Several events this fall will look at history. Sponsored by the Natick Community-Senior Center. To register, call 508-647-6540 or online at Community Pass.
Thursday, Oct. 6, 2 pm
Travel back to 1942 with author Alison O’Leary (So Close to Home: A True Story of an American Family’s Fight for Survival During World War II by Michael J. Tougias and Alison O’Leary). She will tell the thrilling story based on her book, which recounts the period when German U-boats were stalking ships in American waters, and how a family sailed into harm’s way in the Gulf of Mexico. O’Leary is a former Natick resident and was a Natick Bulletin editor and Boston Globe West correspondent for Natick for several years. Natick Community-Senior Center 117 East Central St. Free.
Natick during the Revolution: A talk by the Natick Historical Society
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10-11am
Natick wasn’t the center of any Revolutionary War battles, but 174 served out of a population that had only 85 families. Join Marg Balcom, president of the Natick Historical Society, and Ben Federlin, curator, as they share some of the poignant stories of those who served and those who kept the home fires burning. There will also be artifacts and documents, which bring this time in history to life. Natick Community-Senior Center 117 East Central St. Free.
Visit to Natick Museum of WWII
Thursday, Oct. 27, 9:30 am
The Museum of World War II is a private museum and home to the most comprehensive collection of original WWII artifacts and documents anywhere in the world with more than 7,000 pieces on display. Discount group admission fee payable upon admission is $15 per person, cash or check payable to Museum of World War II. Space is limited. You will be part of a timed admission. You must be 18 years or older to attend. The museum is handicapped accessible. Meet at the Museum of WW II, 8 Mercer Rd, Natick. $15 admission and signed waiver due upon entry to the museum.
“Hamilton and the Nation’s Money” with Gary Hylander
Thursday, Nov. 10, 3-4 pm
Hamilton remains the most neglected of the Founding Fathers, in part, because Jefferson and Adams, his most bitter rivals, outlived him by decades and did everything they could to bury his reputation. Today however, we remember Hamilton as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury who brilliantly forged the financial and economic institutions that turned America into today’s modern capitalistic superpower. Join us for this fascinating talk with historian Gary Hylander as he brings the person and politician, Hamilton to life. Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St. Free
What’s It Worth?
Antique and Collectibles Appraisal Day
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 am-12:30 pm
Bring your treasures, antiques and collectibles for an appraisal by one of our two experts in the field, Kenneth Van Blarcom, owner of Kenneth W. Van Blarcom, Auctioneers and Appraisers in South Natick, and Bene Raia, owner of Raia Auctioneers in Holliston. They will offer two appraisals per customer for a $5 registration fee. You may bring a maximum of two items that you carry in. For an appraisal for furniture or other large items, bring a photo of it on your phone or other device. Pre-registration is required for appraisals. Sign up at the Natick Community-Senior Center and pay cash or check or sign up online at Community Pass.
General admission is free. You can be part of the audience and listen in to the expert appraisals of items. It’s our very own Antiques Road Show experience! Hear the appraiser’s expert opinion and advice on rare books, jewelry, furniture, paintings, textiles, documents and photographs and more. Attendees will take away information on the appraisal process, how to conserve family heirlooms and learn more about antiques/collectibles. Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St.