Annual Report Th - e D uxbury R ural & H istorical Society

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Report of the PresidentWe have finished a stellar year in keeping with our mission and our oversight – maintaining, improving and growing the organization, its historical properties, lands and collections, educating the town about our heritage and our history, and looking to the future. Because, it is the town of Duxbury that the DRHS is about. Hence our tagline, Place Matters.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank our members for their unending, generous support of the DRHS. I want to welcome new members to an organization that plays a vital role in the spirit of Duxbury. Our Board is one of the most talented boards I’ve had the privilege to work with, bringing commitment, experience and vital skills to the DRHS. Hundreds of volunteers, including 14 active committees, also contribute to the success of the organization, a fact that should make us all proud. All of these volunteers give us a remarkable amount of time, commitment and innovative thinking. It’s been a privilege to work with them as well. And we have an extraordinary staff, overseeing all the activity.

Our financials are healthy and stable. Our annual audit was seamless. The grants we received were well targeted to our needs, especially in property maintenance. Our programs well attended and we welcomed more than 1,000 schoolchildren through our educational programs.

We have also increased our efforts in educating Duxbury residents, not only about the town’s history but defining our role to the town’s population and enriching their understanding of who we are and how we impact the wealth of the town’s deep past. One such effort this year was to put interpretive signage on key lands properties, raising our profile among the general public and helping to illustrate the historical and environmental ties between the holdings of the DRHS.

Finally I want to mention something that happened this year that was the "icing on the cake for me." A few years ago, the Hoyt family donated Samuel Delano’s 1791 log book from the ship Grace, which documents the first contact between Japan and an American vessel. It is the only known American perspective of the event, which occurred well before historians had documented first contact by Admiral Perry in the 1850s. With the help of a handful of generous donors, the DRHS was able to conserve the logbook this year, preserving it for posterity even as we continue to learn more about the document, including that it was made with an Asian binding! That’s historian heaven.

Now we’re on to the exciting year: 2020 and the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim landing. It is going to be a fascinating and engaging year. Thank you again for your vital, dedicated, and continued support. It is central to the success and health of the DRHS.

Respectfully Submitted,Sally Redmond

Board of Trustees Sally Redmond, President

Peter Rapelye, Vice PresidentDavid Uitti, Treasurer

Drew Strawbridge, ClerkAmy Annis

Scott CasagrandeBarbara HayesWoody Lawson

Pat LoringJayne Talmage O’Farrell

Paul WalesDonna Wood

StaffErin McGough, Executive Director

Carolyn Ravenscroft, Archivist & HistorianCarly Olson, Office Manager

Melanie Correia, Collections ManagerSabrina Kaplan, Outreach Manager

rev. March 2020

You will read in this report the many accomplishments and congratulations due to the members, volunteer, donors, and staff that support this great organization. In myriad ways, 2019 was characterized by the gratification of seeing the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society operate at its zenith – healthy, invigorated, innovative and striving towards more. It has been a truly satisfying year and I am honored to have been a part of it. Perhaps nothing is more emblematic of this spirit than our new website which was launched in 2019: www.duxburyhistory.org. I hope you will visit, if you have not already!

Following the plan laid forth in the 2019 Strategic Plan, we continue to move forward in a number of important areas identified by strategic planning. As you read this report, I encourage you to digest the news through the lens of our strategic goals:• Engaging Audiences; • Encouraging Volunteerism; • Building our Community; • Activating our Collections; • Cultivating Leadership; • Financing Excellence; • Exploring Horizon Issues.

These guiding principles illuminated all the decisions made at the DRHS this year, in every step getting us closer to who we want to be and where we want to go.

Newly configured Membership and Development Committees chaired by Drew Strawbridge and Barbara Hayes, respectively, now have dynamic and experienced individuals at the helm and are driving much-needed revenue, but also community engagement. The Lands Committee continues to do important work, guiding the DRHS Lands Portfolio to its rightful place as a valued collection, deserving of the same guidance, preservation and ethical decision making as any other collections at the DRHS. The Nominating Committee has also grown, cultivating the next generation of board leadership at the DRHS and strategically planning our organization's advancement.

This year we say goodbye to long time Board Member and DRHS Trustee, John Bear, under whose careful guidance the DRHS has prospered and grown stronger. John’s cheer and calm navigation will be missed, but we are very glad to have had him for such a long time. As of this report, we will also be bidding goodbye to stalwart Board Member and DRHS Clerk, Bill McArdle. In addition to serving as Chair of the Publications Committee, Bill has been the DRHS representative at the Local Historic District Commission. He will continue on in both of these efforts, but we wish to warmly thank him for his service. I’d also like to acknowledge the recent election of Peter Rapelye as Vice President and Drew Strawbridge as the Clerk for the Board of Trustees.

The DRHS continues to benefit from an experienced and enthusiastic staff: many thanks to all of them for their perseverance and dedication to the organization. I’d like to thank outgoing Visitor Services Coordinator, Peter Donohoe, for his four years in charge of summer seasonal visitation to the historic

Committee Rosters houses. We wish him all the best in future endeavors. I am pleased to announce that Collections Manager, Melanie Correia, will be adding the position of Visitor Services Coordinator to her current job responsibilities. This will be a crucial piece in our operations, as we look forward to a busy 2020 and its 400th Plymouth commemoration.

At 136 years old, this spry organization is eagerly anticipating the coming year, which we anticipate to be busier than usual with visitors from out of town. But we have our eyes on issues that will continue to impact the organization in the long term, as well. This constant introspection, I believe, is a mark of institutional health and the self-awareness it affords will continue to guide us as we navigate the challenges of a new decade. Thank you to everyone who activates and supports this great organization.

Respectfully Submitted,Erin McGough

Photo Credits:Left: Olivia West, a young visitor to the 2019 Annual Clark's Island Picnic. Above: Volunteer theatrical performers in theatrical re-enactment, "How King Caesar Got His Nickname." Greg Brousseau, Ken Johnston, Paul Wales & Sandy See. Not pictured: Patrick Browne, Edith Barnes, Peter Savage.

Photos on these pages and select cover photos by Sheila Lynch-Benttinen.

Report of the Executive Director

Your DRHS is well-managed and financially sound. Financials for FY 2019 were audited by Blum-Shapiro, whose review confirmed that there were no material deficiencies and that our internal controls are effective. The year-end balance sheet shows net assets of $8.6 million, up $431k from a year ago. Liabilities at $40k compare to $72k at the end of FY 2018. Our investment managers had net gains of $566k at the end of October 2019 compared to $31k from a year ago. Our portfolio at year end was $6.379 million, up $473k from a year ago. There were no other significant changes to the book value of DRHS properties during the Fiscal Year.

