Video Programs

Letters from Sudbury, A History of the Postal Service

Speaker Steven Greene traces the history of the various post office locations in South Sudbury, Sudbury, and North Sudbury from 1832 to the present. Examples of mail from these offices reveal stories about the inhabitants and the character of the town over more than 175 years of mail service. The types of mail and postage used further explain the operation of the postal service. A special section highlights the many commemorative and event covers originating in Sudbury.

Annual Meeting and Loring Parsonage Update

After a brief business meeting to elect Officers and Trustees, there will be a presentation about the Loring Parsonage repurposing project to include an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the renovations that have been going on. The SHS will also share its expectations for the coming year as the SHS prepares to open the Sudbury History Center.

Herb Gardening through a Sustainable Lens

Norma Weinberg, an herbal educator, writer, speaker, Master Gardener, and “what grows where” world traveler, will present an illustrated lecture about what it means to be a sustainable gardener and why herb gardening is eco-friendly. Weinberg, who is also the former chair of the New England Unit of the Herb Society of America and who currently serves as the 2019 Education Chair, will also explain that sustainability is a lifestyle that conserves resources and has immediate and long-term rewards.

A History of the Kidder House Bake Shop

Learn about one of Sudbury’s former heritage businesses, the Kidder House Bake Shop. The Kidder House Bake Shop was owned and operated by Theodore and Agnes (Bunny) Brown from 1958-1964 in a c1814 building in Mill Village that was formerly the residence of Captain Enoch Kidder. Sadly the building was lost during the 1999 Mill Village fire, but the commercial block was redeveloped and Duck Soup, Franco’s, and many other businesses stand on the site. Linda Brown O’Brien and Stephen Brown will talk about their parents’ shop, the significance of the Kidder name, what a day in the life of a baker entailed, and the Bake Shop’s specialties such as donuts, breads, decorated cakes, and baked beans on Saturdays.

The History of Henry Ford's Carding Mill

Join Chris Hagger, Sudbury resident and Chair of the Sudbury Historical Commission, for an illustrated talk on the history of Carding Mill, including its purchase and reconstruction in Sudbury. The Margaret Fredrickson Memorial Lecture will be held each November to honor the memory of our beloved SHS member, volunteer, and friend, Peggy Fredrickson, who dedicated many years of service to the advancement of local history education.

Stories in Stone

The hills and valleys of New England are dotted with living prayers of stone (Ceremonial Stone Landscapes) created by the indigenous peoples of this region. These stone structures were built to create and restore harmony between human beings and Mother Earth. The prayers that they embody continue to live as long as the stones are kept intact.

In response to Eversource’s proposed Sudbury to Hudson Transmission Project, the Town of Sudbury and local nonprofit Protect Sudbury invited regional tribal experts Doug Harris and Bettina Washington (Historic Preservation Officers for the Narragansett and Wampanoag Tribes) to conduct a preliminary walkthrough and assessment of whether Eversource’s proposed clearing might impact sacred ceremonial stone landscapes.

Stories in Stone

Join monument conservator Ta Mara Conde of Historic Gravestone Services, for an illustrated talk on early American burial grounds. Discover the meaning of symbols adorning historic gravestones and follow their evolution through society’s changing attitude towards death. Learn about geology found in local burial grounds and how the styles of stones and materials used changed with the times. Also discussed will be preservation and conservation techniques and standards which guide conservators in their work. Ms. Conde has over 18 years’ experience in her field working on projects across the nation. In Conde’s words, burial grounds are outdoor museums to the average man, accessible and open to all. The stones reveal the history of the town and the people who lived there through the stories on the stones.

See historicgravestone.weebly.com for information about Ta Mara Conde's work.

Look at This! A Show & Tell of the SHS Collections

Join the SHS Collections Team to see a curated display of some of the SHS’s special collections. An opportunity to hear about some new acquisitions and items rarely seen before!

