For a special month-long event, Mansfield Public Library joins Tewksbury Public Library to make available a number of interesting and thought-provoking daytime virtual programs!
**PLEASE NOTE ALL VIRTUAL PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting via email.**
A History of Boston’s Long Black Freedom Struggle
Friday, February 2, 10:30am
Register HERE
Author Zebulon Vance Miletsky will discuss recent book, Before Busing: A History of Boston’s Long Black Freedom Struggle. Before Busing tells the story of the men and women who struggled and demonstrated to make school desegregation a reality in Boston. It reveals the legal efforts and battles over tactics that played out locally and influenced the national Black freedom struggle. And the book gives credit to the Black organizers, parents, and children who fought long and hard battles for justice that have been left out of the standard narratives of the civil rights movement. What emerges is a clear picture of the long and hard-fought campaigns to break the back of Jim Crow education in the North and make Boston into a better, more democratic city—a fight that continues to this day. Zebulon Vance Miletsky is associate professor of Africana Studies at Stony Brook University.
JOB SEARCH HELP — Look & Feel Your Best For Your Job Interview
Monday, February 5, 2pm
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Imagine stepping easily into the best version of yourself. Imagine being able to grab the attention of your audience when you show up in a meeting or interview in less than 8 seconds. Imagine showing your value in a poised and confident way. And imagine being authentic to yourself while you engage with others that may want to hire you. You will walk away from this session knowing how to create a consistent personal image that feels good, looks good and gives you the confidence to make your mark in the world. Led by Lisa Ann Schraffa Santin and Kim Ravida. Satin is a coach, mentor, educator, speaker, fashion industry veteran, and wardrobe wizard based on the North Shore. Ravida is a business coach who helps her clients build profitable businesses in a way that fits into their life.
Safe Harbor: A Visit with the Boston African American National Historic Site
Tuesday, February 6, 12:30pm
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During the years preceding the American Civil War, Boston served as one of the most important stops on the Underground Railroad. Did you know that many of the fugitives escaping from enslavement came to Boston by stowing away on ships from southern ports? Explore the untold stories of men and women making daring escapes to freedom through Boston Harbor. Led by National Park Ranger Shawn Quigley.
JOB SEARCH HELP — 3 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Networking
Monday, February 12, 2pm
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How many informational interviews have you been on and then nothing happens? How often do you ask friends to keep their eye open for a job opportunity and don’t anything? Sometimes it’s really difficult for others to help you if you aren’t clear or specific. (Never use the “I’ll take anything” line.) Learn the three questions you should always ask yourself when on an informational interview or in a networking setting. The answers to these questions will forge real connections with others, and help clarify to them, and yourself, what you’re really looking for. Led by Tewksbury resident Jack Wang, CEO of Longhorn Financial LLC, an independent financial services practice.
The Internment of Japanese Americans: A Visit with the FDR Presidential Library
Tuesday, February 13, 12:30pm
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Following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, people on the West Coast worried that members of the region’s large Japanese American community might be working with Japan’s military to plan acts of sabotage. This presentation explores the backlash endured by Japanese Americans as the nation prepared for war. Led by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Sight & Sound: The Integration of Montage & Music in American Film
Wednesday, February 14, 10:30am
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Having motion pictures be accompanied by music has been a tradition in Hollywood that goes back to the silent film era when pianos and organs were commonplace in theaters. Movie directors working closely with composers, have continually attempted to enhance the audience involvement and enjoyment of their films by adding musical scores and specific motifs that help us identify with particular characters or which add an atmospheric tone to certain scenes. Examine how great directors such as Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, and William Wyler teamed with outstanding music composers such as John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, Maurice Jarre, and Dmitri Tiomkin to make filmgoers laugh and cry or add the elements of fear or suspense while creating some of the most memorable motion pictures in the history of Hollywood. Led by Rich Knox, a retired school teacher and administrator, who lectures on musicals, films, and opera to libraries across the country.