The Statement of Activities, the equivalent of an income statement, shows total operations revenue of about $550k for the year. The DRHS had healthy income increases in Annual Fund, Membership, and Activities income. Income from operations exceed what was budgeted by $50k and operating expenses were $76k more than budgeted, resulting in an operating deficit of $20k.

The DRHS is able to fulfill its mission in the community because of the continued support of its members in terms of volunteer participation and donations. Notes for the financial statements are available at the DRHS Office.

Many thanks to the DRHS’s former Treasurer John Bear for his years of service to the DRHS and for his help in educating me to assume the role of Treasurer.

Respectfully Submitted,David Uitti, Treasurer

Finance Report

Photo Credit:2019 Nature & History Walk at DRHS Property Round Pond. Guest speakers: Tony Kelso, Town Historian, and John Galluzzo, Historian & Naturalist.

Complete Financial Statements are available through the DRHS office.

John and Rita ArapoffMrs. F. A. ArchibaldThomas P. BarrettMr. and Mrs. Nicholas L. BatesKenneth J. BeebyDr. and Mrs. David R. BetteridgeMichael Bezdek and Jane BradleyJohn F. BirdAnne E. BorhekMr. and Mrs. Robert E. BottenusAnn L. BowmanTodd & Katherine BrillMr. and Mrs. Richard W. BrownJon Cazeault and Robin DarschMr. and Mrs. Thomas ChapmanDavid P. Corey and Xandra BreakefieldMr. and Mrs. Tim DavidsonMary Jo DavisRene DelanoMr. and Mrs. Bradley P. DoyleArthur C. DunmoreJohn M. EmlerSuzanne ErrastiMichael O'Keefe and Rachel EzellTheodore and Donna FlynnMr. and Mrs. James S. GarrettJ. Ritchie and Carla J. GarrisonMr. and Mrs. Paul F. GleasonSuzanne GrayElaine GuilfoyleMr. and Mrs. Daniel M. HallMelissa HammelMr. and Mrs. George Hansen, Jr.John and Joy HartleyTobin and Margaret HarveyRobert F. HayesNancy R. HerndonBen and Beth HesseCharles C. and Theresa Hewitt IIIHelen M. HillMartha HimesMr. and Mrs. Clark J. HinkleyMr. and Mrs. Delmont S. IrvingShirley M. JenkinsSteve and Sabrina KaplanGary and Susan H. KearneyStephen KearneyDoris A. KellarDavid M KellyTony & Jane KelsoJoan C. KennedyThomas H. KinsellaJane H. KrahmerHeidi Pape Laird

Donations: Annual Fund & Special ProjectsThank you!

Donations $500+ Mr. & Mrs. Richard Heath, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Stephen WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Kenneth A. JohnstonMr. & Mrs. John ReedThe Safe Family FoundationThe Felicia Fund, Inc.Peter Keohan & Denise De MoreDelano Kindred, Inc.John R. & Joan E. WalkeyMr. & Mrs. Frederic M. CliffordScott & Deb CasagrandeQuigley & Heffernan Family Charitable TrustMr. & Mrs. Daniel J. HaasMrs. Nancy B. RiegelWilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc.Ms. Jane T. N. FoggMr. & Mrs. Morgan C. MohrmanBarbara HayesMr. & Mrs. Thomas H. WoodMr. & Mrs. F. Sherman HoytMr. & Mrs. Richard H. MorseBolze Family FundDapprich Family FundBrad & Kelly DruryDick & Pat LoringCarolyn RavenscroftThe Woolley Clifford FoundationChris & Mary Alisa ShermanJoseph & Michelle O’BrienMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey AnnisWendy W. KeleherDorothy H. KelsoRyer Family TrustDrew & Christy StrawbridgeAgnes HannaMary Gay JordanJim & Tina KerkamMr. & Mrs. Malcolm MacNaughtMr. & Mrs. Robert PineauPaul & Jane Wales

Ruth Isabella Gardner LamereMrs. Robert C. LavinMr. and Mrs. Samuel K. LawsonJohn P. LeeSam LittleMr. and Mrs. Robert W. LoringAnn LovePatricia LowryMr. and Mrs. William A. McArdleMarylou R. McCrillisIngrid McGintyMr. and Mrs. Robert G. Millar, Jr.John P. MoreyRobert Fletcher and Kate MoriartyJames and Holly MorrisRichard Nestle and Beth RobinsonRobert M. Olshan and Asta O'DonnellMerle and Mary OttMarilyn A. PhillipsMr. and Mrs. François L. PouletMr. and Mrs. Hugh PowellSarah Priest BreedGeorgia Taft PyePeter and Janet RapelyeJeffrey and Sally RedmondRobert Eugene and Carol RobisonMr. and Mrs. Richard D. RothschildDiane RubinBrian SackBertha SantelliSarah D. SawyerTheodore and Leah SchiavoniSandy H. SeeThomas A. SinnottKevin and Karen SmitsLinn T. SpaldingJohn F. Spence, Jr.Mr. F.A. and Rev. E.B. StevensKevin A. TedeschiLederle S. TenneyPhilip and Jennifer ThornMr. and Mrs. Charles G. TufankjianMichael TwomeyJoe Messina and Jessica TylerMr. and Mrs. Page C. ValentineMary van BalgooyAlice VautrainMr. and Mrs. Douglas Von IdersteinDavid Walsh and Carolyn SullivanFred Walsh and Pam Webster-WalshHelene S. WellsWilliam H. Wheeler, Jr.Sara E. WilsonCharles and Karen Wood

We apologize for any errors or omissions. Please let us know if we have missed recognition of someone.

Lifetime::James and Heather CollearyLaura Emerson Dunn

Supporting: Steve and Alicia BolzeKevin White

Contributing:Michael Quinlan

Family:Sara Andersen & FamilyMichael & Stephanie Bailey-Gates Allen Chaves & FamilyAbby Cirincione & FamilySarah Cloud & FamilyHelena Collins & FamilyAmanda Cottrell & FamilySuzanne Deveney & FamilySara Donahue & FamilyChristopher Dunn & FamilyHeidi Elliman & FamilyMelissa Farrell & FamilyScott Firth & Rebecca Hilliker-Firth Steven and Anne Fleming & FamilyLyell Franke & FamilyElizabeth Gardner & FamilyLisa Gavin & FamilyCaroline Goodman Gould & FamilyMark Hand & FamilyJoy Hartley & FamilyCalista Herndon & FamilyCheryl LaLonde & FamilySteve and Kim Leckie & Family Hollie Louttit & FamilyDaniel and Kimberly Lovendale & FamilyJonathan Luscko & FamilyJeremy and Kathryn Mason & FamilyEd Mayo & FamilyJennifer McCann & FamilyAnne McCluskey & FamilyRobert Mello & FamilyKristen Nichols & FamilyMelissa Pollock & FamilyMegan Razzolini & FamilyJeffrey and Jennifer Sabados & FamilyMokash Sharma & FamilyKristen St. Amour & FamilyWalter Stanwood & FamilyBetsy Sullivan & FamilyKatherine Sussman & FamilyKathleen Szczesny & FamilyNick and Anne Tcherepnin & FamilyDavid and Susan Uitti & FamilyChris and Robin Violandi & Family