Prior to the Show and Tell program we will conduct our short Annual Business Meeting with three agenda items:

The History and Evolution of The Sudbury Senior Center

Just a few years ago, the Sudbury Senior Center was located in the parsonage of a local church. Its space and offerings were minimal. From those humble beginnings, the Center has evolved into the dynamic institution of today — one that offers opportunities for lifelong learning, resources for health maintenance and education, travel, entertainment, and more, much more. The story of this evolution is a fascinating one. It involves dedicated volunteers with a vision and also local politics.

The program will be led by former Sudbury Senior enter Director Ruth Griesel and current Director Debra Galloway with additional information provided by past and present Council on Aging members.

If These Halls Could Talk: A History of Sudbury’s Town Hall Buildings

Explore the history and impact of Sudbury’s Town Hall buildings — the first built on the town common in 1846 and the second in 1930 by three resident architects of national and world renown (Ralph Adams Cram, Joseph Everett Chandler, and Charles Henry Way). During the worst years of the Depression the small town of Sudbury organized and sacrificed to recreate a town symbol to anchor Sudbury’s historic community space. Hear what transpired in the building since that time. Also to be discussed will be the Town Hall’s role and impact upon Sudbury and greater town center in the 21st century, as well as the statewide movement to rejuvenate historic town halls. The program is led by Sudbury native Chris Morely, longtime Chair of the Community Preservation Committee and 16 year member of the Planning Board, among numerous other local volunteer endeavors.

The World of Fine Teas: The History and Variety of a Unique Beverage

Join presenter Hartley E. Johnson, owner of Mark T. Wendell Tea Company and Grace Tea Company, two local family-run businesses for three generations, as he offers an understanding of the many aspects of the world of specialty teas, including an overview of the numerous varieties of tea, the history of tea, and its place in cultures around the world.

Trench Art: Art Forged in Fire, Blood and Destruction to Honor the Courage, Duty and Sacrifice of Those Who Would Possess It

Speaker Peter R. Harvell, Retired Lieutenant Colonel USA, will show an exhibit and give a talk that will include artifacts made from debris found on the battlefield. Harvell's collection spans artifacts from the Civil War through to today's conflict and includes cannon shell casings, shrapnel and discarded personal equipment such as bayonets, knives and helmets.

Sudbury School Days - 1940s and 1950s

Speaker Jacqui (MacLean) Bausk along with a panel of classmates, will talk with the audience about what it was like growing up in Sudbury during the “good old days”. Video clips from recent class reunions and old photographs will illustrate the talk.

The Leveller

When Jacqueline Dembar Greene discovered the legend of Westborough’s Tom Cook, the wily colonial figure haunted her until she gave him a voice. Was he a thief, or was he truly leveling off the fortunes of those who had more than they needed with those who never had enough? Metrowest’s own Robin Hood became the kernel for her middle-grade historical novel, The Leveller, set in 1789.

300 Years on Concord Road: A History of the Osborn Family

Using original sources, David Colombo, a descendent of the Osborn family, will present the history of his family's farms telling personal accounts about his ancestors who lived in Sudbury for generations. He'll show photographs, heirlooms and antiques used in the everyday life at the homesteads.

History of Wolbach Farm

Alice Wellington, a Concord-based photographer and grand-niece of Burt and Anna Wolbach who bought the farm in 1936 presents family recollections and the accomplishments and pursuits of the Wolbachs. Known as Winter Brook Farm, the home of Dr. S. Burt Wolbach, a prominent Harvard Medical School pathologist and his wife, Anna Wellington Wolbach, a Radcliffe alumna, was the gathering place for family Thanksgiving celebrations for generations. The home was named for the stream that ran trough the farm all winter long.

Mount Wadsworth Cemetery

SHS summer intern Gillian Vesely's video tour of Wadsworth Cemetery on Concord Road narrated by Elin Niederman. The cemetery is home to the Wadsworth Monument marking the burial site of the men killed in the King Phiip War, monuments to the Sudbury residents who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the burial sites of over a thousand Sudburians.

