Filtering by: Literary Events
Author Stephen Puleo Discusses The Great Abolitionist
May
21
7:00 PM19:00
Literary Events

Author Stephen Puleo Discusses The Great Abolitionist

For a quarter of a century, including twenty-three consecutive years in the Senate from 1851 until his death (which encompassed a three-year absence as he recovered from his caning injuries), it was Charles Sumner–not Lincoln, not William Lloyd Garrison, not Frederick Douglass, Lydia Maria Child, or anyone else–who was the nation’s most passionate, vociferous, unrelenting, and inexhaustible anti-slavery and equal rights champion.

Before and during the Civil War, at a great personal sacrifice, he was the conscience of the North and the strongest and most influential voice in favor of abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of the emancipated Freedmen more than Charles Sumner. Through the force of his words and his will, he first moved his state, and then the nation, toward the twin goals of abolitionism – which he achieved in his lifetime – and equal rights, which eluded him and the country, but for which he fought literally until the day he died. 

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Jane Austen: Who Dares to be an Authoress?
Mar
10
3:00 PM15:00
Literary Events

Jane Austen: Who Dares to be an Authoress?

The year is 1815, and Miss Austen has just returned from a visit to the Prince Regent’s London residence. The honor of this invitation prompts her to reminisce about the events that led the daughter of a country clergyman to a position of such notoriety. She shares her thoughts and feelings about her novels and how their publication changed her life forever.

Playwright and actress Laura Rocklyn portrays Jane Austen, with discussion and Q&A about Regency deportment and etiquette.

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Best Books of 2023 for Children at Buttonwood
Nov
30
6:00 PM18:00
Literary Events, Family Events, Special Events

Best Books of 2023 for Children at Buttonwood

NOT SURE WHAT THE BEST BOOKS ARE FOR CHILDREN?

Former Inly School librarian, author, and national book reviewer Shelley Sommer and Buttonwood Book Manager Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill will present their top picks for holiday gifts.

On November 30th, Buttonwood Books and Toys will donate 20% of their online and in-store sales if you mention The James! Online sales, please note "The James" in the comment section. This fundraiser cannot be combined with any other discounts.

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Anthony Sammarco: The History of the Baker Chocolate Company
Oct
5
7:00 PM19:00
Literary Events

Anthony Sammarco: The History of the Baker Chocolate Company

  • James Library & Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In 1765, Dr. James Baker of Dorchester stumbled upon Irishman John Hannon crying on the banks of the mighty Neponset River. Hannon, though penniless, possessed the rare skills required to create chocolate, a delicacy exclusive to Europe, and Baker, with pockets bursting, wished to make a name for himself using a mill powered by the same river upon which they met, the duo built America's oldest and most beloved manufacturer of this rich treat. Local historian Anthony Sammarco details the delicious saga of Massachusetts's Baker Chocolate Company, from Hannon's mysterious disappearance and the famed La Belle Chocolatiere advertising campaign to cacao bean smuggling sparked by Revolutionary War blockades. Both bitter and sweet, this tale is sure to tickle your taste buds.

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A History of Paragon Park with Author Chris Haraden
Jun
4
3:00 PM15:00
Literary Events

A History of Paragon Park with Author Chris Haraden

Writer Chris Haraden shares his stories of literally growing up in the shadow of Paragon Park’s Giant Coaster.  From his home on the hill behind the park, Chris learned the stories of Paragon, and the broader scope of Hull’s history, from his grandfather, a park employee best known for walking the tracks of the roller coaster each morning before the gates opened.  Chris’s first job was in the penny arcade, where he might have embellished his age to be hired and where met his future wife, Marilyn – one of the many love stories that began on the shores of Nantasket Beach.

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Actor JT Turner Presents A Christmas Carol
Dec
11
7:00 PM19:00
Literary Events, Special Events

Actor JT Turner Presents A Christmas Carol

  • James Library & Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Witness the classic tale of A Christmas Carol come beautifully to life as actor J.T. Turner portrays Charles Dickens and every single character from the story in this one-man show. Charles Dickens was famous for bringing his A Christmas Carol to life for audiences every year, and this version brings all the drama, comedy and redemption Dickens intended. The performance is recommended for ages eight through adult.

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Best Books of 2022 for Children
Nov
30
6:00 PM18:00
Family Events, Literary Events

Best Books of 2022 for Children

NOT SURE WHAT THE BEST BOOKS ARE FOR CHILDREN?

Inly School librarian, author, and national book reviewer Shelley Sommer and Buttonwood Book Manager Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill will present their top picks for holiday gifts.

On November 30th, Buttonwood Books and Toys will donate 20% of their online and in-store sales if you mention The James!

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Will's World: All About the Bard with Actor JT Turner
May
7
11:30 AM11:30
Literary Events, Book Club, Family Events

Will's World: All About the Bard with Actor JT Turner

  • James Library & Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

How does a glovemaker’s son, with just a few years of formal schooling, become the most famous writer and poet in the world? In this one-man performance, William Shakespeare shares his life story, while providing insight into his greatest works and the world of Theater during the time of Queen Elizabeth. This engaging, interactive show features excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Henry V, and As You Like It, as well as Shakespeare’s sonnets. Professional actor and Shakespeare expert J.T. Turner brings the Bard to life and makes his works accessible for all.

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Author Talk: Anthony Sammarco on the History of Howard Johnson's
Feb
12
11:30 AM11:30
Literary Events, Book Club

Author Talk: Anthony Sammarco on the History of Howard Johnson's

  • James Library & Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Howard Johnson created an orange-roofed empire of ice cream stands and restaurants that stretched from Maine to Florida and all the way to the West Coast. Popularly known as the "Father of the Franchise Industry," Johnson delivered good food and prices that brought appreciative customers back for more. Boston historian and author Anthony M. Sammarco recounts how Howard Johnson introduced twenty-eight flavors of ice cream, the "Tendersweet" clam strips, grilled frankforts and a menu of delicious and traditional foods that families eagerly enjoyed when they traveled.

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Author Talk: Stephen Puleo on Voyage of Mercy
Nov
21
2:00 PM14:00
Literary Events, Book Club

Author Talk: Stephen Puleo on Voyage of Mercy

  • James Library & Center for the Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Author Talk: Stephen Puleo on Voyage of Mercy

The remarkable story of the mission that inspired America to donate massive relief to Ireland during the potato famine, which sparked America’s tradition of providing humanitarian aid around the world. Voyage of Mercy tells the incredible story of the famine, the Jamestown voyage, and the commitment of thousands of ordinary Americans to offer relief to Ireland, a groundswell that provided the collaborative blueprint for future relief efforts, and established the United States as the leader in international aid.

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Best Books of 2021 for Children
Nov
4
6:00 PM18:00
Family Events, Literary Events

Best Books of 2021 for Children

NOT SURE WHAT THE BEST BOOKS ARE FOR CHILDREN?

Inly School librarian, author, and national book reviewer Shelley Sommer and Buttonwood Book Manager Kristine Jelstrom-Hamill will present their top picks for holiday gifts.

On November 4th, Buttonwood Books and Toys will donate 20% of their online and in-store sales if you mention The James!

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