Family, cont.:Elizabeth Ward & FamilyBob and Marie Young & Family

Individual: Glenn BrancaKathryn Brownell Golden-ChenJennifer HoldenJohn HorriganDebbie MacaulayLiz PrudenteMelissa RosenbladtKevin Tedeschi

Senior Couple:Charles and Judith CassaraMarvin Collin and Kathleen RichardsJohn EnnissRichard and Cynthia FioriniThomas and Denise KeatingBurke and Barbara LeaheyBob and Sue McMahonLeona RoachJoseph Sullivan

Senior Individual: John ChapmanPaula FlynnMichelle FreemanCatherine PierceLinn Spalding

Corporate SponsorsWilliam Borhek InsuranceHowland Capital Management LLCDuxbury Animal Hospital, Inc.Boerger Law Island Creek Oysters95.9 WATD The Boston Beer Company/Samuel AdamsOyster Bay/Barossa Valley WinesO’Connor LandscapeDuxbury Bay Maritime School Lineal, IncTheodore & CompanyThe Village at DuxburyLuAnn Luke DesignsBrothers Marketplace (Roche Bros.)The Oysterman/AnchormanCellar d’OrPhillips Tree Removal, Inc.Wiemeyer Dentistry, PCWH Cornerstone InvestmentsThe Clean TeamEastern Bank Charitable FoundationScoopsThe FoodsmithKaren Wong Photography DesRosiers & Tierney, LLCBerrybrook School, Inc.Duxbury Mortgage Services, Inc.Christine Sovik Kingsbury Club South Shore Conservatory Patriot Cinemas Heritage Museums and GardensNew Bedford Whaling Museum Peel Pizza

Corporate MatchesFidelity CharitableFiduciary Trust CompanySchwab CharitableState Street FoundationUnited Way of Greater Portland

In-Kind DonorsDr. and Mrs. David R. BetteridgeMr. and Mrs. Daniel J. HaasMr. and Mrs. Timothy J. O’FarrellLynne LaymanSoule HomesteadDuxbury Garden ClubCommunity Garden Club of DuxburyDuxbury Camera Club

New, Re-joined & Increased Level Members

In Memoriam It is with sadness that we look back upon this past year and realize that

a number of our Members have passed away. We are grateful for

their contributions and they will be remembered.

Andrew ChaseShirley Waterman Amory

Horace Adali “Tom” SawyerCornelius Henry Fields

Shelley Seip BeebySusan C. Mangione

Jane Hohmann KrahmerCaroline Neal McIntyre Watson

Robert MerryJerome M. Powell

Robert Carson Lavin

Committee Rosters

Executive Sally Redmond (Chair & President)Peter Rapelye (Vice President)David Uitti (Treasurer)

Finance & CompensationDavid Uitti (Chair & Treasurer)Peter Rapelye (Vice President)Amy Annis (Trustee)Scott Casagrande (Trustee)Donna Wood (Trustee)Erin McGough (Staff)

NominatingAmy Annis (Chair & Trustee)Sally Redmond (President)Barbara Hayes (Trustee)Joy BannonAshley Mohrman (Trustee)

CollectionsCarolyn Ravenscroft (Co-Chair, Staff)Melanie Correia (Co-Chair, Staff)Amy Annis (Trustee)Kris GaskinsMadelon AliToni OroszTony Kelso (Town Historian)Katey CullenErin McGough (Staff)

PropertiesPaul Wales (Chair & Trustee)David Corey Jon DaleyJayne Talmage O’Farrell (Trustee)Paul Wales (Trustee)Mary OttChris Sherman, Sr.Erin McGough (Staff)

Local Historic District Comm. Rep.Bill McArdle

Volunteer ChairDeb Casagrande

Lands Observer Paul Wales

LandsSam Butcher (Chair)Chris Sherman, Sr.Jim HartfordSam DavenportDavid Corey Joe MessinaPat Loring (Trustee)Erin McGough (Staff)

InvestmentChris Sherman, Sr. (Chair)David Uitti (Treasurer)Ken JohnstonRobert LoringDavid ThompsonDick Morse

PublicationsBill McArdle (Chair)Sally Redmond (Trustee)Norman ForgitCarolyn Ravenscroft (Staff)Erin McGough (Staff)

MembershipDrew Strawbridge (Chair & Clerk)Marc PetermanPeter Rapelye (Vice President)Whitney FulmerDeb CasagrandeErin McGough (Staff)

DevelopmentBarbara Hayes (Chair & Trustee)Ashley MohrmanSally Redmond (President)Erin McGough (Staff)

EducationCarolyn Ravenscroft (Co-Chair, Staff)Sabrina Kaplan (Co-Chair, Staff)Janet RitchPeter Rapelye (Trustee)Mary Alisa ShermanTony Kelso (Town Historian)Toni OroszHelen FowlerSusan ThanasDeb Casagrande

Allen Subcommittee Reb Bottenus (Tenant)Chris Sherman, Sr.Bill McArdlePaul Wales (Trustee)Jim HartfordKaren Grey (Wildlands Trust)Pat Loring (Trustee)Erin McGough (Staff)

Clark’s Island Subcommittee Ninky Savage (Tenant)Peter Savage (Tenant)Jon Daley (Tenant)Sam DavenportJoe MessinaDrew Strawbridge (Clerk)Stewart SmithChris Sherman, Sr.Erin McGough (Staff)

Textiles/Clothing SubcommitteeKris Gaskins (Chair)Madelon AliToni OroszAmy Annis (Trustee)Janet RitchKatey CullenBeverly SavageDenise De MoreSusan WarrenDiane HoytMarcia WilhelmDoris KellarAnne WilliamsPaula Murphy

Historic Gardens SubcommitteeJayne Talmage O’Farrell (Co-Chair & Trustee)Mary Ott (Co-Chair)Anne BorhekMartha ClappMargie HarveyAnne HenningMarta JohnstonAshley MohrmanBarbara PalfreyJane WalesPamela Webster-WalshIn Partnership with: Duxbury Garden Club and Community Garden Club of Duxbury

rev. March 2020

Development CommitteeThe Duxbury Rural Society (DRS) was founded in 1883 by a young and visionary young woman, Miss Florence Ford, the 23-year old daughter of a Duxbury shopkeeper who had the idea to create a “village improvement society to improve and ornament the streets of the Town.” Since that spark of an idea, the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society (DRHS) has become embedded in the fabric of our town, preserving and sharing our storied past and rural heritage, our sense of place, with visitors and residents alike.