History of Wolbach Farm

Alice Wellington, a Concord-based photographer and grand-niece of Burt and Anna Wolbach who bought the farm in 1936 will present family recollections and the accomplishments and pursuits of the Wolbachs.

Known as Winter Brook Frarm, the home of Dr. S. Burt Wolbach, a prominent Harvard Medical School pathologist and his wife, Anna Wellington Wolbach, a Radcliffe alumna, was the gathering place for family Thanksgiving celebrations for generations. The home was named for the stream that ran trough the farm all winter long.

The History of Power Line Battles

In the 50's and again in the 60's Boston Edison attempted to put high tension power lines through Sudbury. Knowing this history is important to understand the town's battle with Eversource today. A look back at the attempts to put high tension lines through Sudbury will be presented by Katina Fontes former professor of History and Heritage Studies at Regis College. Chris Hamilton, Board Member of Protect Sudbury, will conclude the program with a brief update on Protect Sudbury’s efforts.

The League of Women Voters: Helping to Shape Sudbury’s History for 60 Years

An illustrated talk in honor of Women’s History Month. LWV Board member and former President Sue Abrams will talk about the history and founding of the League in 1957 and the various League-sponsored studies that have impacted Sudbury’s civic life ever since.

Ezekiel How: Innkeeper, Soldier, Citizen

In honor of the Inn’s 300th Anniversary enjoy our program with reenactor Tony Howes detailing Ezekiel How’s involvement in Sudbury life before, during and after the Revolution.

A Little Bit of Sweden, A History of Svensk Kaffestuga

An illustrated talk by Elin Neiterman, with Lisa Forsberg, granddaughter of the restaurant’s owners. Elin and Lisa will discuss the history of the restaurant that stood at 394 Boston Post Road.

Early Maps of Sudbury: Who Made them and Why

Speaker Jan Hardenbergh discusses his newly published book, Historical Maps of Sudbury, Massachusetts and the six early maps of Sudbury from 1707-1889. Maps from the collection of Robert Maier were on display.

Where They Were and How They Grew

A look at Sudbury schools from early days to 1900. Preceded by the SHS annual meeting.

Sudbury’s Road to the Revolutionary War (1765-1775)

A dramatic reading of Sudbury Town Meetings and the diary of Experience Richardson in the context of the historian’s overview. Produced and directed by Peg Fredrickson.

The Untold Story of Henry Ford’s Underground Cooling Plant

Richard Gnatowski (the miller of the Grist Mill) and Dr. Tony Howes present the Untold Story of Henry Ford’s Underground Cooling Plant (next to the Grist Mill) including related significant stories.

Memories of Sudbury School Days

Sudbury Schools from 1940-1954 as seen by Jacqui Bausk.

Wheeling, Dealing, A Dump and Sudbury’s Future

The story of the Wheeler Family’s war with Wayland and Sudbury and how the town boundaries were made. Our presenter is Ernie Beer, a Society member and regular presenter of interesting programs about local people, places and things.

Sudbury Plantation Un-covered: Archaeological Evidence of the First Residents

Celebrate Archaeology Month with Tonya Largy, Wayland resident and archaeological consultant specializing in the analysis of plant and animal remains from archaeological sites.

The Men who Marched to Concord, April 19, 1775

Presented by Dan Meenan and George Quintal. Each man had his own history and his own family and George will introduce us to these individual men who marched to fight in Concord and the route they took to get there.

War Memorials of Sudbury

Rachel Goodrich presents an overview of Sudbury’s Monuments and Memorials including interesting facts discovered while researching them and an update on the Sudbury Monument Restoration Project.

