2011 MHS Programs/Events

(updated August 15, 2011)


The following events and programs are scheduled for 2011. More details will be posted as they become available. These events are intended to be part of the overall celebration of the 250th year of the chartering of Manchester in 1761. Except the May 22 fundraiser, all programs are free. All events are open to the public

January 14 7:00PM at Northshire Book Store Michael Bellesiles will speak on the founding of Vermont and of the New Hampshire Grants settlers who fought for the independence of Vermont in the 1700s. He teaches history at Central Connecticut State University and his book Revolutionary Outlaws: Ethan Allen and the Struggle for Independence on the Early American Frontier" was chosen best book of the year by the American Revolution Roundtable.

February 16 7PM Barbara Keough,will speak on the history of the Manchester Health Services and provide a tour of facility. Manchester Health Services was esatablished in 1942 as Manchester Welfare and Nursing. By changing its name, enlarging its staff and offering more programs it has evolved into the areas local Medicare Certified Visiting Nurse Association. The program will present the organizations history and what it does for the community today. Free. At Manchester Health Sevices

March 16 John Griffith will speak on the CCC Camps in the Manchester area. 7 PM First Congregational Church, Manchester. Free

April 20 7PM Celebration of the Manchester Journal's 150 year of publication. Join the fun. Old issues. Special guests. 7PM First Congregation Church 7PM Free

May 18 7 PM Professor Gerald W. McFarland will give a presentation on the true story of the Boorn-Colvin murder case in the early 1800s in Manchester. It has been said this was the first wrongfull murder conviction in the US. McFarland's book on this murder, The Counterfeit Man, is available at the Northshire bookstore and describes many places in Manchester. Location: NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE. 7 PM Free

May 22 1:30 PM "So you think you know Manchester" fund raiser bus tour of Manchester(see details as a separate listing) Save the date.

June 15 7PM Michael Powers will speak on the history of the Shaw Insurance Company in Manchester. Shaw's is one of the long time local organizstions serving Manchester. Free. First Congregational Church.

July 20 6:30 PM The annual popular MHS neighborhood walk this year will explore the Richville section of Manchester. Learn about the Rich Lumber company's use of the neighborhood. Meet at 81 Cass Terrace for parking. Free.

August 11 Manchester Historical Society dedication with Town of the new marker in Factory Point Town Green as part of the 250th celebration of Manchester's chartering in 1761 by Benning Wentworth. The town ceremonies, of which the multi-color marker is a part, will start at the Factory Point Town Green at 12 PM

August 17 Annual Members Picnic. The picnic will be at Hildene. The Woods Tea Company concert starts at 6:00PM so the MHS picnic will begin at 5:30PM which will allow time to eat and go to the concert. Hildene will charge the donation of $5 which includes the concert. The exact location will be indicated at the welcome center. Become a member and join the fun. Questions? call Dick at 362-4314

September 21: 7PM MHS annual meeting to elect the Board for the upcming year and changes in MHS bylaws. The annual meeting portion is usually only about 10 minutes. The program to follow is the reknown Vermont artist/author Peter Miller. More details to follow but any questions contact Dick Smith at 362-4314.
Free everyone welcome at First Congregational Church

October 19 7:00PM Seth Bongartz Executive Director of Hildene will speak on the past and future of Hildene and its role in Manchester. First Congrgational Church. Free Everyone welcome.

November 16 7PM Ted Bird of the Bennington Historical Society will speak on the Ku Klux Klan in Vermont. It will be a PowerPoint presentation. Free. Everyone welcome at First Congrgational Church.

(Details will provided as available on special MHS projects that will support Manchesters celebration of its 250th year of chartering by Benning Wentworth. These activities include: Special exhibit at SVAC; the publication of the Arcadia book "Manchester".