As part of the exhibit "Lydia Maria Child: Author & Abolitionist," Boston University faculty member Kyna Hamill will survey the many portraits made of Lydia Maria Child over her lifetime, and how she was enthusiastic to have her likeness made by popular artists working in various media such as painting, silhouette, daguerreotype and photography.  See all four of Child's portraits together for the first time. Refreshments to follow.

Susanna Rowson (1762-1824), an early American best-selling author, ran a girls school in Medford in 1799. Steven Epley, a professor of English at Samford University, is the author of "Susanna Rowson: Sentimental Prophet of Early American Literature," published in 2016. Thanks to a grant from Mass Humanities, the MHSM is hosting Epley as a Scholar In Residence from September 5-25. At this event, he will lead a roundtable discussion on researching Medford in the 18th century. Epley also will speak…

This year marks the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. It was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and adopted on August 18, 1920. It was a long road from the founding of our country until 1919. The Women's Rights Movement was initiated in Massachusetts, with the first convention held in Worcester. Join historian Barbara Berenson for a talk about the role that Massachusetts and some of its citizens…

The public is invited to the Medford Historical Society & Museum's Holiday Party to meet Civil War Private Solomon Pierce of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, portrayed by character interpreter Joseph Zellner. Private Pierce was the father of four, whose eldest son was killed in action in the Second Assault of the Battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina, in July 1863. That fall, Pierce and his second son enlisted in the Union Army. This program marks a…

John Brown's raid on the Harpers Ferry arsenal in 1859 brought the United States one step closer to civil war. Many people in the South hated Brown and considered him a deranged fanatic. And while his actions were misunderstood and condemned in the North, a small but vocal group of New England writers, poets and abolitionists did their best to make Brown a hero. It was, after all, a "secret six" coalition of New Englanders — including Medford resident George…

The Medford Historical Society & Museum resumes its History on Hops Series, hosting the program “Demystifying Medford Myths” at the newly renovated MHSM building. This edition of History on Hops — enlightening talks combined with socializing and conversation — will shine a light on some of the most famous Medford Myths that have circulated for centuries. Learn the truth (and source) of some of the most common mistakes made about Medford’s rich local history. Speakers include Medford historian Dee Morris…

The Medford Historical Society & Museum invites you to "An Evening at the Museum Toy Drive & A History of Medford in 5 Objects," an end-of-year fundraiser for the organization. Come get a glimpse of Medford’s rich history through the discussion of five unique objects or images from the MHSM collection, led by Kyna Hamill and Dee Morris. Medford Brewing Company will generously donate beer for those 21-and-over in attendance. A donation of $10 to help support MHSM is appreciated.…