Rev. Edmund Brown's Library: a Concert Drawn from a Puritan Minister's Musical Interests

A concert in honor of one of the founders and the first minister of the Sudbury Plantation, the Reverend Edmund Brown. Brown, a good-standing Puritan minister and wealthy citizen of the plantation (possessing the largest amount of property in the plantation) was also an amateur musician, traveling to the colony with a bass viol and his library of 180 books. Since any records of exactly what books he had no longer exist, the concert attempts to recreate the books of music that would have been in the Rev. Brown’s library. The selections were based on the most popular pieces for viols and church music in 16th-17th century England, featuring pieces by Byrd, Gibbons, Kirbye, and more.

The concert is performed on period-instruments by 4 members of the Boston-area viol consort “Long & Away” and soprano Sarah Orlovsky.

Railroads in Sudbury

Knowledgeable railroad enthusiasts Dick Williamson, Henry Keutmann and Bill Davies will tell of the two railroads that served Sudbury.

The King Philip War in Sudbury

Town Historian Lee Swanson brings to life what happened in Sudbury in April 1676. Lee discloses new facts about the battle that almost forced the settlers into the ocean. King Philip's ambushes were brilliantly deployed by starving warriors. The largest, longest battle was here in greater Sudbury.

Puritans Make a Village

Join us for our kick off of Sudbury's 375th Anniversary Celebration. Hal Cutler will use his extensive knowledge of the Goodnow family and Sumner Chilton Powell's Pulitzer Prize winning book Puritan Village - The Formation of a New England Town to provide a look at the beginning of Sudbury.

Genealogy 101

A 2 hour introductory genealogy seminar taught by experts Elin Neiterman and Rachel Goodrich, that will provide beginners with the foundational skills and tools to begin researching their family tree including tips for getting started, important genealogical resources and keys to organizing information. Ms. Goodrich has a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University.

Rev. Israel Loring of Sudbury (1682-1772)

Jane Graham talks about Rev. Israel Loring who served the town for 66 years and left extensive journals.

Vision of Our Future

Join us for an Ice Cream Social with all the fixings as we thank our members and volunteers. We'll present a Vision of Our Future.

Melodeon Reed Organ

A Sudbury Historical Society Treasure Talk about the Melodeon Reed Organ, narrated by musicologist Stephen Loikith.

Hattie Goodnow's Life and Legacy

Hattie Goodnow's Life and Legacy told by Ernie Beer. The story of a Sudbury spinster School Teacher who taught herself photography & chronicled life in Sudbury and elsewhere from the 1890's to the 1940's.

Camera of Hattie Goodnow

A Sudbury Historical Society Treasure Talk about Hattie Goodnow's camera.

The History of the (Recreated) Sudbury Companies of Militia & Minute, in Fact & Fiction

The History of the (Recreated) Sudbury Companies of Militia & Minute, in Fact & Fiction presented by Dr. Anthony Howes (with tongue firmly planted in cheek) and a cast of thousands.

Isaac Edrehi  The “Spanish Jew”

A remarkable new look at Isaac Edrehi, the “Spanish Jew”, one of the characters in Longfellow's Tales of a Wayside Inn. Presented by Joyce Michel, with the help of Richard Gnatowski.

History Matters!

William Hosley, celebrated historian and scholar presents a Picture Show & Talk about the need to rekindle awe, aspiration and civic attachment. In other words, let's rebuild Sudbury Community spirit!

Book Launch of Sudbury in Arcadia's Images of America

Watch our book launch of Sudbury in Arcadia's Images of America series. After 56 years (finally) the Society published our own picture book of historical photographs. The images are shown on screen with a detailed commentary. Copies of the book are available in our store (and they make perfect gifts).

The Real Wayside Inn

Brian Plumb presents his new picture book of the Wayside Inn, and tells the stories behind the pictures. An active member of the Fife & Drum, he fell in love with our old Inn, and then he did something about it — he wrote A History of Longfellow's Wayside Inn.

