[MassHistPres] Newburyport Preservation Week, May 14 - 22, 2011

[clarosa at comcast.net]

NEWBURYPORT UP FROM THE ASHES – AFTER THE GREAT FIRE 1811– 2011 

Annual Newburyport Preservation Week, May 14 – 22, celebrates the city’s history and architecture on 200 th anniversary of the Great Fire; wide range of events offered for all ages 


Newburyport, MA, celebrates and commemorates historic homes, neighborhoods, wharves, and the Great Fire of 1811 during the fifth annual Newburyport Preservation Week, May 14 through May 22, 2011. Activities spanning nine days will feature something for all ages and interests, including walking and biking tours through neighborhoods steeped in history, a tour of a stately private home, expert panel discussion and presentations on historic renovations and sites, historic photo slide shows, a rare opportunity to explore Ould Newbury Fire Museum, and the annual Historic Preservation Awards. Activities are open to the public and most are free. For more information, visit www.nbptpreservationtrust.org or find Newburyport Preservation Week on Facebook.com. 

Preservation Week offers insight and first-hand access to the rich historic events and architecture that create Newburyport’s character and charm. Anyone who enjoys living in or visiting Newburyport, as well as history enthusiasts and historic homeowners, will find activities that the whole family will enjoy while gaining a greater appreciation for the treasures in this unique and historic community. 

The Newburyport Preservation Trust, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was formed to raise public awareness and to advocate for local historic preservation. Newburyport Preservation Week is presented in partnership with Historic New England and the Custom House Maritime Museum, and is supported in part by a grant from the Newburyport Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 




NEWBURYPORT PRESERVATION WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - MAY 14 – MAY 22, 2011 


SATURDAY, MAY 14 - 

OPENING EVENT: NEWBURYPORT UP FROM THE ASHES - AFTER THE GREAT FIRE 1811-2011 Noon – 1pm, Newburyport Library Program Room, 94 State Street 

Kick-off Preservation Week 2011! Newburyport Preservation Trust member, Planning Board member, and historical architecture enthusiast Bonnie Sontag will give a brief presentation on the Great Fire of 1811 and The Brick Act, which is responsible for the masonry and granite structures visible today in the downtown. Historic photographs will illustrate how the fire-protected structures have survived over the years even as the streets, modes of transportation, fashions, and facades have evolved. Free. 


WALK NEWBURYPORT - 1pm – 3:30pm 

Meet at the Newburyport Library, 94 State Street 

Newburyport Preservation Trust member and architect Greg Colling will lead this walking tour and point out different architectural styles in the historic South End and within a few blocks of city center, including State, Temple, High, Fruit, Federal, and Middle Streets. He will also highlight some fascinating Newburyport historical vignettes and self-guided tours that are featured in Walk Newburyport, a new book from the Newburyport Preservation Trust. Free. 

VINTAGE BASEBALL…IT'S A BLAST! - 11:00am–4:00pm 

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury 

Historic New England presents the Essex Base Ball Club vs. Brooklyn Atlantics, Mudville Base Ball Club and Ipswich Brewers. Using 1861 baseball rules, these fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching, a ball bounced once and caught is an out, and no gloves are allowed. Grass field seating (bring chairs or blankets); beer samples provided by Ipswich Ale. Free for Historic New England members, $5 nonmembers. Weather permitting; 978-462-2634. 

ALL FIRED UP! NEWBURYPORT CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT - 6:30pm reception, 8pm concert 

Henry Learned House, 190 High Street 

Enjoy a reception in an elegant, privately owned Federal style home and garden, then take in an 18th century chamber music concert in the home’s 1803 carriage house (tours and rare photos and artifacts will be presented). The concert features renown violinist Ellen DePasquale, an acclaimed performer and pedagogue with Temple University in Philadelphia, and Joseph Johnson, principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, who will play a 1747 Juan Guillami cello crafted in Barcelona, Spain. Tickets for this Newburyport Preservation Trust fundraiser are $45. Seats are limited and reservations required by calling 978-462-2634. More information at www.nbptpreservationtrust.org 