Creative Couples of Paris: Elisabeth Le Brun & Elizabeth Gardner
Thursday, February 15, 10:30am
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Élisabeth Le Brun, the renowned court painter to Marie Antoinette, was forced to flee into exile for 12 years during the French Revolution, while her husband remained in Paris to become a curator of Napoleon’s Museum, formerly the Louvre. Elizabeth Gardner, an American artist from New Hampshire, also painted in Paris, but 80 years after Le Brun and, after a 17-year engagement, married the leading French academic painter in Paris, William Bouguereau. Explore how each of their artistic lives reflected the historic events of their time. Led by Martha Chiarchiaro, owner of Seeing History, who has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Masters’ degree in the History of Art from Williams College and provides a variety of art history presentations at the Worcester Art Museum, the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE), libraries, senior centers, and garden clubs.
Understanding the Voting Behavior of Young People
Friday, February 16, 10am
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Learn what the research says about why some young people vote and others do not? Led by Dr. Bobbi Gentry, Associate Professor of Political Science at Bridgewater College. Gentry earned her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the City University of New York in political science with an emphasis in political psychology. Her current research includes youth voting behavior, teaching and learning in political science, and elections.
Historic Cities & Alpine Vistas: Armchair Travel To Switzerland
Tuesday, February 20, 12:30pm
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Walk through the medieval, yet modern, lakeside cities of Zurich and Lucerne, and along the cobbled streets and ancient arcades of the World Heritage city of Bern. Take the rapid train to Lauterbrunnen Valley with its soaring rock faces and thundering waterfalls. From there, travel along the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt and ride the world’s highest gondola to Klein Matterhorn. Finally, hop on the Golden Pass Express for a scenic trip along the shores of Lake Geneva. Led by local authors Alison Simcox and Douglas Heath, both retired from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Armchair Tour of the Codman Estate with Historic New England
Tuesday, February 27, 12:30pm
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Enjoy an armchair tour of the Codman Estate, a famous Massachusetts property preserved by Historic New England. The five generations of the Codman family to live here left their mark, and the estate that was originally a country retreat gradually came to symbolize the family’s distinguished past. The interiors, richly furnished with portraits, memorabilia, and art works collected in America and Europe, preserve the decorative schemes of every era, including those of noted interior designer Ogden Codman, Jr. The grounds feature a hidden Italianate garden, c. 1900, with perennial beds, statuary, and a reflecting pool filled with water lilies, as well as an English cottage garden, c. 1930. Led by Wendy Hubbard, Site Manager at Historic New England.
Hydrangea Ps & Qs: Planting, pH, Pruning, Problems & Your Questions with Mass. Master Gardeners Association
Wednesday, February 28, 10:30am
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This presentation addresses common issues raised about hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil pH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood (e.g. H macrophylla, H serrata) and new wood (e.g. H arborescens, H paniculata); and common fungal problems and pests. And extra time is saved to answer your questions. Led by Kathie Skinner, a Lifetime Master Gardener, the past Education Coordinator and past Master Gardener Training Coordinator for the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. She is a retired educator with over 40 years teaching and administering in K-12, and currently does education policy research and writing for various state and national education organizations.
Tracking Beavers, Raccoons, Coyotes & Other Wild Mammals in Winter with Mass Audubon
Thursday, February 29, 10:30am
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Have you ever wondered what wild mammals live in your neighborhood? The barrenness of deciduous plants and the presence of snow in winter can help illuminate wildlife signs like tracks, chews, and scat. Learn to interpret the sometimes-subtle clues left behind by American Beavers, Eastern Coyotes, Raccoons, and Fishers. Develop awareness and skills to enhance your outdoor walks and discover the winter stories that play out quietly all around us. Led by Scott Santino, the Education Manager and Teacher Naturalist at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield where he has been leading nature education programs for Mass Audubon since 1999.
RECORDING NOTE: All programs will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.
