“America’s Kitchens” by historian and curator Nancy Carlisle will be the topic of the Dedham Historical Society lecture on Thursday, January 26 at 7:30 pm. The Dedham Historical Society is located at 612 High Street. The lecture is free for members and $5 for non-members. For more information, contact the Dedham Historical Society, 781-326-1385 or society@dedhamhistorical.org.

“America’s Kitchens” tells the story of this important room, at times a harried workspace and at others the sentimental heart of the home. Carlisle’s lecture traces technological developments such as the introduction of the cast-iron cookstove, the efficiency of the Hoosier cabinet, and the impact of the frozen food industry in order to suggest how these innovations have transformed kitchen work and changed women’s lives.

Nancy Carlisle is curator for Historic New England and one of the authors, along with Melinda Talbot Nasardinov and Jennifer Pustz, of “America’s Kitchens” published in 2008. She has worked in museums for more than twenty years and received her master’s degree in early American culture from the Winterthur Museum and University of Delaware.

The Dedham Historical Society welcomes the Total Image Day Spa as a new corporate sponsor. Financial support from area businesses helps the DHS continue its mission by collecting, preserving and interpreting items that represent the history of Dedham. Our sincere thanks to Total Image Spa for joining our Society family.

The Dedham Institution for Savings Foundation has generously supported the conservation efforts of the Society for many years. This year Dedham Savings is supporting a project to upgrade the electronic management of the library, archival materials, and 3-dimensional objects in the collection. The grant includes funds to purchase software (Past Perfect) specifically designed for collections management, a laptop computer dedicated to this project, and a part-time contractor to transfer the data from the current computer programs to Past Perfect.

The software will help us standardize the information collected, consolidate collections data, electronically record photographic images of collections items, and improve our ability to retrieve collections information.  The Society is extremely grateful to Dedham Savings for supporting this project.

The commemorative plate design, created specifically for the town’s 375th anniversary in 2011, is based on a photograph in the Dedham Historical Society collection. Each plate has the Dedham 375th anniversary logo on the reverse and the production is limited to 375 plates. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this plate supports the Dedham 375th Celebration.

The Wild Rose design is an exceeding rare and artistically attractive design. It is one of several variations on the Wild Rose pattern produced by Dedham Pottery. The “Wild Rose” is a design name that is not mentioned in any known catalogues or price lists of the pottery. Thus, this unlisted design is one of the rarest patterns, having seemingly been produced in very low quantities. Researchers have sometimes used the term “Five Petal Flower” to refer to what seems like a variation of this same pattern. A limited edition of 300 plates will be produced. An example of the design now being reproduced may be seen on an original piece at the Dedham Historical Society.

Please contact the Dedham Historical Society for pricing information. Plates are produced as orders are received and usually take 4 weeks for delivery.

For more information contact the Dedham Historical Society at 781-326-1385 or society@dedhamhistorical.org

The experts from Grogan & Company are always interesting to talk to and willing to share their knowledge. Proceeds from the Appraisal Day help support the programs of the Dedham Historical Society. This event is sponsored by Grogan & Company Fine Art Auctioneers and Appraisers.

For more information contact the Dedham Historical Society at 781-326-1385 or society@dedhamhistorical.org.

Howard Johnson created an empire of orange roofed restaurants across the country. A well respected entrepreneur, his logo “Simple Simon and the Pieman” is fondly remembered and he is credited with being the “Father of the Franchise Industry.”  Born in Quincy, Johnson began his empire on Beale Street selling newspapers, cigars and ice cream, which by the 1930’s would include 28 flavors. Eventually, he offered Ipswich clams, roast turkey, grilled frankfurters and other old time favorites that established a loyal clientele.

The historic buildings of New England hold a treasure trove of information about the design, finishes, and furnishings of the region’s rich architectural heritage. Gilmore’s lecture will focus on four historic buildings: the Old Ship Meeting House in Hingham MA, the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland ME, the Dreamland Theatre in Nantucket MA, and the First Church in Dedham MA.

Gilmore, a Dedham resident, is a director of the Dedham Historical Society.  In a career that has included working for the National Park Service, Historic New England, as well as Building Conservation Associates, Gilmore has had the opportunity to document many significant features of historic buildings throughout the region.

The Dedham Historical Society Museum and Gift Shop are open Tuesday – Friday 12 noon -4pm. The DHS Library/Archives is open Tuesday and Thursdays only from 9am – 4 pm. The Museum, Gift Shop and Library/Archives are also open Saturday, December 18^th from 1 – 4 pm. The Society will be closed the week of December 20^th and reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, December 28^th. Please call for an update of hours during the holiday season 781-326-1385

DEDHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

            The Dedham Historical Museum and Gift Shop will be open on Saturday, November 27 from 1 pm – 4 pm for holiday shopping. A wide range of gifts are available including the popular Dedham Pottery lap robe, the 2010 English Mushroom reproduction plate, and books on Dedham history.  Please note: the library and archives will be closed. For more information, contact the Dedham Historical Society, 781-326-1385.

NEW ENGLAND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS LECTURE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 @ 2PM

AT THE DEDHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Kenneth C. Turino, Manager of Community Engagement and Exhibitions at Historic New England presents a lecture on the “Spirit of Christmas Past” on Saturday, November 20 at 2 pm at the Dedham Historical Society, 612 High Street, Dedham. DHS members free; Non-Members $5.

 This well illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas from the time it was outlawed in 17^th Century New England through the beginning of the 20^th Century when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year.  But many of the customs which we take for granted as part of traditional holiday festivities and religious celebrations are actually a product of more recent history. Turino looks at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family centered event. Among the topics discussed are how the Christmas tree became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.

            For more information, contact the Dedham Historical Society, 781-326-1385