We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity of the individuals, foundations, and businesses who made gifts of support to DRHS during 2019. Your generosity helps us preserve our history, rural beauty, and the stories of the many people that have made this town and land their home.

Thank you for showing us just how much Place Matters to you.

Respectfully Submitted,Barbara Hayes, Chair

The DRHS Legacy Society

The DRHS Legacy Society is composed of donors who have named DRHS as a beneficiary of their estate planning through a bequest, insurance policy, or retirement fund or through the establishment of a charitable trust, or other planned gift. Membership in the DRHS Legacy Society involves no dues or obligations; it is a way for us to thank you and to recognize you for the thoughtful estate plans you've put in place. If you have made such a gift, please let us know in writing so we can include you in our growing list of Legacy Society members. Your commitment may also inspire similar generosity in others.

The following individual(s) have generously included us in their 2019 estate plans:

Laura Emerson Dunn

It's not too late! Please consult your financial advisor for estate planning solutions that fit your needs.

Nominating CommitteeAt the Annual Meeting in February, the Nominating Committee nominated the following people for election to the Board of Trustees:

New Trustees for Election:Mary Wood (Woody) Lawson was nominated for a term expiring in 2023. Woody and Sam moved to Duxbury in 2002 where they had summered since 1981. Woody has also been involved at the Duxbury Art Association, St. John's church and the Duxbury Yacht Club where she has chaired several committees and is a certificate member. Woody is from North Carolina and a graduate of the University of North Carolina. Woody has been active in her two daughters' schools, ranging from Girl Scout Leader to co-chair of the Parents Association at Noble and Greenough School, a position that was ex-officio on the Board of Trustees. Other board experience includes: Junior League of Boston, South Shore – new member chairman; South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell – auction chair; Duxbury Bay Maritime School – responsible for expanding Clifford Hall as a wedding/meeting/event venue, auction chair; Duxbury Garden Club – committee chair of Maxwell Garden (continuing), President (2017, 2018, 2019). Woody is a longtime member of the DRHS and has worked closely with the Reynolds-Maxwell Garden and has also been involved with KCH Christmas and the Summer Tea Party.

Interim Trustees for Election:Drew Strawbridge was nominated for a term expiring in 2023. Raised in Duxbury, Drew and his wife Christy have long been involved with DRHS events through their love of Cedarfield and Clark’s Island. A realtor by profession, Drew has a deep background in sales and training, which he brings to the DRHS as Chair of the Membership Committee. An interim trustee since 2018, Drew is now being proposed as an elected Trustee.

David Uitti was nominated for a term expiring in 2023. David took over as Interim Treasurer in November 2019 and is now being proposed as an elected Trustee. David is a partner at Mirrione, Shaughnessy & Uitti law offices, where he specializes in civil litigation at both the trial and appellate levels, with an emphasis on condominium, construction, real estate, and land use matters. David's family has been involved with the DRHS for many years, and he lives in a house that will soon be Dateboarded by the DRHS!

Trustee for Re-election:Scott Casagrande was nominated for a term expiring in 2023.

The above candidates, per the By-laws of the DRHS, are nominated for the terms indicated. The above nominees have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the well-being of the Society and the greater community. They are exceptionally talented, knowledgeable and will be outstanding additions to the leadership of the DRHS.

Respectfully Submitted,Amy Annis, Chair

Publications CommitteeThe Committee is working in a support & consulting role on the commemorative publication for the Plymouth 400th anniversary, "Duxbury, Our Pilgrim Story: A 2020 Perspective" featuring essays by 12 local historians, each with a unique look into Duxbury's early settlers and the Wampanoag nation's legacy. The DRHS also financed $6,000 of the publishing cost for this book. A joint venture with Duxbury's 2020 Committee, the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society, and the Alden House Historic Site, advanced sales are forthcoming in winter 2020. Many thanks to the Committee members and all those who support the DRHS Publications. A special thanks to Jayne Talmage O'Farrell for her leadership and publishing management for the 2020 book. A lot of nice work in 2019!

Local Historic District CommissionI am the DRHS Representative on the Local Historic District Commission, which is charged with facilitating existing local historic districts and with the creation of new ones. We spent the majority of 2019 finalizing the submission with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the town of Duxbury Selectman and Planning Board in accordance with the town and state bylaws. The submission process takes the better part of a year, and is a significant time investment for an all-volunteer commission. I can’t stress the importance of continued support, development and maturity of this town formed commission and a unified strategy tied to the town master plan that integrates true alignment to historic preservation. I believe that Duxbury is changing and its architectural history and integrity is paramount.

Respectfully Submitted,Bill McArdle, Chair of Publications Committee and LHDC Representative for DRHS

Photo Credits:Prior page: 2019 Volunteer Award winners Dean Manheimer, Joy Bannon, Paula Murphy and Katey Cullen; also pictured, Deb Casagrande (Volunteer Chair). Above: Members of the jazz group, "Dukes of Winsor's," at 2019 Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House Night (Speakeasy Night). Photos by Sheila Lynch-Benttinen.

Lands CommitteeIn addition to its houses, archives and museum collections, the DRHS has been entrusted with 150+ acres of land that is in conservation/preservation, and the Lands Committee continues its efforts to improve the stewardship of the DRHS’s portfolio in keeping with the DRHS’s overall mission. But as the town continues to evolve, so too has the role of the DRHS in land preservation. With limited resources the DRHS, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees and the Lands Committee, is working to manage these properties in a fiscally conscious manner.

This year the Committee continued its effort to preserve the rural and historical values of several properties including Round Pond and Brewster Lilacs properties through the draft of Conservation Restrictions. When recorded sometime in early 2020, these Conservation Restrictions will preserve in perpetuity the wildlife and scenic values while maintaining public access and the other benefits that DRHS members and the general public enjoy. Committee members Pat Loring and Erin McGough were instrumental in this effort and the committee thanks them for this important work.

The Lands Committee also initiated efforts to more formally and fairly manage other important parcels: the Allen property on Standish Shore, and Cedarfield & Hop House on Clark’s Island. These properties are both currently maintained and managed by dedicated caretakers who have tirelessly either supervised, or more often, performed upkeep, landscaping and supervision. Recognizing the need for a more formal management process and in thinking of future caretakers, the Lands Committee established two subcommittees with regular meeting schedules to address the challenges posed by these unique and priceless properties.

