been largely overlooked and is filled with people battling against great odds."
Mr Sandler's forthcoming book, THE IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE tells such a story. Described by the Washington Post as "a fantastic story, magnificently told," the book will be one of several that Sandler will discuss in his talk titled "History:More Exciting Than Fiction.
Other of Sandler's most recent books include the bestselling RESOLUTE:THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE AND THE QUEEN'S GHOST SHIP,selected by the New York Times as "one of the ten best books of the year," and LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS, chosen as "the book of the year" by three reviewing journals. Sandler's forthcoming books include THE JOHN F. KENNEDY LETTERS and IMPRISONED:JAPANESE AMERICANS IN WORLD WAR II. Sandler is currently at work on THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY BOOK OF THE BEATLES.
"I have always believed," Sandler says, "that, if written or told correctly, history is by far more exciting than even the best that fiction has to offer. My goal has always been to make history come alive. Above all else, I love a good story, especially if it is one that has been largely overlooked and is filled with people battling against great odds."
Mr Sandler's forthcoming book, THE IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE tells such a story. Described by the Washington Post as "a fantastic story, magnificently told," the book will be one of several that Sandler will discuss in his talk titled "History:More Exciting Than Fiction.
Other of Sandler's most recent books include the bestselling RESOLUTE:THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE AND THE QUEEN'S GHOST SHIP,selected by the New York Times as "one of the ten best books of the year," and LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS, chosen as "the book of the year" by three reviewing journals. Sandler's forthcoming books include THE JOHN F. KENNEDY LETTERS and IMPRISONED:JAPANESE AMERICANS IN WORLD WAR II. Sandler is currently at work on THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY BOOK OF THE BEATLES.
The Life and Times of William Webb
The Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation (NCCHP) will present Kevin Johnson as William Webb, an African-American Civil War Soldier from Connecticut at The NCCHP Museumon Wednesday, June 13 at 6:30 PM. Private Webb was an actual soldier, a native of Hartford. He was recruited in 1863 and served in the Twenty-Ninth (Colored) Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in several battles in Virginia. Johnson’s presentation of Webb is told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective that vividly illustrates the struggle of the African-Americans in the Colored Infantry during the Civil War. He tells of his early life in Hartford, his recruitment and training, and the traumatic final battles of the Civil War. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History at 231 Capitol Ave, opposite the State Capitol in Hartford.
Victorian Lady Performance & Tea
On Sunday, May 20th, performance artist Kandie Carle will present her one woman show “The Victorian Lady, Dressing from Corset to Gloves”, followed by a Victorian Tea. The performance will start promptly at 2:00 and last about an hour. The performance is audience interactive, informative and fun for ages 8 to 110! Tickets for the performance and tea will be available at the door ($10 for NCCHP members; $15 per ticket or 2 tickets for $25 for non-members). Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Call or e-mail today to reserve your tickets…they’ll make a great gift to add to your Mother’s Day card…and show you planned in advance! To find out more about Kandie Carle, her theater background and her performances, please visit www.kandiecarle.com.
Antiques Appraisal Day
Antiques Appraisal Day is Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring up to three antiques (no jewelry, please) to the museum and have them appraised by staff members of the Knotty Pine Antiques Auction Gallery in West Swanzey, New Hampshire. The reasonable rates are a donation to the museum…$5.00 per item or three items for $12.00. For more information about the auction gallery visit www.knottypineantiques.com.
4th Annual Ice Harvest!
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 4th from 12:00 – 3:00 is the fourth annual ice harvest on the shop pond at 42 Water Street in Granville, MA. The event is being co-sponsored by NCCHP, the Suffield Historical Society, the Suffield Land Conservancy and the Granville Cultural Council. Come join Dennis Picard of Storrowton Village Museum as he demonstrates and encourages others to take a turn using the ice saw, breaker bar, pike pole and ice tongs to harvest ice the way our ancestors did in the days before refrigeration. For your listening pleasure, Rick Spencer will be performing a selection of songs from his “Historic Songs of American Work and Trades” program during the ice harvest. Guided tours of the museum will also be available. There is no charge for the event or for refreshments, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Rain date will be Sunday, 2/5. Check the museum website www.ncchp.org for updates.
