NEWBURYPORT PRESERVATION WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

NEWBURYPORT PRESERVATION WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MAY 14 – MAY 22, 2011

SATURDAY, MAY 14

OPENING EVENT: NEWBURYPORT UP FROM THE ASHES - AFTER THE GREAT FIRE 1811-2011 Noon – 1pm, Newburyport Library Program Room, 94 State Street

Kick-off Preservation Week 2011! Newburyport Preservation Trust member, Planning Board member, and historical architecture enthusiast Bonnie Sontag will give a brief presentation on the Great Fire of 1811 and The Brick Act, which is responsible for the masonry and granite structures visible today in the downtown. Historic photographs will illustrate how the fire-protected structures have survived over the years even as the streets, modes of transportation, fashions, and facades have evolved. Free.

WALK NEWBURYPORT - 1pm – 3:30pm

Meet at the Newburyport Library, 94 State Street

Newburyport Preservation Trust member and architect Greg Colling will lead this walking tour and point out different architectural styles in the historic South End and within a few blocks of city center, including State, Temple, High, Fruit, Federal, and Middle Streets. He will also highlight some fascinating Newburyport historical vignettes and self-guided tours that are featured in Walk Newburyport, a new book from the Newburyport Preservation Trust. Free.

VINTAGE BASEBALL…IT'S A BLAST! - 11:00am–4:00pm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury

Historic New England presents the Essex Base Ball Club vs. Brooklyn Atlantics, Mudville Base Ball Club and Ipswich Brewers. Using 1861 baseball rules, these fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching, a ball bounced once and caught is an out, and no gloves are allowed. Grass field seating (bring chairs or blankets); beer samples provided by Ipswich Ale. Free for Historic New England members, $5 nonmembers. Weather permitting; 978-462-2634.

ALL FIRED UP! NEWBURYPORT CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT - 6:30pm reception, 8pm concert

Henry Learned House, 190 High Street

Enjoy a reception in an elegant, privately owned Federal style home and garden, then take in a chamber music concert in the home’s 1803 carriage house (tours and rare photos and artifacts will be presented). The concert features renown violinist Ellen DePasquale, an acclaimed performer and pedagogue with Temple University in Philadelphia, and Joseph Johnson, principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, who will play a 1747 Juan Guillami cello crafted in Barcelona, Spain. Tickets for this Newburyport Preservation Trust fundraiser are $45. Seats are limited and reservations required by calling 978-462-2634. More information at www.nbptpreservationtrust.org

SUNDAY, MAY 15

BLAZING THE PATH TO PRESERVATION BIKE TOUR - 11am – 1pm

Meet at Riverside Cycle at The Tannery, Water & Federal Streets

Bicycling enthusiast and Newburyport Preservation Trust member James Shanley leads a bicycle tour of the North End. The tour will stop at some architectural treasures along Harris, Washington, Munroe, Kent, High, Chapel and Payson Streets, and will include a tour inside one of Newburyport's few brick row houses built in 1845-1846 for Ocean Steam Mills. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Atkinson Common before returning via Merrimack Street. Free.

VINTAGE BASEBALL…IT'S A BLAST! - 12 noon – 3pm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury

Historic New England presents the Essex Base Ball Club vs. Lynn Live Oaks and Bristol Blues. Using 1861 rules, these fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching, a ball bounced once and caught is an out, and no gloves are allowed. Grass field seating (bring chairs or blankets); beer samples provided by Ipswich Ale. Free for Historic New England members, $5 nonmembers. Weather permitting; 978-462-2634.

WHARVES OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND - 3pm – 5pm seminar; 5pm reception

Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street

Referencing remains of pre-Revolutionary wharves in Portsmouth, NH, Charlestown, Salem, and the recent discoveries in Newburyport, Dr. Mitchell Mulholland of UMass Amherst Archaeological Services, and Bill Harris, an attorney, historic preservation advocate and Newburyport Preservation Trust member, will explain how archaeologists and historians interpret these historic structures and waterfront development. This program honors the memory of archaeologist and UMaine professor Alaric Faulkner, whose 1978 publication Port and Market extended understanding of how the tidewaters and filled tidelands of central Newburyport evolved over the last three centuries. Co-sponsored by Custom House Maritime Museum. Free.

MONDAY, MAY 16

POWDER HOUSES: THEY'RE EXPLOSIVE! - 7pm

Newburyport Library Program Room, 94 State Street

Newburyport Preservation Trust members and Powder House Restoration Committee co-chairs Tom Kolterjahn and Karen Holt present a fascinating look at the unique styles and history of Essex County powder houses, including three in Newburyport and the “keepers” who were charged with overseeing them. They will also provide an update on Newburyport’s Low Street Powder House restoration progress, including photos, historical maps, and original documents. A reception will follow the presentation. Free.

