During 2012 the Thayer Memorial Library’s 150th Anniversary provided townspeople many opportunities to explore the library’s history and holdings, while enjoying activities and events for all ages. The enthusiasm and gracious support of our patrons was astounding as it has been for a century and a half. Thank you for your participation in making our 150th Anniversary year of celebration a resounding success!
150th Anniversary Committee
Board of Library Trustees
Year in review:
- Memorial Hall 1867 “peace window” restored
- Commemorative suncatcher commissioned
- Section of 1888 book stacks restored and installed in Museum
- Gala Kick-off and Exhibit opening: January 15, 2012
Major Exhibit and Lecture Series:
A General Diffusion of Knowledge: An Exhibit from Thayer Memorial Library’s Rare Books Collection
January – June 2012
Lectures:
- Leslie Perrin Wilson, Exhibit Curator:
“Books are the best of things, well used”: The Value of Lancaster’s Rare Book Collection - Warren Rassmussen:
Mary Rowlandson—Minister’s Wife, Redeemed Captive, First Best-selling American Author - Timothy Castner:
Searching for the Heart of the Community—Religious Books in the Rare Book Collection - Kevin Doyle:
Lancaster in the Civil War and Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the War
Available for purchase:
Notecards and Full-Color Catalog
Thayer Memorial Library History Lecture series:
- Frank MacGrory:
The Thayers and their Relationship to Lancaster’s Library - John Schumacher-Hardy:
Herbert H. Hosmer, Jr. —Trustee and Chandler Reward of Merit Donor - Presentation of Chandler Reward of Merit and Chandler Book Talk:
Recipient and speaker: Robert A. Salvatore, Author
Exhibits on display during the year:
- Timeline of Library History – displayed throughout the building
- The Library Arts Club
- Mary Rowlandson’s Narrative
- Lancaster Post, Grand Army of the Republic
- The Chandler Reward of Merit
- Herbert Hosmer, Puppeteer
- Works by R. A. Salvatore, 2013 Chandler Reward of Merit Winner 2013