Category: Community Photos

Magnolia Historical Society presents John Hays Hammond

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Reblogged from the Magnolia Historical Society

It happens Sunday November 19th at 4:00.
Step into the fascinating life of John Hays Hammond Jr. with our lecture titled “The Expansive Life of John Hays Hammond Jr”. We are excited to have Caleb McMurphy, the Director of Visitor Services and Education at Hammond Castle join us at the Museum to present.
What do you know about the man behind the Castle?
As one of American’s foremost inventors he has 120 patents in the field of wireless radio ship and weaponry control systems becoming know as “the Father of Remote Control”. He had over 700 patents in total.
He met Thomas Edison at age 12 and they remained in contact throughout Edison’s life. He was also friends with Nicola Tesla who was known to visit Hammond at the castle. He was a skilled pianist and organist, and a passionate collector of art and antiques, and his castle houses a vast collection of medieval and Renaissance artifacts.
Hammond was also deeply interested in the occult. His marriage to Gloucester artist Evelyn Fenton in 1925 introduced an abiding interest in spiritualism. Seances, and reportedly many an all-night party were held at Hammond Castle. The Hammonds maintained deep connections to the equally successful and avant garde circle at Eastern Point.
John Hays Hammond Jr. was a true Renaissance man, with a remarkable range of talents and interests. His inventions had a profound impact on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire innovators today.
Be sure to join us for a one-hour exploration of the seeming contradictory facets and periods of the Hammonds’ life. Our lecture will be preceded by half-hour social with light refreshments at 3:30.
The Magnolia Historical Museum is located at 46 Magnolia
Ave in the historic Blynman Schoolhouse.

 

Rededication of the Cannon at Stage Fort Park

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Thursday, November 2, 2023, was a beautiful day for the rededication of one of the Cannon at Stage Fort Park.  Stage Fort Park is so glorious and a jewel for the city.

Thank you to the committee for all their hard work.

The Gloucester Meetinghouse

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

A CELEBRATION OF GLOUCESTER’S 400TH ANNIVERSARY, NOVEMBER 18TH AT 2:00PM IN THE HISTORIC
MEETINGHOUSE, CORNER OF MIDDLE AND CHURCH STREETS (GPS, #50 MIDDLE ST.)
‘REFUSING TO PAY,’ GLOUCESTER’S ROLE BUILDING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN AMERICA
This three-part program was created for Gloucester’s 400ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebration to share the story of
how Rev. John Murray and his Gloucester followers influenced the separation of church and state, the
promise of religious liberty in the First Amendment.
The first segment is a video that tells the story about how in 1782 Murray’s followers refused to pay
Gloucester taxes to support the town church system. Their possessions were seized and they sued to get
them back. It took three years, but they eventually won, setting a key precedent. The Massachusetts
Supreme Judicial Court ruled that “a free populace cannot be taxed to support a state church.”
In the second segment Rev. Murray magically returns to share what happened in Gloucester, details
about the famous court case, and a second court case that led to Massachusetts legally recognizing the
independence of diverse churches and synagogues.
The third segment features a panel discussion including Q&A with the audience about why this story
matters so much in present-day America with often caustic civic discourse and religion in the center of
political culture wars.
A reception with light refreshments will follow at the Sargent House Museum, a short walk down Middle
Street (#49.)
This event is free and open to the public. It will also be live-streamed by Studio 1623 on the local
channel 6 and will be available later on YouTube.
It was jointly produced by the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation, the Gloucester Unitarian
Universalist Church and the Sargent House Museum. For more information please visit:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Rededication Ceremony

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni
From Veterans Service
November upcoming events:
Stage Fort Park Cannon Fort rededication ceremony- Thursday November 2nd 4pm
Monthly Veterans Breakfast is this Sunday beginning at 8am (let’s pack the house) Sons of American Legion Capt. Lester S. Wass Post 3
Salute to Veterans Breakfast Thursday Nov 9th (free to veterans- registration is required) North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
City of Gloucester, MA Veterans Day Ceremony beginning at 9am at Gloucester High School
Manchester American Legion Casino Night Saturday Nov 11th Amaral Bailey
Pratty’s is donating 100% of their proceeds to local veterans.. show them some support.
Reminder- Cape Ann Veterans Services is a drop off location for new and lightly used coats. Together Gloucester, Inc. Thank you to everyone that has dropped off and donated already.
(More local Cape Ann happenings to be added soon)