TUESDAY MAY 17

HOT PRESERVATION: INSIDE and OUT - 7pm

Belleville Church Parish Hall, 300 High Street

Homeowners and historic home enthusiasts can bring their burning questions for Historic New England’s preservation planner Sally Zimmerman and preservation carpenter David Webb, panelists in this discussion on preservation and rehabilitation options for historic homes. Panelists will highlight preservation choices today using as an example Historic New England’s Lyman Estate (1793) in Waltham, which experienced changes during three distinct architectural periods. Issues of authenticity, preservation values, and cost effectiveness will be considered when answering questions regarding exterior windows, doors, siding, trim, masonry, and roofs, and interior trim, plaster, paper, floor plans and coverings, and paint. Free

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante – lunch and dinner

16 Pleasant Street

Join your friends and neighbors in the Newburyport Preservation Trust for lunch or dinner at Oregano Pizzeria & Ristorante. Oregano will donate 15% of the day's sales to support Newburyport Preservation Week. Thank you, Oregano owner, Claude!

FRIDAY, MAY 20

FLICKERS OF THE PAST: THE JOSHUA WENTWORTH HOUSE - 7pm

Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street

The 1770 Joshua Wentworth House in Portsmouth, NH, has experienced several changes over 250 years, including being shipped by barge to its current location at Strawbery Banke to avoid demolition. Architect and Newburyport Preservation Trust member Linda Miller will present photos and describe the meticulous process of restoring the deteriorated historic home that was completed in 2008, highlighting the differences between restoration and renovation. Following the presentation a "rum fest" reception will be held with tastings of rum provided by Ryan & Wood Distillery, Gloucester, plus wine and other refreshments. Admission $10.

TALES AND ALES - 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Swett-Ilsley House Tavern, 4 High Road, Newbury

In the late 17th century, the Swett-Ilsley House was Swett’s Tavern, one of three watering holes in town. The huge fireplace and massive beams provide a perfect backdrop for an evening of historic fun. Enjoy traditional local brews and a hearty tavern dinner while listening to tales of sword fights, scandalous romances, and bloody brawls from Newbury’s storied past. Presented by Historic New England; admission $30 members/$50 nonmembers. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

ANATOMY OF A FIREPLACE - 10am – 2pm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury

Masonry expert Richard Irons gives a behind-the-scenes exploration of the heart of the 17th-century house–the chimney. Using the stacks and hearths at three local early houses, Irons identifies original material, discusses the evolution of chimney technology, and explores how changing foodways and cooking methods influenced changing hearth configuration. Presented by Historic New England; admission: $25 members/$35 nonmembers. Morning refreshments included; optional box lunch: $10. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634.

SPARKS OF HISTORY HOUSE TOUR - 3pm – 5pm

63 High Street, Newburyport

Tour one of the stately Federal Period homes along “the ridge” on High Street and learn the historical context of their imposing presence in early 19^th century Newburyport. Lovingly restored, this private home features many original features, including moldings, interior shutters, stairway balusters and handrails and even wallpaper in one room. The tour will also point out exterior Federal Period features and how the house was modified over time.

TALES AND ALES - 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Swett-Ilsley House Tavern, 4 High Road, Newbury

In the late 17th century, the Swett-Ilsley House was Swett’s Tavern, one of three watering holes in town. The huge fireplace and massive beams provide a perfect backdrop for an evening of historic fun. Enjoy traditional local brews and a hearty tavern dinner while listening to tales of sword fights, scandalous romances, and bloody brawls from Newbury’s storied past. Presented by Historic New England; admission $30 members/ $50 nonmembers. Advance registration required: 978-462-2634.

SUNDAY, MAY 22

FIREHOUSES & FIRE TRUCKS: OULD NEWBURY FIRE MUSEUM - 1pm – 3pm

0 Morgan Ave. (across from the Town Hall) & Upper Green, High Road, Newbury

The whole family will enjoy a rare occasion to examine firefighting memorabilia and learn about firefighting in centuries past. This museum features the collections of 34-year veteran Newburyport firefighter Stan Dixon, including 19^th century fire buckets, helmets, speaking horns, records and documents, hand-tubs, and 1840s man-powered fire engines. A modern-day fire engine also can be viewed across the street at the Newbury Fire Department. Make an afternoon of it by bringing a picnic lunch, or purchase old-fashioned soda and popcorn on the Newbury Upper Green.

THE GLOWING RESULTS! 2011 PRESERVATION AWARDS - 4:30pm – 5pm

Phoenix Room, 19 Inn Street, third floor, Newburyport

Celebrate outstanding individuals for their contributions toward protecting and preserving Newburyport’s historic character and building heritage. 2011 Newburyport Preservation Trust Preservation Awards will recognize winners in categories such as: Stewardship; Exterior Restoration; Interior Restoration; Sensitive Addition to a Historic Structure; Historic Landscape Restoration; Historic Sensitive Contractor/Builder; and Sustainable Historic Structure. Free; photo slide show of fires and firefighting and reception follow at 5:15pm and 6pm.

NEWBURYPORT FIRES & FIREFIGHTING OVER TWO CENTURIES - 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Photographer Robert M. Currier presents an insightful talk and presentation of photos and engravings of memorable fires and firefighting in Newburyport over the past two centuries. Free; reception follows at 6pm.

CLOSING RECEPTION PARTY - 6pm
Celebrate the conclusion of the fifth annual Newburyport Preservation Week with light refreshments and a cash bar.