Discover Historic Sudbury Center

Discover Historic Sudbury Center with our walking tour for the family. Five Historic Buildings are open. Tour Guides accompany each group. Presenters are at twelve sites and a cast of characters are within the buildings. Includes a performing organist and surprises! Presented in conjunction with the League of Women Voters and the Sudbury Historical Commission.

The Nelson Fairbank Diaries, 1870 to 1880

The Nelson Fairbank Diaries, 1870 to 1880 as told by Ernie Beer and Sally Barrett. Enjoy this entertaining window into the daily life of a skilled mason.

The Jacob Bigelow, Jr. Story

Follow the story of the son of a Sudbury preacher to fame and fortune. Jacob also helped found Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

The South Sudbury Naborhood

The South Sudbury Naborhood (King Philip Historic District) as told by Gretchen Schuler, eminent house historian.

The Camp Sewataro Story

The Camp Sewataro Story as told by Bill Dowie and the Taylor Family. Hear about a Summer Day Camp, in the middle of Sudbury that has quietly served the public for 50+ years.

Signature Quilts & the Stories They Tell

Signature Quilts & the Stories They Tell as told by Pamela Weeks — author and curator of the New England Quilt Museum.

Appraisal Day: Antiques and Collectibles

Stuart Slavid of Skinner’s Auction Gallery fame and “Antiques Roadshow” TV show will value your items for this fun event! Only $10 an item. You can just come and watch or you can have your item appraised. Only 50 items will be appraised. Please note that coins, stamps, jewelry and musical instruments are excluded.

Book Launch for “From your loving son” Civil War Correspondence and Diaries of Private George F. Moore and His Family

Join us for the launch of our new book “From your loving son” Civil War Correspondence and Diaries of Private George F. Moore and His Family. Based on our unique collection of letters from the front, our book includes rare answering letters from the family. Edited by Mary Ellen Hoover, Elin Williams Neiterman, and E. Dianne James, a dramatic reading of a selection of the letters will be featured.

Walking Tour of Historic Sudbury Center

Meet an Indian, Mrs. Loring, Rev. Loring, and the Pound Keeper, and hear words from the grave. This is a 90 minute tour with an introduction by Lee Swanson.

Ancestor Day with the Noyes Family

Celebrate the Noyes Family, one of Sudbury’s founding families, presented by Amy Bowker Noyes. Paul Weis (who played the part of founder Peter Noyes in the 1989 play “Town Meeting Tonight”) participates with some songs from that play. Recent Noyes family gifts to the Society are displayed, including documented quilts from this historic family.

History of the Ti-SALES Neighborhood

Learn about the history of the Ti-SALES neighborhood, including the railroad station, Young's store, Stiles Coal, etc. Lee Swanson, Bert Tighe and members of the SHS share their pictures and memories of the changes through the years.

Town Meeting Tonight

Paula Adelson joins us 22 years later as we revisit the late Dr. Bill Adelson's play, which was the high point of our town's 350th Celebration in 1989. Come for a taste of this Broadway caliber original music and lyrics (mostly by Ken Getz and Steve Espinola who are present) with a remarkable cast.

Ice — The Old Fashioned Way

Richard Gnatowski (the miller at the Wayside Inn Grist Mill) will show displays and a newly made film that teaches us how to cut ice (from a millpond!) for your wooden ice box.

Memoirs of Betty Farmer

Sudbury Historical Society, Inc. presents the Memoirs of Betty Farmer interviewed by Josephine Kieswetter.

The Sudbury Savoyards

The Sudbury Savoyards remember their fifty years of bringing Gilbert & Sullivan performances to the area. Come join us for a joyous event of live entertainment, stories, videos and displays. Humming along to well-loved tunes will be encouraged!

The Mary Rowlandson Story

The Mary Rowlandson Story portrayed by actress Katie Green. In 1676, during King Philip's War, Mary Rowlandson was captured in Lancaster. She was a prisoner for eleven weeks in which time she traveled over 200 miles while serving King Philip and his family. After her release, she published a diary in which the Sudbury Fight is mentioned many times. This special program is funded by the Sudbury Cultural Council.