The Lands Committee, again, led by Erin McGough and Pat Loring continued the effort to increase public awareness of the DRHS’ role in land preservation by designing and installing signs at all of the DRHS properties. Some of these signs are small and simply identify the property, while other properties received large interpretive signage with interesting historical and environmental information. In all cases, the signage increases public awareness of the DRHS efforts at conservation and preservation in Duxbury.

In the coming year the Lands Committee will continue methodically to work our way through the rest of the portfolio to develop an appropriate plan for the remaining properties. We hope to finalize management practices, a stewardship program, and financial resources that will allow the DRHS to effectively manage these and other properties in a manner consistent with the DRHS’s mission for many years to come. The Committee thanks Erin for her continued quiet, yet thoughtful and capable, guidance.

Respectfully Submitted,Sam Butcher, Chair

Historic Gardens CommitteeThe Historic Gardens Committee is a subcommittee of the Properties Committee and is charged with activity at the DRHS house museums to upgrade gardens, apply sustainable practices and engage volunteers in garden planning and maintenance. The Historic Gardens Committee also serves an important function in off-setting what would be otherwise substantial gardening costs to the DRHS. Many thanks to the members of the Duxbury Garden Club and the Community Garden Club of Duxbury for their dedication to this effort, as well as the DRHS volunteers who have given generously of their “time and talents” this season. The garden season runs from April to October and we welcome everyone who is interested to participate.

In 2019, the Properties Committee voted to prepare a Landscape Plan for the King Caesar property. This will ensure that all historical gardens and specimen trees are identified and inventoried for future stewards, and that new initiatives are assessed according to the principles in the Landscape Plan.

King Caesar property: Invasive plant materials were removed from near the Soule-Nash garden. Lamp posts on the property were painted. A design was created and implemented to complete the Friendship Garden at the East Property line, begun in 2018 with support from generous donors. The additions of a Thunderhead Pine, Bluepoint Juniper, Roseum Elegans and Halo Dogwood were completed, providing natural privacy screen. The Mickail Simmons Garden, featuring a specimen Japanese White Pine, was weeded and edged. The catmint border on the interior of the front stone wall was divided, edged and mulched. We contracted with Bartlett Tree Experts to institute an annual deep root feeding of all specimen trees and ornamental trees and shrubs. Bartlett continues to feed and prune specimen boxwoods on the property with emphasis on those framing the Soule-Nash Garden. We are now implementing a burlap wrap shield because of the seaside exposure.

Nathaniel Winsor Jr. property: The annual deep root feeding mentioned above will continue. The East Garden entrance was enhanced with the removal of failed plantings. The addition of a PJM Rhododendron will provide flowering interest in the Spring. The back two parterres of the Secret Garden (located beside the garage) were completed. Flooding issues are hampering completion of the front two parterres and we hope to remedy this situation soon. The parking lot area has been cleaned out and fence line restored after storm damage. The Pergola on the South side was restored because of dry rot. A large adjacent stand of Wisteria was removed because it was causing invasive problems with the house structure.

Looking ahead to 2020….We are partnering with The Community Garden Club of Duxbury and Duxbury 2020 to sponsor a Garden Tour entitled “400 years of Duxbury Gardens” on June 2. The gardens at King Caesar and Nathaniel Winsor Jr. Houses will be featured.

Respectfully Submitted, Jayne Talmage O’Farrell & Mary Ott, Co-Chairs

Properties CommitteeNewly re-formed in 2018, the Properties Committee is charged with property maintenance and building care of the four main properties (King Caesar, Nathaniel Winsor, Jr., Bradford, and Drew Archives) as well as several tenant and summer properties. Aspects of the work include determining maintenance schedules, vetting contractors and determining scope of work, and supervising implementation of projects. The Properties Committee is also charged with care of gardens at the house properties, under the supervision of the subcommittee Historic Lands & Gardens (see separate report).

Work is currently underway to restore and preserve the gutter system and the windows at the King Caesar House. This work started with funding the project (over $110,000) through the Community Preservation Act of Duxbury (CPA), the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and the Felicia Fund. Gutter work was completed in 2019 and the window restoration will continue over 2020. The DRHS warmly thanks the citizens of Duxbury for voting to approve the CPA money. Thank you as well to the MCC and the Felicia Fund for continuing to support the DRHS and its work.

In 2019, the Properties Committee was also specifically charged by the Finance Committee with a special project: to undergo a building inspection for each of the properties. With multiple properties and lands in our care, it is a complex job to plan for funding these “big ticket” items. This also requires careful coordination between the Properties Committee, the Lands Committee, the Finance Committee and the staff. Property inspections to date are nearly completed and property reports are being compiled; the final properties will be inspected in spring 2020. The end result will be the creation of a capital maintenance plan, forecasts and budget for the properties. Capital projects have always been and are the most costly to the DRHS, but in old houses, maintenance is preservation!

The Properties Committee is cognizant of the great responsibility entrusted to it and looks forward to great improvements in the coming year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Paul Wales, Chair

Photo Credit:Stories By The Sea Family Program at King Caesar House, with special guest author/illustrator/storyteller Timothy Basil Ering.

Photo Credit:Historical Presentation at Pulpit Rock. 2019 guest speaker Victoria Stevens of Hull Lifesaving Museum on themes of bravery & solitude.

Textiles & Clothing CommitteeThe Textiles & Historic Clothing Committee is a subcommittee of the Collections Committee, and Committee members have worked this year to maintain, catalog and exhibit objects in the DRHS collection. With several small groups working on individual projects, we have accomplished a lot during our weekly work sessions. Have you seen the shoes on display at the Nathaniel Winsor House? Last winter, a group worked to research and exhibit some of our best examples of footwear.

One of our priorities is to provide interesting and pertinent exhibits in the “Threads of Duxbury’s Past” display case at the Duxbury Free Library. We change the display every other month, and present a Gallery Talk to educate the public for each new exhibit.

In 2019 we marked the 100th anniversary of passage of the 18th amendment (Prohibition), by exhibiting two 1920s flapper dresses and gave a Gallery Talk with guest speaker Suzanne Gunnarson on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels. Both the library and the Duxbury Senior Center held events which coordinated with our display. Illustrating the wide range of topics covered this year, we exhibited several dresses designed by Pucci in the 1960s and 70s, an 1880 silk dress donated in 2019 that belonged to Clara May Smith Ripley, and two red wool cardinal capes dating from the late 18th and early 19th century.

