Explore local history and its connection to the present through our engaging, thought-provoking adult programs. Led by professional educators, our programs use art, artifacts, documents, and more to uncover Newton’s history.

We offer lectures, workshops, private walking tours, and guided visits to both our museums. Programs cover a variety of topics and villages of Newton. See below for a sample of the topics we offer.

Plan Your Program

Programs can take place at the Jackson Homestead, the Durant Kenrick House and Grounds, or at your site. Programs are typically 1 hour long. See a full list of program offerings at the bottom of this page.

Cost

Lecture: $125
Private Walking Tour: $125
Guided Visit to the Museum(s): starting at $50
Film Showing: $100

Book Your Program

Use this Google form to book a program. You can also email education@historicnewton.org or call 617-796-1463. Once the form is submitted, a Historic Newton staff member will reach out to you to confirm your program. Please note that submission of your reservation request does not
guarantee your program is booked.

Program Types and Topics

Lectures

During our thought-provoking and engaging lectures, educators use slideshows of
historic photos, art, maps, and more to connect the past to the present. The fee for a lecture is $125. Here are the topics we regularly offer:

Black Newton: Building a Community
Black history has always been an integral part of Newton History. In this lecture, learn about the important place of Black Newtonians in our city, from Newton’s earliest days through the 21st century. We’ll examine experiences in slavery and freedom, the development of West Newton’s historically Black neighborhood, the impact of redlining and the construction of the MassPike, and the people whose efforts today keep Newton’s community and history a vital and thriving
part of who we are.

History of Newton
How did Newton go from the home of Native people, to Cambridge Village, to the city we know today? Using historic photos, art, and maps, trace 400 years of Garden City history beginning with Native settlements in the 1600s through farming, factories, railroads, air rights, and other major changes to the present day.

Journey on the Underground Railroad
For hundreds of years slavery existed in Massachusetts. Learn about the legal battles, local and national historical events, and the roles of both Blacks and whites in the struggle for freedom and equality. Hear stories of freedom seekers who traveled on the underground railroad and the role of Newtonians in the anti-slavery movement, including the Jackson family who ran an underground railroad station at their home.

*NEW* Newton and the American Revolution
In recognition of America’s 250th birthday, explore what life was like at the time of the American Revolution. Meet Newtonians who tackled tough debates, served their country, and lived their everyday lives in a time of turmoil.

Where We Stand Archaeological evidence tells us that Native Peoples have inhabited this land for thousands of years. Learn about the lifeways of early Massachusett and Nipmuc tribes and their encounters with colonists. Handle artifacts to get a better understanding of how they sustained their community throughout the centuries.

Private Walking Tours

Lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle, and join us on a walking tour! Our educators can lead walking tours in most villages on many different topics. Past walking tours have included: Auburndale in the early 20th century; history of Crystal Lake; design of Newton Centre playground; and more! We go at a leisurely pace and typically cover around 1 mile, but can make most walks shorter or longer. The fee for a walking tour is $125.

Guided Visit to the Museum(s)

The fee for a museum visit is dependent on group size, but starts at $50.

Jackson Homestead and Museum
A guided visit to the newly renovated Jackson Homestead includes a 30-45 minute tour of the new exhibit "Newton: The City We Make." Explore how ordinary people, over centuries, have shaped the city we know today, through the landscape, cultural makeup, and movements for change. Please note that the second floor of the museum is not wheelchair accessible.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
A guided visit to the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds includes a 30-45 minute tour of the historic house. Visit the museum exhibits, handle reproduction artifacts, and learn more about Newton’s past through the three families that lived here. Please note that the second floor of the museum is only partially wheelchair accessible.

Film Showing

Host a viewing party of one of our informative and interesting films on Newton’s history. The fee is $100. Films include:

Myrtle Baptist Church: Pillar of the Community
The story of a close-knit African-American community in West Newton and the church that sustains it.

Return to Norumbega
A history of Norumbega Park and the Totem Pole Ballroom, which operated in Newton from 1897 to the mid 1960s.

An Uncommon Education
The West Newton English and Classical School (the Allen School) in West Newton empowered its students to develop their talents while moving society decisively toward general and racial equality.

Reach out to us at education@historicnewton.org with questions.