2022 Chronicles Schedule - Stay Tuned for More Info!
All Chronicles lectures are held at the Cotuit Library at 7pm unless otherwise noted. Donations are welcome. The Cotuit Chronicles program is a way for the Historical Society to collaborate with history professionals and share their knowledge with the Cotuit Community. Typically lectures are held on the second or third Thursday of the month from June- October. If are interested in presenting a lecture, please contact the HSSC office at 508-428-0461. See 2021 schedule below for a sampling of what has been offered in the past.
All Chronicles lectures are held at the Cotuit Library at 7pm unless otherwise noted. Donations are welcome. The Cotuit Chronicles program is a way for the Historical Society to collaborate with history professionals and share their knowledge with the Cotuit Community. Typically lectures are held on the second or third Thursday of the month from June- October. If are interested in presenting a lecture, please contact the HSSC office at 508-428-0461. See 2021 schedule below for a sampling of what has been offered in the past.
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Thursday, June 10 (via Zoom)
New Ways to Learn About Old Homes Speaker: Phil Odence RECORDING OF THIS PRESENTATION HERE If the walls could speak, hundreds of houses in Cotuit and Santuit would tell endless tales. Within the walls of the HSSC are fat paper files containing many of those houses’ stories. Recently the society has been engaged going more digital. A fun and informative manifestation of that effort is the Historical Homes map we launched in the winter. Philip, who conceived of the project, will show off how the map helps to unearth the stories of some of those houses. He’ll talk about the process of developing it and also discuss the direction going forward. You’ll learn about how to learn from the map and even how you, if so inspired, can contribute. A lifelong summer resident of the Village, Philip now resides full time at 15 Old Shore Road. Restoring that 200+ year old home sparked his interest in Cotuit’s history. The result is his working on a number of special projects for the HSSC with the Historical Homes map at the fore. Philip continues to have a full time real job, but between virtual meetings and historical research can be seen walking or running the village streets usually contemplating its older houses. In the warmer months, he’s an active Skiff racer and lawn mower and also plays guitar in local band Cape Jazz. |
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Thursday, July 15
"The Wreck, Rescue and War of Bethuel Gifford Handy" Speaker: David Churbuck Join David Churbuck as he takes a look back at the colorful life of B.G. Handy, who was shipwrecked off the coast of Siberia in 1858, walked across a frozen sea and miles of wielderness to save his crew, spent the winter in a remote Russian penal colony, and was reunited the following year with his brother-in-law, fellow Cotuit captain, Thomas Chatfield. David Churbuck, who has had a distinguished career in journalism and marketing, has deep roots in Cotuit, having spent summers here growing up and now living in his great-great grandfather's house. |
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Thursday, August 19
1919: The Year That Changed America Speaker: Martin W. Sandler Martin Sandler will discuss his National Book Award-winning book, 1919: The Year That Changed America 1919 was a world-shaking year. America was recovering from World War I and black soldiers returned to racism so violent that that summer would become known as the Red Summer. The suffrage movement had a long-fought win when women gained the right to vote. Laborers took to the streets to protest working conditions; nationalistic fervor led to a communism scare; and temperance gained such traction that prohibition went into effect. Each of these movements reached a tipping point that year Now, one hundred years later, these same social issues are more relevant than ever. Sandler traces the momentum and setbacks of these movements through this last century, showing that progress isn't always a straight line and offering a unique lens through which we can understand history and the change many still seek. |
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Thursday, September 16
Discovering the Cape Cod Shore: an intro to marine plants and animals Speaker: Gilbert Newton Discover the fascinating diversity of life at the edge of the sea with Gil Newton as he takes you on a tour of the Cape Cod seashore, discussing many of the common plants and animals that make up this essential marine habitat. You'll learn about the various types of seaweeds, their uses, and ecological values. In addition, common shellfish such as quahogs, razor clams, and scallops will be discussed. The economic and environmental significance of horseshoe crabs will also be part of this tour as well as many other species, from jellyfish to coastal crabs to sponges. Find out how these and other living things survive in one of the most hostile environments on the Cape. Learn about their unique adaptations as they interact closely with the physical environment. After this talk, you will want to explore these areas on your own once again. |
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Thursday, Oct. 14
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