New winter hours are in effect for January - March. Museum tours will only be available by appointment Monday – Friday for groups of 10 or more, or when the museum is open for special events. The Gift Shop is open daily Monday - Friday from 8:30 – 3:30. This winter we’ll be busy planning new exhibits and finalizing our “living history” series schedule for 2012.
New winter hours are in effect for January - March. Museum tours will only be available by appointment Monday – Friday for groups of 10 or more, or when the museum is open for special events. The Gift Shop is open daily Monday - Friday from 8:30 – 3:30. This winter we’ll be busy planning new exhibits and finalizing our “living history” series schedule for 2012.
Local Knitters make blanket for Project Linus.
During the Harvest Fair this year a group of knitters made a blanket to donate to the Springfield Chapter of Project Linus. Project Linus delivers blankets to Baystate Medical Center, Shriners Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Gray House, and MSPCC.
Ghosts of CT and MA
On Thursday, October 27th from 6-8PM the NCCHP Museum will host Elaine Kuzmeskus, nationally recognized Spiritualist medium and author at the Noble & Cooley Drum Factory, 42 Water Street in Granville. This promises to be a fun and fascinating program that will begin with a talk about "Ghosts of CT and MA”, including Ghosts of Granville. Following her talk, Elaine will do some mediumship readings for selected members of the audience. This event is sure to delight anyone who is interested in spooky New England history, ghosts and the paranormal; especially since it is located at the historic, over 120 year old Noble & Cooley Drum Factory in the charming town of Granville, MA!
Everyone is welcome. Free to NCCHP members, donations appreciated from all others. Cider, cookies and Halloween candy will be served after the event.
Everyone is welcome. Free to NCCHP members, donations appreciated from all others. Cider, cookies and Halloween candy will be served after the event.
September Recycle Month
Back by popular demand! Support our annual fundraiser and bring your old electronic items to the museum for recycling.
October 8th - 10th - The museum will be open all three days of the Granville Harvest Fair
October 27th - Elaine Kuzmeskus will present "Ghosts of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts" from 6:00 - 8:00.
October 8th - 10th - The museum will be open all three days of the Granville Harvest Fair
October 27th - Elaine Kuzmeskus will present "Ghosts of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts" from 6:00 - 8:00.
Civil War Songs with Rick Spencer
August 17th - Rick Spencer will be performing selections in the debut of his "Civil War Songs of the Boys on the Battlefield" from 6:00 - 8:00. Check out Rick's site at: www.catfeather.com
There's No Joy In Granville: The Game of Wicket Ball & Granville's Connection to America's Past Time
We're proud to launch our “2011 Living History Series” on Wednesday, May 11th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the museum.
Baseball Historian Dan "Gunner" Genovese of Westfield, Massachusetts will present on Granville's connection to the evolution of the game of baseball with a presentation about an early bat and ball game known as "wicket ball," the sport of choice in the hill towns in the early to mid 19th Century. Wicket ball, a direct predecessor of America's Past Time was a popular game in the region prior to the American Civil War but its importance had been ignored for more than a century and a half. Genovese, an author of two books on Westfield baseball history and a member of the local SABR Chapter (Society of American Baseball Research), will present his research on the sport and will highlight a game played in 1850 between Granville and Westfield that ended in controversy. "The subject of baseball's origin is an on-going fascinating subject and is currently a hot topic right now as the commissioner of Major League Baseball recently appointed a special commission to investigate it origins once again," noted Genovese. "In my opinion Granville has a lot to offer to the evolution of the game and should be aware of what they have."
Genovese is also the captain and founder of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club and the winner of the Westfield Historical Commission's Annual Preservation Award in 2010.
Bring the family and come on out to hear all about a favorite sport played by our ancestors – and the great rivalries between towns.
The lecture is free to museum members, with donations gratefully accepted from other guests. There will be light refreshments served.
For more information about Dan, visit his website at www.mrbaseball.com
Baseball Historian Dan "Gunner" Genovese of Westfield, Massachusetts will present on Granville's connection to the evolution of the game of baseball with a presentation about an early bat and ball game known as "wicket ball," the sport of choice in the hill towns in the early to mid 19th Century. Wicket ball, a direct predecessor of America's Past Time was a popular game in the region prior to the American Civil War but its importance had been ignored for more than a century and a half. Genovese, an author of two books on Westfield baseball history and a member of the local SABR Chapter (Society of American Baseball Research), will present his research on the sport and will highlight a game played in 1850 between Granville and Westfield that ended in controversy. "The subject of baseball's origin is an on-going fascinating subject and is currently a hot topic right now as the commissioner of Major League Baseball recently appointed a special commission to investigate it origins once again," noted Genovese. "In my opinion Granville has a lot to offer to the evolution of the game and should be aware of what they have."