Historic Costume researcher Henry Cooke made two visits to DRHS to inspect our Revolutionary War blankets and the cardinal capes. He was very excited to see our fine examples of these objects, and in turn gave us some new information on the pieces we hold in our collection.

As we enter a new decade, our focus turns to the future; honing our technology skills to better manage our inventory, as we seek new ways to connect our treasures from the past with the greater community.

Respectfully Submitted,Kris Gaskins, Chair

Membership CommitteeIn an effort to build awareness through marketing, our committee made changes in three areas: we rebuilt the website with new and modern layout and made modest changes to the text; we adjusted the membership pricing structure to reflect more value to our members and the community based on research from our peers as well as outbound phone calls to the people in the town; and, we promoted DRHS activities through banner ads in the Duxbury Clipper.

Social Media is a topic of constant conversation for our Committee and we continue to use Facebook (FB), Twitter and Instagram (IG) to maintain contact with a wider audience. As of our last update, the DRHS has 3,400 FB followers, 1,000 IG followers and 900 followers on Twitter. Compared to our peers, these numbers are well above average. We are also experimenting with the idea of informal IPhone videos for testimonials and promotional pieces. The idea of historic letters from the archives has been a tremendous success for cultivating engagement, which will be repeated in 2020.

We also tried some new experiments, including reaching out to people that have newly purchased historic properties, introducing the organization and asking them to stop by to learn more about our positive impact and rich history in the town. In August of 2019, at the annual Clarks Island Picnic, the Committee set-up a table, with a sign-in sheet, laid out several different DRHS booklets and postcards, to help branding and membership recruitment. Based on the success and positive feedback, we’re considering similar efforts at other locations in town. We continue to brainstorm on new ways to evolve the timing and style of this new outreach program. We are also researching and planning for more, wider mailings and reaches to new audiences, including homes that have been Dateboarded. We currently have 10-12% of the market.

The Committee is committed to thanking the individual members who contribute at higher levels, including Lifetime Members, of which there are about 90 households. The Committee has been working at developing programming aimed directly at these individual subsets of membership.

This year, we added 4 new members to our committee, people who offer a wider breath of perspective on the organization. Currently, we are searching for at least two more additional people to join in this calendar year. The search will look for new residents to town and young families with children in the elementary and middle schools. We are drawing upon our networks and social events to find two new members for 2020. This would bring the committee to a new total of eight.

Respectfully Submitted,Drew Strawbridge, Chair

January 201911: Back Roads of the South Shore Mtg at Drew Archives17: Lecture, Marshfield Senior Center, Carolyn Ravenscroft23: Private Tour at KHC, Carolyn Ravenscroft lecturer31: 1807 Dateboard Society Event at Humphreys’ home

February 20191: Gallery Talk at Duxbury Free Library, C. Ravenscroft4: Time and Tides Panel at Duxbury High, C. Ravenscroft5: DRHS Annual Meeting at The Village of Duxbury7: Land’s End Sail Club Lecture, C. Ravenscroft15: Abolition Lecture at Duxbury High, C. Ravenscroft15: AP History Class Visit to Drew Archives

March 20196: Webinar, Bradford Reimagine Project Award, E. McGough16: History Camp Lecture, C. Ravenscroft23: Bradford History Symposium at Duxbury Free Library

April 20193: Pilgrim Hall Lecture, C. Ravenscroft5: Historic Clothing Gallery Talk, hosted at DFL, Toni Orosz and Suzanne Gunnarson lecturers5 (thru 6): Portraits in Silhouette, hosted at the NWH9: DHS Time and Tides class at KCH 13: Backroads of the South Shore History Symposium22: DAR Mayflower Cemetery Tour with C. Ravenscroft23 (thru 30): Alden 4th Grade Shipbuilding Program

May 20191, 8, 15, 22: Tour guide training for historic houses11: Bumpus Park rental17: State Senator O’Connor visits Bradford House20 (thru 24): Alden Third Grade to King Caesar House23: 1807 Dateboard Society Event at Nuland Home25: Bumpus Park rental28: Snug Harbor Investment Partnership mtg Drew Archives

June 2019all month: King Caesar and Bradford Houses open7: Historic Clothing Gallery Talk at DFL with Kris Gaskins10: Private tour of King Caesar House with Toni Orosz11: Carolyn Lecture for Linden Ponds group at Drew Archive 12: Skinner Appraisal event at Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House18: Carolyn lecture at Clark’s Island21 (thru 23): Clark’s Island Camping Group22: Private tour at King Caesar House by Peter Donohoe

July 2019all month: King Caesar and Bradford Houses open 10: Duxbury Garden Club meeting at King Caesar House14: Private tour of King Caesar House16: Stories By The Sea Family Day at King Caesar House16: Private tour at Mayflower Cemetery, C. Ravenscroft19: Private tour at King Caesar House, Carolyn Ravenscroft28: Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House private rental

August 2019all month: King Caesar and Bradford Houses open 2: Historic Clothing Gallery Talk at DFL with Kris Gaskins8: DRHS new website launch, duxburyhistory.org9: Members’ Sunset Picnic, on the lawn of King Caesar 13: Private Tour at King Caesar House, Carolyn Ravenscroft13: Winslow House lecture, C. Ravenscroft guest lecturer15: 1807 Dateboard Society Event at Guitart Home15: Carolyn Ravenscroft lecture at Duxbury Senior Center16: Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House private rental17: Bumpus Park wedding rental18: Clark’s Island Picnic21: Duxbury Public Schools new teacher orientation group 31: Clark’s Island camping group31: Bumpus Park wedding rental

September 201910: Carolyn Ravenscroft lecture at Winslow House14: King Caesar House and Bradford House open for tours15: Walking tour of Lower St. George St. with Tony Kelso18: Private tours, King Caesar House and Old Burying Ground for Yarmouth Historical Society, C. Ravenscroft19: C. Ravenscroft lecture at Old Colony History Museum22: Lecture at Gove Lyceum, C. Ravenscroft guest lecturer24: C. Ravenscroft Fall River Lecture27: C. Ravenscroft virtual Cemetery Tour for The Village 28: King Caesar House and Bradford House open for tours28: “How King Caesar Got His Nickname” at First Parish30: Tour guide field trip to “Hull Lifesaving Museum”

October 20192: Rising Tide Charter School field trip to Powder Point Bridge with C. Ravenscroft and Tony Kelso4, 7-10: Alden 3rd grade, Village Evolves field trip4: Historic Clothing Gallery Talk, hosted at DFL, K. Gaskins and M. Ali lecturers5: Round Pond walk with Tony Kelso and John Galluzzo10: Duxbury High School Volunteer event, Sabrina Kaplan12: King Caesar House and Bradford House open for tours18, 21, 22: DMS 6th grade field trip to Drew Archives18: Speakeasy Night at Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House21: The Village at Duxbury Volunteer event, Sabrina Kaplan23: Private tour of King Caesar House, Mary Alisa Sherman26: King Caesar House and Bradford House open for tours27: C. Ravenscroft Cemetery Tour

