Changing Views: Relations Between Hopkinton's Early Settlers & Native Americans
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The Hopkinton Historical Society’s 2019 summer exhibit, “Changing Views: Relations Between Hopkinton's Early Settlers and Native Americans,” looks at the history of Native American and Eurocolonial cultural clashes in Hopkinton and how the perception of Native Americans has changed. With a focus on tools, food, medicine, clothing, weapons, and land ownership, the exhibit and accompanying programs examine differences between the two cultures and make connections between their shared past. Join us for the following programs in Hopkinton this summer:
Herb Walk, presented by Lynn Clowes
Sunday, July 7, 2:00 pm, Kimball Lake Cabins, 66 Kimball Lake Road
Herbalist and intercultural expert Lynn Clowes leads a trail walk where she will highlight various plants used by Native Americans and early colonists. Plants will be identified and discussed in their habitats. Harvesting, storing for use, preparing as medicine, and what symptoms each herb is indicated for will be discussed. INFO
The Hidden Histories of New England’s Georgian Shoes, by Dr. Kimberly Alexander, University of New Hampshire, Thursday, July 18, 6:30 pm, Hopkinton Historical Society, 300 Main Street
The stories captured by shoes are often our only connection to a person whose life has been largely lost in the historical record, whether an aspiring consumer or an unknown but highly skilled cordwainer who supplies shoes for his rural community. Alexander’s recently published book, Treasures Afoot: Shoe Stories from the Georgian Era, delves into historic fashion and material culture by examining what shoes can reveal about both the producer and the wearer. INFO
The Abenaki: The First Travelers, presented by Lynn Murphy, Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm, Hopkinton Historical Society, 300 Main Street
Lynn Murphy, Abenaki elder, educator, and basket maker, presents a program on the ancient history and enduring presence of First Nations people. Her program traces their journey from a pre-contact subsistence lifestyle, emigration to Canada, assimilation with the White population in New England, into present day. INFO
Twist, Tie, Knot: Indigenous Textiles of the Northeast, presented by Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Sunday, August 18, 2:00 pm, Hopkinton Historical Society, 300 Main Street
Vera Longtoe Sheehan leads a lively discussion about ancient Abenaki textile traditions that persist into modern times. Sheehan draws on her independent research and her family traditions using regional plants to make clothing and bags. INFO
JUST ADDED!
Living History: Spinning, Weaving, Splitting, & Switchel, Saturday, July 27, 10:00 am, Hopkinton Historical Society, 300 Main Street
Come experience life in rural New England in the mid-1700s, including demonstrations of spinning animal fiber into yarn, weaving yarn into fabric, the splitting of shingles and rocks, as well as a display of quilts. Attendees will also be able to sample switchel, a popular summer drink in the American colonies. INFO
“Footsteps behind Him on the Road" An Updated Look at Abraham Kimball's Encounter with the Indians, presented by Steve Thomas, Thursday, August 15, 6:30 pm, Hopkinton Historical Society, 300 Main Street
Until recently, the only known account of the capture by Indians of Abraham Kimball (1742-1828), “the first male white child born in Hopkinton,” came from second-hand information gathered by Alonzo J. Fogg in the 1870s which was published in 1880 in the Hopkinton Times and in 1890 in C.C Lord’s Life and Times in Hopkinton, N.H. However, discovered a short time ago at the NH State Archives is a letter in essence dictated by Abraham Kimball himself in 1823 on just this topic. Local historian Steve Thomas will share this letter and follow Kimball’s captive footsteps. INFO
Information at www.hopkintonhistory.org or Heather Mitchell at 746-3825
