‘Chronicle’ TV series features two Hill spots for book lovers
‘Chronicle’ – WCVB Channel 5’s long-running local TV newsmagazine – featured two Beacon Hill destinations for book lovers in its Book Nooks episode, which aired on Friday, Jan. 17.
Beacon Hill Books and Café at 71 Charles St. and the Boston Athenaeum at 10 ½ Beacon St. were both visited in the episode, along with a small selection of other area bookstores and book-centric spots.
Visit https://www.wcvb.com/article/bookstores-with-cafes-in-new-england-sure-to-keep-you-warm-this-winter/63457034 to view the segment.
Nichols House Museum to offer Jan. 28 lecture on history of bell ringing
The Nichols House Museum presents ‘Bells, Bells, Bells: A History of Bell Ringing in Boston and Beyond’ on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m.
At this time, Griff Gall, artistic director of the Back Bay Ringers, will lead a conversation exploring the musical legacy of Margaret (Nichols) Shurcliff and her father, Dr. Arthur Nichols, who shared an enthusiasm for bell ringing. Gall will discuss the history of tower ringing, the differences between change ringing and tune ringing, and how this Beacon Hill family revived the tradition of handbell ringing.
This is a hybrid program, with options to attend virtually, or in person at the Nichols House Museum, 55 Mount Vernon St.
Tickets are by donation, but registration is required. For more information, visit https://www.nicholshousemuseum.org/events/.
Discover MGH’s Blum Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28
Discover the Blum Center, in Partnership with the Slavin Academy, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blum Center, White 110, on the MGH main campus.
At this time, information on upcoming programs, a
Q&A sessions to answer your questions, and insights into the educational resources will be available to patients, families, and the community. A clinicians will also be available to educate attendees on checking their blood pressure at home and understanding how it relates to their heart health, as well as on monitoring their health at home.
All are welcome at this event where light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact the Blum Center at 617-724-7352 or via email at [email protected].
West End Winter Social Jan. 29
The West End Museum, located at 150 Staniford St., Suite 7 (on Lomasney Way), will sponsor the West End Winter Social on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
For this event, the museum will open its doors exclusively for West End residents, past and present. There will be crafts, snacks, and refreshments. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors, explore the museum, and share in the vibrant spirit of our local community.
Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-end-winter-social-tickets-1112059151859 to sign up and for more information.
Upcoming events sponsored by the Gibson House Museum
The Gibson House Museum, locate at 137 Beacon St., presents ‘Love at the Gibson House: a Valentine’s Day Celebration’ on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 and 3 p.m.
The Gibson House is the home of many loves: of newlyweds making a home for their three children; between Irish servants of neighboring houses; and of gay men in the late-19th and early 20th centuries. Join us this February for a celebration of their love and yours. This event is perfect for couples, a “Galentine’s” date, or for an adult-child pair to enjoy.
At this event, the museum invites guests to make Victorian-inspired Valentines, take vintage photographs with their sweetheart in the period photo booth, learn about the various love stories at the Gibson House, and enjoy a delicious spread of sweets and tea. Special guest Etiquetteer, Robert B. Dimmick, will offer brief talks on the social customs of the period and answer your etiquette questions.
Admission is $65 for a pair of adults; $50 for an adult/child pair; (best for children 10+); $35 for a single adult ticket; and $25 for a single child ticket. Purchase tickets online at https://www.thegibsonhouse.org.
Also back by popular demand, the museum will offer ‘Elements of the American Wedding 1860-1920’ on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
At this time, join Etiquetteer, Robert B. Dimmick, on an exploration of wedding customs in the United States from the Civil War to Prohibition. Aside from familiar customs like the white wedding dress and tossing the bouquet, Etiquetteer will look at fads like the floral bell, how wedding breakfasts were conducted, and the home wedding. Two of the most celebrated weddings of this period included President Cleveland’s White House wedding to Frances Folsom and Consuelo Vanderbilt’s wedding in New York to the Duke of Marlborough. Etiquetteer will also share the stories of Gibson family weddings, especially those of sisters Mary Ethel (held in Nahant) and Rosamond, held in the Music Room of the Gibson House six months after the death of her father.
Admission is $25 per person for the general public and $20 per person for museum members. Purchase tickets online at https://www.thegibsonhouse.org.
Upcoming knitting activities at West End Branch Library
The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library will offer ‘Learn to Knit with Knitly!’ on Fridays, Jan. 24 and 31 from 10-11 a.m. (Registration is for one session.)
Have you been curious about learning how to knit? Join instructors from Knitly for a fun, social experience, where you will learn how to knit a garter stitch cowl. Materials, including a yarn buffet, are available for participants. No prior experience is necessary.
Registration is required for this event as seats are limited; contact Wesley Fiorentino, generalist librarian, via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-523-3957.
The library will also offer ‘Knitting and Fiber Crafts Clinic with Knitly’ on Fridays from Jan. 10-31 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Did you know that knitting has been shown to lower stress levels and blood pressure as much as yoga and meditation? Drop in for knitting help, socializing, and a discussion on the fiber arts. Each session will feature a different knitting-focused discussion. Bring any project you’re working on, or get inspired by the provided materials. No prior experience is necessary.
Registration is required for this event as seats are limited; contact Wesley Fiorentino, generalist librarian, via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-523-3957.
Free lessons in American Mahjong offered at West End Branch Library
The Friends of the West End Library will be offering lessons in American Mahjong to new and experienced players at no cost.
The group meets on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Community Room of the West End Branch Library, 151 Cambridge St.
To sign up or for more information, email Audrey Tedeman ([email protected]) or Julia Forbes ([email protected]).