SUNDAY, MAY 15 - 


BLAZING THE PATH TO PRESERVATION BIKE TOUR - 11am – 1pm 

Meet at Riverside Cycle at The Tannery, Water & Federal Streets 

Bicycling enthusiast and Newburyport Preservation Trust member James Shanley leads a bicycle tour of the North End. The tour will stop at some architectural treasures along Harris, Washington, Munroe, Kent, High, Chapel and Payson Streets, and will include a tour inside one of Newburyport's few brick row houses built in 1845-1846 for Ocean Steam Mills. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Atkinson Common before returning via Merrimack Street. Free. 


VINTAGE BASEBALL…IT'S A BLAST! - 12 noon – 3pm 

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury 

Historic New England presents the Essex Base Ball Club vs. Lynn Live Oaks and Bristol Blues. Using 1861 rules, these fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching, a ball bounced once and caught is an out, and no gloves are allowed. Grass field seating (bring chairs or blankets); beer samples provided by Ipswich Ale. Free for Historic New England members, $5 nonmembers. Weather permitting; 978-462-2634. 

WHARVES OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND - 3pm – 5pm seminar; 5pm reception 

Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street 

Referencing remains of pre-Revolutionary wharves in Portsmouth, NH, Charlestown, Salem and the recent discoveries in Newburyport, Dr. Mitchell Mulholland of UMass Amherst Archaeological Services, and Bill Harris, an attorney, historic preservation advocate and Newburyport Preservation Trust member, will explain how archaeologists and historians interpret these historic structures and waterfront development. This program honors the memory of archaeologist and UMaine professor Alaric Faulkner, whose 1978 publication Port and Market extended understanding of how the tidewaters and filled tidelands of central Newburyport evolved over the last three centuries. Co-sponsored by Custom House Maritime Museum. Free. 



MONDAY, MAY 16 - 
POWDER HOUSES: THEY'RE EXPLOSIVE! - 7pm 

Newburyport Library Program Room, 94 State Street 

Newburyport Preservation Trust members and Powder House Restoration Committee co-chairs Tom Kolterjahn and Karen Holt present a fascinating look at the unique styles and history of Essex County powder houses, including three in Newburyport and the “keepers” who were charged with overseeing them. They will also provide an update on Newburyport’s Low Street Powder House restoration progress, including photos, historical maps, and original documents. A reception will follow the presentation. Free. 



TUESDAY MAY 17 - 

HOT PRESERVATION: INSIDE and OUT - 7pm 

Belleville Church Parish Hall, 300 High Street 

Homeowners and historic home enthusiasts can bring their burning questions for Historic New England’s preservation planner Sally Zimmerman and preservation carpenter David Webb, panelists in this discussion on preservation and rehabilitation options for historic homes. Panelists will highlight preservation choices today using as an example Historic New England’s Lyman Estate (1793) in Waltham, which experienced changes during three distinct architectural periods. Issues of authenticity, preservation values, and cost effectiveness will be considered when answering questions regarding exterior windows, doors, siding, trim, masonry, and roofs, and interior trim, plaster, paper, floor plans and coverings, and paint. 



FRIDAY, MAY 20 - 

FLICKERS OF THE PAST: THE JOSHUA WENTWORTH HOUSE - 7pm 

Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street 

The 1770 Joshua Wentworth House in Portsmouth, NH, has experienced several changes over 250 years, including being shipped by barge to its current location at Strawbery Banke to avoid demolition. Architect and Newburyport Preservation Trust member Linda Miller will present photos and describe the meticulous process of restoring the deteriorated historic home that was completed in 2008, highlighting the differences between restoration and renovation. Following the presentation a "rum fest" reception will be held with tastings of rum provided by Ryan & Wood Distillery, Gloucester, plus wine and other refreshments. Admission $10. 

