America 250 Programs

Check back regularly for updates to this list of America 250 programs being offered at Thayer Memorial Library!

How the Housewives of Masschusetts Supported the Continental Army

Friday August 28 at 2:00 PM

Foodways historian Stacy Booth will discuss not only how the housewives of Massachusetts provisioned the army in the early years of the Revolutionary War, but also how they used food and cooking as ways to protest taxation and the political policies that fanned the flames of a revolution.

Profiles in Patriotism: Elizabeth Freeman

Friday September 18 at 2:00 PM

Elizabeth Freeman is a little-known national hero, and a symbol of courage and spirit to all who cherish freedom. She was among the first slaves in Massachusetts to sue for and win her freedom, recognizing the potential legal and moral significance of the words “All men are born free and equal.”

Presented by the Honorable Judge Dennis Curran (Ret.).

Perukes, Powder, Politics & Patriots: Men's Hair and Wigs in 18th Century England and America

Friday October 9 at 2:00 PM

Why did men in the 1700s wear wigs? What were they made of, how were they styled, and who wore what? Join living history interpreter and wig maker, Audrey Stuck-Girard, as she demonstrates trends and styling techniques used by wigmakers and hairdressers in the 18th century.

An Entire Wardrobe 250 Years Out of Style: Presenting Identity Through Dress in Living History and Reenactment

Friday November 6 at 2:00 PM

Living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard explains what clothing meant to early Americans, both in material value and as a means of identifying oneself in society based on social status, gender, race, profession, and politics.

"An Extraordinary Code of Laws": Abigail Adams's Hopes for a Better America in 1776

Friday November 13 at 2:00 PM

This scripted one-woman show takes place in the spring of 1776, with Mrs. Adams writing letters to her husband and friend. Throughout the play, Mrs. Adams muses aloud on topics of government, freedom, education, and women’s rights. The show is approximately 40 minutes long, with a 15-20 minute Q&A.

Previous America 250 Programs

Missed one of the programs? Check here for the program recording!

The Declaration of Independence: Pathway to Our Precious Freedoms

Friday June 26 at 2:00 PM

It was America’s birth certificate. And this year, we celebrate its 250th birthday. Its influence has been explosive, galvanizing peoples throughout the world to assert their independence, inspiring civil rights movements, and sparking a recognition of individual rights.

Presented by the Honorable Judge Dennis Curran (Ret.).

Experience History: The 18th Century Leading up to Revolution

Friday July 10 at 2:00 PM

Join Thomas Quirk, who will portray life in the eighteenth century with period clothing, goods, weapons, tools, and instruments, and provide information about local patriots. The talk includes a fife demonstration, a question-and-answer period, and an opportunity to examine Colonial items.

Dr. Benjamin Rush: Forgotten Founder and Physician

Friday August 7 at 2:00 PM

Dr. Benjamin Rush, forgotten Founder, was a renowned writer, reformer and medical pioneer who touched virtually every page in the story of our nation’s founding.

Presented by the Honorable Judge Dennis Curran (Ret.).

See Lancaster's Copy of the Declaration of Independence

for a limited time, Lancaster’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, transcribed by the Town Clerk in July 1776, will be on display at the Library from Monday July 6 through Friday July 10. The document will be exhibited on the second floor in the Town’s Historical Museum.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to view a one-of-a-kind piece of Lancaster’s Revolutionary History!

Reading the Revolution

Want to learn more about the American Revolution? This multipart list reading includes recommendations for readers of all ages, and honors the complex history of the American Revolution and our nation’s unfolding evolution toward becoming a society where is everyone is truly “free and equal.” The reading lists feature recommendations for books available from libraries across the Commonwealth, including many that can be found here in Lancaster.

Visit the Massachusetts Center for the Book’s website for more information and to view the reading lists

Special Collections Book Group

Also consider coming to Read History with Tori, a book group run by the Special Collections Librarian which reads books all about history. Over the summer and into the fall, the group will be reading books reccomended by the Massachusetts Center for the Book in their Reading the Revolution program.