Wayside Inn Boys School (1928-1947)

The story of the Wayside Inn Boys School (1928-1947), as told through the eyes and experience of Carmino (Moose) Longhi, one of the school's graduates (class of 1942). He was given a chance to succeed in life by Henry Ford, and he took it!

The Black Hole in the Map of Sudbury

Lee Swanson, Karen Riggert and others prepare us for the opening of the new Visitor Center at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge with a presentation on the history of the ARNWR land using photos, video maps and first person accounts of the pre WW II use of the land as well as the WW II use of the land. Learn about those mysterious bunkers!

Ancestor Day - The Fairbanks Family

Celebrate one of Sudbury's early families, the Fairbanks Family, presented by the director of the Fairbanks House in Dedham.

The Cavicchio Family Story

Paul Cavicchio recounts the Cavicchio Family Story. Hear from the grandson of the man who stood up to Henry Ford!

The Francis Koppeis Story: Innkeeper Extraordinaire

Ann Koppeis Bowles tells the story of her father, Innkeeper Extraordinaire from 1959 to 1989, who brought Life, Love and Hospitality to the Wayside Inn.

Farm Life in South Sudbury

Early 20th Century Views of life as it was, via the Ames and Smith family picture albums. Over 250 acres on the Framingham line on Landham Road and Woodside Road is shown "as it was" with stories told by Ernie Beer.

Best Kept Secret in Our Town!

Sudbury's The Concord Review, famous all over the world is not known here! Since 1987, it has published 835 history research papers written by High School Students from 36 countries. Three students have gone on to win Rhodes Scholarships. Meet the founder Will Fitzhugh and hear his story.

SHS Art Show

For one day only, the Sudbury Historical Society's Art Collection will displayed with the help of Fred Scott (former owner of the Scott Gallery). Sudbury artists including E. Helene Sherman, Florence Hosmer, Gertrude Rice, Jane Brown, Thelma McAlpine Ernst and rare examples of unknown Sudbury artsits will be on display.

Ancestor Day - The Rice Family

Celebrating Sudbury's founding families, this year hear about the Rice Family as told by George and Michael Rice of the Edmund Rice (1638) Association.

Raymond's where you bot the hat Department Store

The story of "Raymond's" where you bot the hat Department Store, the Raymonds of Raymond Road Sudbury and Frank I. Dorr of Framingham. Presented with help from the Framingham Historical Society.

A Pox On You

The History of the Small Pox Contagion in Sudbury with Dr. Anthony Howes and a cast of the forgotten. The Pest House and the Small Pox Cemetery at Mt Nobscot (recently put under permanent conservation restrictions by the Knox Trail Council Boy Scouts and the citizens of Sudbury) are also included.

Magical Mystery Tour of Historic Sudbury

Take a Virtual Tour of Historic Sudbury, without getting out of your seat. Visit sites which you may have heard of, but never managed to get to. No mosquito spray necessary! No hip waders or rubber boots! Just sit back and enjoy Terry Keeney and Anthony Howes' guided tour.

The George F. Moore Civil War Diaries and Letters

The Society purchased (by public subscription in 2000) the two way correspondence of Sudbury Civil War soldier George Moore and his family. The letters were transcribed by Mary Ellen Hoover and the late Virginia Maenpaa and more recently, George's diaries and a Moore family diary have also been transcribed. This combined material reads like a great movie script, so listen and go back in time.

Sudbury Remembers Babe Ruth

Sudbury Remembers Sudbury's Babe Ruth, with the owner of the Babe Ruth House, Dennis Gavin and his son Lee who may well have broken the Curse of the Bambino. With all new stories, and facts, and artifacts. Plus pictures you have never seen before. Meet the Big Bambino here!