TALES AND ALES - 6:30pm – 9:30pm 

Swett-Ilsley House Tavern, 4 High Road, Newbury 

In the late 17th century, the Swett-Ilsley House was Swett’s Tavern, one of three watering holes in town. The huge fireplace and massive beams are a perfect backdrop for an evening of historic fun. Enjoy traditional local brews and a hearty tavern dinner while listening to tales of sword fights, scandalous romances, and bloody brawls from Newbury’s storied past. Presented by Historic New England; a dmission $30 members/$50 nonmembers. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634. 



SATURDAY, MAY 21 - 

ANATOMY OF A FIREPLACE - 10am – 2pm 

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury 

Masonry expert Richard Irons gives a behind-the-scenes exploration of the heart of the 17th-century house–the chimney. Using the stacks and hearths at three local early houses, Irons identifies original material, discusses the evolution of chimney technology, and explores how changing foodways and cooking methods influenced changing hearth configuration. Presented by Historic New England; admission: $25 members/$35 nonmembers. Morning refreshments included; optional box lunch: $10. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634. 

SPARKS OF HISTORY HOUSE TOUR - 3pm – 5pm 

63 High Street, Newburyport 

Tour one of the stately Federal Period homes along “the ridge” on High Street and learn the historical context of their imposing presence in early 19 th century Newburyport. Lovingly restored, this private home features many original features, including moldings, interior shutters, stairway balusters and handrails and even wallpaper in one room. The tour will also point out exterior Federal Period features and how the house was modified over time. 

TALES AND ALES - 6:30pm – 9:30pm 

Swett-Ilsley House Tavern, 4 High Road, Newbury 

In the late 17th century, the Swett-Ilsley House was Swett’s Tavern, one of three watering holes in town. The huge fireplace and massive beams are a perfect backdrop for an evening of historic fun. Enjoy traditional local brews and a hearty tavern dinner while listening to tales of sword fights, scandalous romances, and bloody brawls from Newbury’s storied past. Presented by Historic New England; a dmission $30 members/ $50 nonmembers. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634. 



SUNDAY, MAY 22 - 

FIREHOUSES & FIRE TRUCKS: OULD NEWBURY FIRE MUSEUM - 1pm – 3pm 

0 Morgan Ave. (across from the Town Hall) & Upper Green, High Road, Newbury 

The whole family will enjoy a rare occasion to examine firefighting memorabilia and learn about firefighting in centuries past. This museum features the collections of 34-year veteran Newburyport firefighter Stan Dixon, including 19 th century fire buckets, helmets, speaking horns, records and documents, hand-tubs, and 1840s man-powered fire engines. A modern-day fire engine also can be viewed across the street at the Newbury Fire Department. Make an afternoon of it by bringing a picnic lunch, or purchase old-fashioned soda and popcorn on the Newbury Upper Green. 

THE GLOWING RESULTS! 2011 PRESERVATION AWARDS - 4:30pm – 5pm 

Phoenix Room, 19 Inn Street, third floor, Newburyport 

Celebrate outstanding individuals for their contributions toward protecting and preserving Newburyport’s historic character and building heritage. 2011 Newburyport Preservation Trust Preservation Awards will recognize winners in categories such as: Stewardship; Exterior Restoration; Interior Restoration; Sensitive Addition to a Historic Structure; Historic Landscape Restoration; Historic Sensitive Contractor/Builder; and Sustainable Historic Structure. Free; photo slide show of fires and firefighting and reception follow at 5:15pm and 6pm. 
NEWBURYPORT FIRES & FIREFIGHTING OVER TWO CENTURIES - 5:15pm – 5:45pm 
Photographer Robert M. Currier presents an insightful talk and presentation of photos and engravings of memorable fires and firefighting in Newburyport over the past two centuries. Free; reception follows at 6pm. 
CLOSING RECEPTION PARTY - 6pm 
Celebrate the conclusion of the fifth annual Newburyport Preservation Week with light refreshments and a cash bar. 

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