Becoming Melrose: The Heritage of the City of Houses Series
Becoming Melrose: The Heritage of the City of Houses Series
All programs within the series are free and geared toward those with an interest in local history, art, architecture and culture.
Please note, you must sign up for programs individually. Signing up for one program does not cover the entire series, nor guarantee a seat at every program.
Beyond the Front Door: Uncovering the Hidden History of Houses
Wednesday, May 10 – 7-9 pm – Meeting Room
Have you ever wished your home could speak about its past? It might be able to answer when it was built, who lived there and what it witnessed. Unfortunately, things are not that easy. Homes speak without words and it requires a bit of sleuthing to reveal their story. Architectural Historian Ryan D. Hayward of The Preservation Collaborative, Inc. will show you how to unlock your building’s past. Using a number of sources, Hayward will provide a practical introduction that will give you the skills to interpret your house’s past. Using these newfound skills, patrons will be able to craft a compelling story of a home and its occupants. Whether 20 or 200 years old, researching a house is fun and exciting way to connect to the past. Sign up for this event is closed due to the event having past.
History Unearthed: Research Workshop for Melrose Homes
Wednesday, May 31 – 7-9 pm – Genealogy and Local History Room
Have you ever wanted to research your home but don’t know where to start? Know some history but want to know more? Join Architectural Historian Ryan D. Hayward for a research evening in the Genealogy and Local History Room of the Melrose Public Library. Patrons are in for a treat as he leads a hands on tour of the resources available to unearth the history of the community’s historic homes. Resources will include books, maps, vertical files, photographs and much more. Visitors are asked to bring anything they wish to share but it is not necessary to have any information to join us. Space is limited due to being a workshop. Sign up for this event is closed due to the event having past.Undercliff Terrace: The Creation and Evolution of a Landmark
Wednesday, June 14 – 7-9 PM – Meeting Room
Undercliff Terrace, one of the most unique buildings in Melrose Highlands, occupies a site once owned by a wealthy Victorian businessman and then a homeopathic physician in partnership with a showman and his mind-reading wife. Their stories, plus highlights about the early residents, offer proof that local history is often unexpectedly colorful. Dee Morris will present this evening lecture at the Melrose Public Library.Scenery Unsurpassed: A Glimpse of Highland History
Wednesday, August 16 – 7-9 PM – Meeting Room
With its stately homes high upon upland terrain, the Melrose Highlands were once called little Scotland for the similar landscape across the Atlantic. This and other interesting tidbits of information will be shared in this colorful evening lecture at the Melrose Public Library. Architectural Historian Ryan D. Hayward will discuss many of the former residents that built the neighborhood we call home. Sign up for this event is closed due to the event having past.Little World of its Own: Suburbia in the Melrose Highlands
Saturday, September 16, 2017 – 10:00 AM
On location throughout the Highlands (walking tour)
Starting Location and Parking: Meet at the intersection of Ellsworth Avenue and Tremont Street. Please park on Ashland Street which is located at the end of the tour.
Tour will step off promptly at 10:00 AM. The tour is a one and a half mile loop along paved sidewalks but there are hills. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather. Rain will cause the event to be rescheduled.
The eastern half of the Melrose Highlands is a unique section of the larger community. Following a century of farming, the area became a summer retreat for the Boston Brahman. The well guarded secret allowed an elite community to grow. After nearly two decades of secrecy, old fields quickly gave way to new streets. Thousands of homes were constructed for white and blue collar residents to own their slice of the picturesque landscape. Architectural Historian Ryan D. Hayward will lead an informative 120 minute tour along the outdoor museum that is the Melrose Highlands. No sign up required; event does not meet at the Library.