Genovese is also the captain and founder of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club and the winner of the Westfield Historical Commission's Annual Preservation Award in 2010.
Bring the family and come on out to hear all about a favorite sport played by our ancestors – and the great rivalries between towns.
The lecture is free to museum members, with donations gratefully accepted from other guests. There will be light refreshments served.
For more information about Dan, visit his website at www.mrbaseball.com
Historic Songs from the American Civil War and Reconstruction Period by Rick Spencer
Thursday, May 13th 6:30PM
Rick will perform songs of the era as well as provide some interesting background about the song origins.
Rick is known internationally for his work as a historian, researcher, singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition. For over 25 years he has traveled and performed at venues which include concert stages, folk festivals, museums, historical societies, schools, libraries, pubs and others. He is the Executive Director of the Dr. Ashbel Woodward Museum in Franklin, CT.
This event is free to NCCHP members. All guests are welcome - a donation is appreciated. Refreshments will be served.
Rick will perform songs of the era as well as provide some interesting background about the song origins.
Rick is known internationally for his work as a historian, researcher, singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition. For over 25 years he has traveled and performed at venues which include concert stages, folk festivals, museums, historical societies, schools, libraries, pubs and others. He is the Executive Director of the Dr. Ashbel Woodward Museum in Franklin, CT.
This event is free to NCCHP members. All guests are welcome - a donation is appreciated. Refreshments will be served.
Frances Benjamin Johnston "The Woman Behind The Lens"
March 24th 2010
One of the first women to work in an emerging field dominated by men, Miss Johnston achieved acclaim in the late 19th century as the "Photographer of the American Court." The lecture will present a look into Miss Johnston's colorful life as well as her rare photographs of life in the United States at the turn of the century. Subjects include: Portraits of famous Americans, workers, expositions, industry, the Spanish-American War, share-croppers, schools and architecture.
Tickets are $5 or free with your NCCHP membership.
One of the first women to work in an emerging field dominated by men, Miss Johnston achieved acclaim in the late 19th century as the "Photographer of the American Court." The lecture will present a look into Miss Johnston's colorful life as well as her rare photographs of life in the United States at the turn of the century. Subjects include: Portraits of famous Americans, workers, expositions, industry, the Spanish-American War, share-croppers, schools and architecture.
Tickets are $5 or free with your NCCHP membership.
3rd Annual ICE HARVEST
The Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation (NCCHP) together with the Suffield Land Conservancy, the Suffield Historical Society and the Granville Cultural Council will create a 19thcentury ice harvest at the Noble & Cooley shop pond on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 between 12:00 and 3:00 PM.
Join in the action! Learn to use an ice saw, handle a pike pole, drop a breaker bar and use ice tongs to harvest ice the way your ancestors did!
The NCCHP museum will be open for tours and refreshments served.
The event is free – with donations gratefully accepted.
NCCHP Presents: Witches, Goblins, and Magic Mirrors - Early Post Card Greetings
Thursday, October 28th 6:30PM
A colorful slide program with musical accompaniment displaying post cards from 1905 to 1915.
Free for NCCHP members, donations appreciated from all visitors.
Cider and cookies will be served following the program.
If you have your own post card collection and would like to share, please bring it along!
A colorful slide program with musical accompaniment displaying post cards from 1905 to 1915.
Free for NCCHP members, donations appreciated from all visitors.
Cider and cookies will be served following the program.
If you have your own post card collection and would like to share, please bring it along!
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING MONTH!
NCCHP (Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation) will host an electronics recycling fundraiser for the whole month of September. Simply drop off any of the following items at the Drum Shop Monday through Friday 8AM - 3PM or on Saturday September 11th or 25th from 9:00AM to noon.
This is a great opportunity to clean out all those broken and obsolete electronics and support a good cause! We do ask that you remove the hard drive from your computer before dropping it off. If you are unable to remove it, we’ll do it for you. When CRT Recycling* picks up our collection, they will shred the hard drives and send a “certificate of destruction”.