November 20199: King Caesar House and Bradford House open for tours13: Lecture at NE Historic Genealogical Society, C. Ravenscroft guest lecturer19: Celebration of the Delano logbook, hosted at NWH28: Thanksgiving gathering for the Interfaith Council at KCH

December 20191: Holly Days, NWH Open to the Public6: Historic Clothing Gallery Talk, hosted at DFL, K. Gaskins and M. Ali lecturers 13-18: : Christmas at King Caesar

2019 Events/Programs

Archivist & HistorianWhen I look back upon my decade as Archivist, so many things have changed and yet, much remains constant. Again, this year we served over 1,000 Duxbury students, inviting them to learn about the founding of Duxbury, the town’s rich shipbuilding history, its contributions to the American Revolution, and primary source documents. Online, the Drew Archival catablog, now also in its tenth year, received an average of 200 visitors per month, and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages continue to excite thousands of followers through our posting of historic photographs and local history.

With the help of Simmons University intern, Aimee Wismer, the extensive Gifford Family Collection (1828-1974) was cataloged. The Giffords were an integral part of Duxbury’s 19th and 20th century history, and now the finding aid for the collection is online. A full list of our new archival acquisitions can be seen in this Report, but I would like to make special mention of the donations by Virginia Davis (Faunce/Prior Collection) and Susan Purpura (Williams Collection). These donations expand our knowledge of Duxbury’s rich history and its inhabitants. We also tapped into our hundreds of cataloged collections to find the subjects for our monthly “Letters from the Archives” subscription.

A very special conservation project was undertaken this year thanks to the financial support of Stephen and Anne Williams, Denise De More and Peter Keohan, Chris and Mary Alisa Sherman, Sherm and Diane Hoyt, the Delano Kindred, and myself: the log book of the brig, Grace, kept by Samuel Delano, Jr., was conserved at the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Andover, MA. This log book is not only one the most important maritime items in our collections, it is the only English language record of the first trade between America and Japan. This momentous event in our American story occurred in the Spring of 1791, a time when Japan was closed to Europeans. The log book was donated, along with other Delano papers, in 2007 by the Hoyt family. It is the DRHS’ intention to put a digitized version of the log book online and to work with the local school systems to incorporate the log in an educational program.

Finally, I would like to thank all the volunteer support the Archives receives. Linda Pisani was again instrumental in transcribing some of our most treasured items, including the “Reminiscence of Pauline Winsor Wilkinson,” which has been enthusiastically received online. Former Simmons University intern, Kathleen O’Connor, also returned to continue her work on the Helen Philbrick Collection.

Respectfully Submitted,Carolyn Ravenscroft

Outreach ManagerIn 2019, the DRHS maintained many of its traditions and introduced a variety of new programs to our community. Beloved events, such as the Clark’s Island Picnic and Christmas at King Caesar House, now in its forty-eighth year, were attended by members and nonmembers alike, and acquainted hundreds of guests with our historic homes and properties. Similarly, new events, including Stories by the Sea, Speakeasy Night, and a third-grade walking field trip to the King Caesar House broadened our reach in the community by introducing new visitors and volunteers to our organization.

I continue to be amazed and encouraged by the willingness of our volunteers to pitch in to help us fulfill our mission. For example, last June, I contacted Patrick Browne, Edith Barnes, Sandy See, Ken Johnston, Paul Wales, Greg Brousseau, and Peter Savage to see if they would perform an encore performance of Patrick Browne’s original play, "How King Caesar Got His Nickname," in front of a large audience at First Parish Church. Accepting that rehearsals for the performance would be a significant time commitment, this group responded with a resounding “YES!”. Thanks to their efforts, and First Parish Church’s gracious openness to hosting the event, we were able to bring this unique Duxbury story to an audience of over 200 people – with style!

Last April, we introduced a new elementary level King Caesar House field trip to the Alden School third graders. Over the course of five days, we welcomed approximately 200 students to the house, where they learned about the Weston family’s industry and innovation, as well as art history and historic preservation, from volunteers at different stations. It took over 20 volunteers to staff these visits for five days. It was truly fulfilling for all of us to see young visitors exploring the property and enjoying the process of learning local history.

In 2020, we will strive to provide our community with the quality programming that it has come to expect. As always, I thank you for your support in the past year, and I hope you will reach out to me with your ideas and questions.

Respectfully Submitted,Sabrina Kaplan

Photo Credits:Left: Page 37 from the Delano Logbook, conserved through special funded project in 2019.

Right: New collections storage rooms, outfitted in 2019.

Collections AcquisitionsCollections ManagerAt the beginning of our new decade, I’m glad to have this opportunity to look back at 2019 and reflect on the momentous movements we’ve made in the Collections Department this year. Continuing with our rotating Reclaimed Histories exhibition at the Bradford House, we installed an exhibit on Consumption. Now known as tuberculosis, it was a disease which during its height in the 19th century was responsible for 1 in 5 deaths in Duxbury. Through this exhibition, we were able to study its pervasiveness within the American culture of the time, and how it changed the community.

Yet, most of the work we did this year was behind-the-scenes. Which, while not always glamorous, is highly important for the longevity and preservation of the collection. This year alone, we’ve standardized thousands of records in our database, added over 2,000 photographs, cross-referenced hundreds of duplicate records, rectified missing or unidentified artifacts and verified donor information. We also catalogued about 200 items from the Bradford collection that were previously uncatalogued. In addition to the database work, we converted four rooms in the King Caesar House into collections storage.

Additionally, I’m glad to say we also had an array of donations to the permanent collection. Included are a number of 19th century items like clothing, textiles, personal artifacts and a standing desk from Sweetser’s General Store. We’ve also acquired several 20th century items, like souvenir memorabilia and uniform pieces.

A special thank you to our Textiles and Clothing Committee for all of their hard work in continuing to care for one of the largest parts of our collection and for keeping the community involved with their rotating exhibition at the Duxbury Public Library. Many thanks to all our donors, for continuing to think of the DRHS as the final resting place for their pieces, allowing us to continue to tell the stories of our wonderful town.

