Taunton's first Meetinghouse will open its historic sanctuary for self-guided tours. Visitors will be treated to a multimedia display of Taunton history featuring presentations on the Liberty & Union flag, raised in 1774, and Church Green area history. This program will include historically relevant First Parish sermons and the story of its evolution to a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at First Parish Church
Find our community's roots and wings at the OCHS! The Society's building at 66 Church Green contains a museum of regional decorative arts, cultural and industrial artifacts, as well as a research library specializing in family trees and local history. The Society's 1852 brick academy building is handicapped accessible to the first floor. This season's new exhibit is "Soaring to New Heights: Aviation in Taunton, 1919-2009."
Liberty and Union flags, pins, ceramic trivets and other specialty items are stocked in our gift and book shop. Dr. William Hanna's most recent book, A History of Taunton, Massachusetts, a 625-page book that spans the time of Taunton's founding through present day, will be available. All Society members receive a 10% discount on their purchases. Fall is an excellent time to join the OCHS since memberships purchased after October are good through the end of 2010.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Old Colony Historical Society
The grounds of both First Parish Church and the Old Colony Historical Society will be used to bring alive daysgone by. At First Parish Church, visit with the Rehoboth Minutemen and take a walk through the 18th century. At the Old Colony Historical Society, members of the 53rd Georgia Infantry will do demonstrations and discourse on the life of a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. There will be activities for all ages to participate in.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at First Parish Church and Old Colony Historical Society
The Lydia Cobb-Quequechan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, based in the Taunton-Fall River area, will be available to answer questions regarding D.A.R membership and their organization's objectives. The organization covers topics of historic preservation and the promotion of educational and patriotic endeavors. Members also work with our local schools, veterans groups and are involved with community patriotic events.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Old Colony Historical Society
Various members of the Rehoboth Minutemen will present a fashion show, highlighting the details behind what was worn in the colonial era. The show will display different types of military and civilian clothes worn by both men and women during our struggle for independence.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Old Colony Historical Society
Representatives of the Walker-Blake Graveyard Restoration Project will be at the graveyard to show visitors grave markers including Taunton's oldest gravestone, that of Elizabeth Walker who died August 14, 1678. In addition, visitors will be able to watch the work of conservators from Fannin-Lehner, who will be repairing certain gravestones. Located on the banks of the Taunton River within the grounds of TMLP's Cleary-Flood Station on Somerset Avenue (Route 138, south of Taunton Green).
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Walker-Blake Graveyard
(This event will also occur on Sunday, October 18th, at the same times)
The Sanctuary of the First Parish Church will be the site of an illustrated presentation entitled "A History of Taunton Green and Downtown Taunton" by Charles Crowley. The presentation will highlight the events surrounding the raising of the Liberty & Union flag in 1774 and the historic evolution of Taunton Green and surrounding buildings including Main Street.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at First Parish Church
A general Court Martial will be demonstrated by the Rehoboth Minutemen. Private Ron Malouin will be tried based on the following charges: Being a known Tory; taking the King's Oath; participating in the Battle of Hubbardton with the King's troops against his former Regiment; attacking a home in Freetown; disobedience of orders; disrespecting his commanding officers; and, setting a bad example for new recruits.
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. at First Parish Church
Carol Andrews Mills of the Lydia Cobb-Quequechan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Andrew D. Boisvert, OCHS Archivist, will teach basic genealogical techniques, especially how to use military records.
From green fields to blue skies, Susan McGrath's excellent documentary uses family photos and archived newspapers to tell the story of King Aviation through the decades. It will be projected on a big screen with narration and a musical soundtrack.
4:00 p.m. -5:15 p.m. at Old Colony Historical Society
The entire community is invited to this service to celebrate and reflect on Taunton's special place in the history of the nation. The Taunton Civic Chorus will be our featured performers. The Rehoboth Minutemen will serve as Honor Guard. Following the service, the Liberty & Union Flag will be raised on Church Green and a reception will be held in the chapel. Immediately following the flag raising and reception, everyone is invited to proceed to the grave of Elizabeth Pole at Plain Cemetery for a wreath laying in her memory.
10:00 a.m. at First Parish Church