Here is a list of what we will accept and your costs. If you have any questions, please call 357-6321.
Computer Monitor: $5.00
CPU: 8.00
Keyboard: 2.00
Mouse: .50
Speakers: 2.00
Laptop: 10.00
Accessory wires, cables etc.: No charge
DVD or VHS Player: 3.00
Walkman: 1.00
Copiers/Fax/Scanner: 5.00
Camera/Video/Audio Equip.: 5.00
Stereo: 5.00
Stereo Speakers: 5.00
Phones of any kind: 2.00
Television Plastic: 15.00
Television Wood: 18.00
For Granville residents who are unable to drop off items, please call and we will arrange to pick them up. All donations are tax deductible.
*CRT Recycling is a Massachusetts Class A Permitted Universal Recycling Facility that properly disposes of items that can no longer be accepted by Massachusetts landfills as of April 01, 2000.
This is a great opportunity to clean out all those broken and obsolete electronics and support a good cause! We do ask that you remove the hard drive from your computer before dropping it off. If you are unable to remove it, we’ll do it for you. When CRT Recycling* picks up our collection, they will shred the hard drives and send a “certificate of destruction”.
Here is a list of what we will accept and your costs. If you have any questions, please call 357-6321.
Computer Monitor: $5.00
CPU: 8.00
Keyboard: 2.00
Mouse: .50
Speakers: 2.00
Laptop: 10.00
Accessory wires, cables etc.: No charge
DVD or VHS Player: 3.00
Walkman: 1.00
Copiers/Fax/Scanner: 5.00
Camera/Video/Audio Equip.: 5.00
Stereo: 5.00
Stereo Speakers: 5.00
Phones of any kind: 2.00
Television Plastic: 15.00
Television Wood: 18.00
For Granville residents who are unable to drop off items, please call and we will arrange to pick them up. All donations are tax deductible.
*CRT Recycling is a Massachusetts Class A Permitted Universal Recycling Facility that properly disposes of items that can no longer be accepted by Massachusetts landfills as of April 01, 2000.
A Day In The Life of a Civil War Soldier
The Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation (NCCHP) announces that Dennis D. Picard, Director of Storrowton Village Museum, will participate in the Center's Lecture Series at the Granville factory on August 11, 2010 at 6:30 PM. The subject of his talk will be "A Day in the Life of a Civil War Soldier." Picard will share stories of how the common soldier lived and show examples of their equipment and uniforms. Picard is a captivating speaker who excites and stimulates his audiences’ imagination.
Dennis Picard has been a museum professional in the "Living History" field for almost 30 years. He started out at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Mass., where he was employed for 12 years as a lead interpreter, researching and developing public programs which are performed to the present. He has previously talked and demonstrated ice cutting at the Noble & Cooley Center.
A Westfield resident, Picard has also demonstrated maple syrup open kettle boiling and lectured on the story of Hessian Prisoners during the War of Independence. His background is in sociology and museum studies and he is an expert on the lifestyles and folkways of New England. He also serves as a consultant for Historical Societies and Museums. Picard has held the position of Assistant Director and Director at several sites including Fort Number Four in Charlestown New Hampshire, and the Sheffield Historical Society in the Massachusetts Berkshires.
The program is open to the public. It is free to all NCCHP members; donations gratefully appreciated from guests. Refreshments will be served after the talk.
Dennis Picard has been a museum professional in the "Living History" field for almost 30 years. He started out at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Mass., where he was employed for 12 years as a lead interpreter, researching and developing public programs which are performed to the present. He has previously talked and demonstrated ice cutting at the Noble & Cooley Center.
A Westfield resident, Picard has also demonstrated maple syrup open kettle boiling and lectured on the story of Hessian Prisoners during the War of Independence. His background is in sociology and museum studies and he is an expert on the lifestyles and folkways of New England. He also serves as a consultant for Historical Societies and Museums. Picard has held the position of Assistant Director and Director at several sites including Fort Number Four in Charlestown New Hampshire, and the Sheffield Historical Society in the Massachusetts Berkshires.
The program is open to the public. It is free to all NCCHP members; donations gratefully appreciated from guests. Refreshments will be served after the talk.
