Bidwell House Museum Events

Sunday May 24 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

The Bidwell House Museum, 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States

Surprising But True

A concert with Diane Taraz to celebrate the start of the 2026 season!We open our 2026 season with a concert by Bidwell favorite Diane Taraz, who creates programs that use the music of an era to show the inner lives of people who lived long ago. Fiction often sticks to what seems plausible, but real life does not have to abide by our expectations of what is possible. Over the centuries all kinds of unbelievable things have happened, and in Surprising But True Diane tells some of these delightful, true stories. We hear traditional songs and one that Diane wrote about the unlikely life of Deborah Samson, who served during the American Revolution and later became one of the first women to speak in public as she toured New England. The origins of some of our most familiar songs are surprising. We hear the birth and development of Yankee Doodle, including some particularly rude verses! Diane’s The Great Sea-Serpent of Cape Ann traces the long history of the giant serpent frequently sighted off the Massachusetts coast, and her American Army of Two hails the courage of two teenage girls who saved the town of Scituate from British attack in the War of 1812 by playing a certain melody. Diane Taraz writes songs and interprets traditional ones, accompanying herself on guitar and dulcimer. She has over two dozen albums streaming worldwide, and she brings her programs exploring history through music to museums, libraries, and historical societies throughout New England. One of her original songs and her interpretation of a traditional carol have been used on television (My Lottery Dream Home) and in a recently released film (A Little Prayer). Her three books are available on Amazon and other outlets. There’s more about her at www.dianetaraz.com. This concert will be in person at the Bidwell House Museum and will be followed by a small reception to celebrate the opening of the 2026 season. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. The house will not be open for tours during the concert, but will reopen for tours by appointment for following day, Monday May 27.

The Bidwell House Museum, 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States

Saturday May 30 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

The First Massachusetts Constitution, and How Town Actions Derailed It

Join the Bidwell House via Zoom for our first History Talk of the 2026 season!Join the Bidwell House Museum on Zoom for the first of four history talks planned for the 2026 season. We start with Western Michigan University Professor Sally Hadden. Massachusetts enjoys th......More

Saturday June 20 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence

“I Have Scarcely a Mouthful of Bread for Myself or My Children”: The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of IndependenceFor our second history talk of the 2026 season, we take a look at the life of the Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. In this lecture, Alexander Cain examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. He will examine how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from so-called “patriot” mobs and Committees of Safety. The discussion further explores the severe hardships endured by Loyalist families, including those from western Massachusetts, who sought refuge with the British army, facing starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile. The lecture also highlights the resilience that enabled these individuals to persevere in the face of such adversity. Alexander Cain, JD, has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake, Fire!” – The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027. Alex currently leads an educational initiative in Northeastern Massachusetts that introduces high school students to careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, and the skilled trades. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife, Paula, and they have two adult children, John and Abigail. The fact that they are named after John and Abigail Adams is purely a coincidence. This lecture will be held at the Monterey Meeting House, 449 Main Rd, Monterey and via Zoom. Zoom tickets need to be purchased in advance but in-person tickets can be purchased either in advance or at the door. A Zoom link will be sent 2-3 days in advance of the presentation. For in-person attendees, there is limited parking on the street in front of the Meeting House and additional parking behind Monterey Town Hall, a 2 minute walk down the road.

Saturday June 27 11:00am - 4:00pm EDT

The Bidwell House Museum, 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States

The Bidwell Artisan Fair

Enjoy a free community day at the Bidwell House MuseumOn Saturday June 27th the Bidwell House Museum is excited to present the Bidwell Artisan Fair. During this free community event, visitors to the Museum will have the opportunities to see numerous craftspeople creating items as varied as spoons, lace, chairs and paper. Many of the artisans will be using historical techniques and creating beautiful items in ways similar to New England craftspeople hundreds of years ago. In addition to craft demonstrations, visitors will also be able to see Revolutionary War reenactors demonstrating a “camp kitchen” and hear music from Shinbone Alley. There will also be a scavenger hunt for kids and snacks for purchase. Artisan Demonstrations will include: Rick Liegl of Colonial Crafts of Connecticut will demonstrate early woodworking with hand tools and carving that was popular in 17th century New England. Liegl is a teacher and presenter of Early American joinery, carving and furniture making and he builds chairs and benches using mortise and tenon joinery techniques. Andrew Jack makes and teaches the construction of Windsor chairs using a blend of contemporary and traditional techniques. . Working with green wood and hand tools allows his handmade chairs and woodenware to appear and feel “light” and “delicate” yet maintain the strength of a tree. Jill Hawkins from the New England Lace Group will demonstrate the historic craft of bobbin lacemaking, which originated in the 16th century. Learn how lace is made by hand and try it yourself! Chris Templin will demonstrate the age old skill of blacksmithing and also show some of his metal work. Camp Kitchen with Tommy Tringale Be sure to visit the recreated camp kitchen and see how Continental Army soldiers during the American Revolution cooked their meals and what personal belongings they carried while on campaign during the conflict with England. This demonstration is weather dependent and will not happen if rain is forecast. In addition to these demos, we are also excited to welcome Shinbone Alley to the stage for the afternoon. Alex Harvey is an old-world folklorist who performs street ballads and songs of the sea in a project he calls Shinbone Alley. At his performances listeners learn to celebrate the haunting intercultural exchange of 18th and 19th century maritime music – whose ingredients travelled from the furthest corners of the globe to be remade and stitched anew by sailors of every shade and shape at port and at sea. Additional activities may be added before the event, so check back here for the most up to date information. Pre-registration is not required for this event, but if you do plan to attend, getting a free ticket does help us to know how much food and drink to have on hand. This program is supported in part by grants from Lee Bank along with the Monterey, Otis, Sheffield and Tyringham Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Bidwell House Museum, 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States

Bidwell House Museum

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Surprising But True

The First Massachusetts Constitution, and How Town Actions Derailed It

The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence

The Bidwell Artisan Fair

Group Results

Tag sale

Pelham Jewish Center

Bidwell House Museum

View details

About Us

Contact Information

About Us

Contact Information

Surprising But True

The First Massachusetts Constitution, and How Town Actions Derailed It

The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence

The Bidwell Artisan Fair

Group Results

Tag sale

Pelham Jewish Center

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