The March “Author Series” at the Falmouth Museums on the Green will explore little-known events in history, along with a historical performance about the first First Lady, Martha Washington.
Two of the talks are generating quite a bit of buzz already,” said Mark Schmidt, the Museums’ Executive Director. “One is about the Boston Molasses Flood of 1919. A 50-foot-tall steel tank collapsed disgorging 2.3 million gallons of molasses on Boston’s waterfront. It killed 21 people, injured 150 more and destroyed just about everything in its path.”
Author Stephen Puleo will talk about this unusual disaster on Friday, March 15, at 3 pm. His book “Dark Tide,” published in 2003, is experiencing a resurgence of interest because of the event’s 100th anniversary.
Schmidt said “When the Irish Invaded Canada” is another great read about a little-known event. Author Christopher Klein will lead this talk, scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at 7 pm.
“About one year after the Civil war, a motley crew of veterans hatched a plot to fight for the freedom of their homeland, Ireland,” Schmidt explained. “Well, against all odds, they actually managed to take a piece of the British province of Canada and hold it hostage for a few days. What became known as the Fenian Raids is certainly among the most outlandish and comical insurrections in the history books.”
Author Douglas Bomberger will discuss how World War I brought jazz onto the national scene at his talk on Thursday, March 7, at 7 pm, and Brian Murphy will share a true survival story about an 1856 shipwreck on the icy Atlantic on Saturday, March 16, at 2 pm. --more—
The Museums’ month-long salute to history closes with a historical performance with Anne Barrett as Martha Washington on Saturday, March 30, at 2 pm. In this one-woman show, visitors will meet up with “Lady Washington” in 1792 as she reminisces about the Revolutionary War and talks about her role as First Lady, the current political climate and her concerns for her husband as he faces the challenges of guiding the young country.
Eight Cousins Bookstore co-hosts every “Author Talk” in the series and provides books for purchase and personalization at each event. They’re also available at the bookstore, 189 Main Street, Falmouth and online at eightcousins.com. Most talks will be held at the Museums’ Cultural Center, 55-65 Palmer Ave in Falmouth, except “Dark Tide,” which will be held next door at the First Congregational Church, 68 Main Street, Falmouth. Admission to each talk is $5 Members/$10 Non-Members. Tickets to the Historical Performance are $10. For tickets or additional information, visit museumsonthegreen.org or call 508-548-4857, ext. 14.
AUTHOR TALKS
“Making Music American: 1917 and the Transformation of Culture” Douglas Bomberger Thursday, March 7, 7-8:30
“Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919” Stephen Puleo Friday, March 15, 3-4:30 pm
“Adrift: A True Story of Tragedy on the Icy Atlantic and the One Who Lived to Tell About It” Brian Murphy Saturday, March 16, 2-3:30 pm
“When the Irish Invaded Canada: The Incredible True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought for Ireland’s Freedom” Christopher Klein Thursday, March 21, 7-8:30 pm
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
The FIRST First Lady
Anne Barrett as Martha Washington
Saturday, March 30, 2-3:30 pm
The Falmouth Historical Society’s mission is to preserve, share and celebrate the history and culture of Falmouth through its archives, exhibitions, educational programs and community events. The Museums on the Green campus includes: The Dr. Francis Wicks House (c. 1790), the Conant House (c. 1730), the Hallett Barn (2002), a Cultural Center for events, exhibitions and private rentals, and a Colonial-style flower garden, herb garden and memorial garden maintained by the Falmouth Garden Club. museumsonthegreen.org. past