Respectfully Submitted,Melanie Correia

2019.001 Collar Box and collars, Camille Neville2019.002 ca. 1850 wooden kneelers, Pilgrim Church 2019.003 Collection of Drew family, Susan Clapp Lewis2019.004 Myles Standish Monument souvenir, Purchase2019.005 Grange ribbon with pin, Purchase2019.006 Three 19th century bonnets, Harriet Leonard2019.007 Umbrella engraved "Daniel L. Winsor," Purchase 2019.008 Winslow-Sampson Clothing, Susan Winslow2019.011 Clothing and two 19th c. dolls, Judi Vose2019.018 33 friendship quilt squares, Denise De More2019.075 Fanny D. Delano sampler, Purchase2019.076 Antique silk sewing bag, Fred & Betsy Stevens2019.077 Waterman family items, Penelope S. Markle2019.104 Sweetser's desk, The Foundation for Creative

Achievement2019.105 1968 newsprint dress, Madelon S. Ali 2019.106 Peterson’s souvenir china, Glen Traquair 2019.107 Collection, Drew family items, Susan Clapp Lewis2019.108 Auxiliary Police items, Susan M. PurpuraDAL, Photo of Eleanor W. Allen, ca. 1915, Reb BottenusDAL, Books & Poster, Duxbury Players, Margaret HastyDAL, Duxbury High yearbooks, 1939-1940, Katey CullenDAL, Papers of Edward Ladd Butler, Joey ButlerDAL, Copy of Will of Prudence Loring, Christine MarohnDAL, Catalogue, Alden Bradford Weston, Roberty Severy DAL, Photos Ebenezer W. House etc., Emily HunnewellDAL, Photos Wings of Standish Hotel, 1917, Alicia BolzeDAL, Postcards, Alden House & Old Cove, Alvin ShautDAL, Tercentenary stamps, ship Hope, Dwight FowlerDAL, Deed, John Hewet & Solmon Hewet, Lynne ChandlerDAL, Copies Fish's notes & History of Duxbury,

Anne NoyesDAL, Book, Vital Records of Kingston, Kathy Pillsbury DAL, Program, Duxbury Playhouse, 1953, Georgia PyeDAL, Book, Our Beloved Kin, 2018, David CoreyDAL, Documents Faunce/Prior family, Virginia DavisDAL, Survey, Early Land Grants, 2019, Lamont HealyDAL, Book, Searching for Sophie, 2019, Helen HillDAL, Copy, 1891 plan shore lots, Captain's Hill, Paul FullerDAL, Papers, Williams Family, 1880-1945,

Susan M. PurpuraDAL, Postcards, Standish Monument, Michelle ConwayDAL, 3 photos, 1890-1900, Cohasset Historical SocietyDAL, Photo Postcard of Cracker Tavern, c. 1910, PurchaseDAL, Postcard of Standish Monument, c. 1920, PurchaseDAL, Photo Powder Point School football team, Purchase DAL, Photographs of Island Creek, 1882, PurchaseDAL, Winsor House menu, c. 1980, PurchaseDAL, Justin Winsor Letter, c. 1880, PurchaseDAL, Photographs of Bryant Avenue, c. 1925, PurchaseDAL, Herrick and Bradlee family albums, PurchaseDAL, Photo two women in Duxbury, 1940, PurchaseDAL, Photograph of cranberry harvest, 1941, PurchaseDAL, Photo postcards of Muriel Johnson & dog, PurchaseDAL, Postcard of Duxbury Town Square, 1911, PurchaseDAL, American Home Magazine with Duxbury article,

1937, Purchase

DAL, Duxbury receipts, 1903-1913, Purchase

Correction: in referencing a new acquisition related to the family, the fall newsletter incorrectly stated that Jack Williams donated his land to the Town Conservation Commission; the land was in fact purchased by the Conservation Commission in 2018. We apologize for the error.

Fri. & Sat. April 3-4: Silhouettes for Your Family. Back by popular demand! Silhouette artists Jean and Marcella Comerford. By appointment only, please register at our website.

Wed. April 8, 10 am. Lee McColgan: Historic House Preservation Talk. A hands-on perspective on historic trades and preservation carpentry with local craftsman, Lee McColgan. Drew Archival Library. RSVP 781-934-6106. Sarah Wingate Taylor Lecture, free.

Wed. April 15, 10 am. Lifetime Members Event, "A Village Evolves." A Duxbury 3rd grade tradition performed for the adults! Our “A Village Evolves” program details the settlement of Duxbury. Drew Archives, RSVP 781-934-6106. Free.

Month of May – Volunteer Tour Guide Training. Interested in leading tours this summer? Please email [email protected] for more information.

Thu. May 28, 6-7:30 pm, Exhibition Opening, "Creating a Legacy: 400 years of Duxbury & the Pilgrims." Be the first to view the 2020 exhibition! Since its founding as the second Pilgrim settlement, Duxbury’s residents have continuously invoked the town’s Pilgrim history. On display at Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House thru fall 2020. RSVP 781-934-6106 for exhibit opening, free.

Tues. June 2, 400 Years of Duxbury Gardens Garden Tour, Community Garden Club of Duxbury & Duxbury 2020. Gardens from "historic to contemporary," including King Caesar & Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. See communitygardenclubofduxbury.org.

Thu. June 4, 6-7:30 pm, 1807 Dateboard Society Event at the Foley Home, 18 Winsor Street. Come enjoy a light snack, connect with DRHS members interested in historic house preservation, and learn the history of the Foley Home. Free, space is limited. RSVP 781-934-6106.

June 5 – September 19: Historic Houses Open for Tours. • June: Fridays and Saturdays, 1pm-4pm.• July-Sept 19: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 1pm-4pm.• Select Saturdays throughout Fall 2020 (Oct. 10, Nov. 7)Historic Houses are always free for DRHS Members!

Sun. June 7, 1 pm, Neighborhood Walk with Duxbury Town Historian, Tony Kelso. He's Back! Join us on one of Tony's ever-popular neighborhood walks. $10 pp, RSVP, 781-934-6106.

Fri. June 12, Reynolds-Maxwell Garden Rededication Ceremony, 4 pm. Join DRHS Trustees, Lands Committee and Members of the Duxbury Garden Club as we learn the history of and rededicate the Reynolds-Maxwell Garden near the Blue Fish River Bridge on Washington St. RSVP, 781-934-6106. Free.

Tues. July 14, Field Day By The Sea, 10 am - 1 pm. Games and picnicking on the lawn of the historic King Caesar House. This summertime family program follows the success of 2018 “Tea by the Sea,” and 2019 “Stories by the Sea.” Learn about the Powder Point School, at the estate at the turn of the 20th century.

Please visit duxburyhistory.org/events for full 2020 calendar. Details subject to change; check website for updates.

Save the Dates! 2020 Calendar

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit #6Abington, MA

P.O. Box 2865Duxbury, Massachusetts 02331-2865