Presentation free and open to the public. "Slave to Soldier: Toby Gilmore and Bristol County's Black Minutemen" by Andrew D. Boisvert, Archivist and Library Manager.
7:00 pm at Old Colony Historical Society
Taunton's first Meetinghouse will open its historic sanctuary for self-guided tours. One of the most historical landmarks in southeastern Massachusetts, First Parish Church was gathered in 1637 by religious freedom seeking Puritans from Devonshire, in the southwest of England. Led by English-born Elizabeth Pole, they came from Dorchester, Massachusetts and settled first in Tetticut, then with others in Cohannet, which was purchased from Massasoit in 1638 and renamed Taunton in 1640 after the English town. The common land, later known as Meeting-house Common, was laid out to the south and west of Dean Street, then an Indian trail. Here they erected their first meetinghouse and established a common school about 1647. The present structure the fourth meetinghouse built on Church Green was completed in 1830.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at First Parish Church
Find out why Liberty and Union is for all 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 "Small Objects, Big History."
Liberty and Union flags, pins, ceramic trivets and other specialty items are stocked in our gift and bookshop. 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.
Featured exhibit: "Small Objects, Big History." This exhibit displays some of the most diminutive pieces in our collection and those on loan from others, but each has a powerful pull on our imaginations, and some played a large role in our forbearers' lives. You will see cuties such as doll furniture and children's furniture, wonders of craftsmanship such as complete "dollhouses" that re-create 19th century shops and a rustic cabin, and an everyday portable object owned by a big figure in history Benjamin Franklin's pewter inkstand.
10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Old Colony Historical Society
The grounds of both First Parish Church and the Old Colony Historical Society will be used to bring alive days gone by. At First Parish Church, visit with the Rehoboth Minutemen and experience the 18th century through various activities including children's games. At the Old Colony Historical Society, members of the 53rd Georgia Infantry will perform demonstrations and discuss 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 the Old Colony Historical Society
First Parish Church. Multiple squads will compete to determine the best soldier at various skills.
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. at First Parish Church
The Auditorium of the Old Colony Historical Society will be the site of an illustrated presentation entitled "Just who were the Sons of Liberty", by Charles Crowley. The presentation will highlight the events surrounding the raising of the Liberty & Union flag in 1774 and the people who may have participated in that historic event.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Old Colony Historical Society
The Rehoboth Minutemen will demonstrate a general Court Martial. A camp follower will be tried based on the following charges: Being a known German Spy, disobedience of orders, disrespecting commanding officers, passing information in the City of Boston and Freetown to other known German Spies, and setting a bad example for other camp followers
1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. at First Parish Church
Various members of the Rehoboth Minutemen will present a fashion show, highlighting the details behind clothes 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.
2:30 p.m.- 3:30 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. Displays will include 17th century replica clothing. 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 24th, at the same times)
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 performer. 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