Spring 2023
Speaker Series in Partnership with the Wellesley Free Library

The Speaker Series is free and open to the public.

Talks will be held in-person at the Main Branch of the Wellesley Free Library* in the Wakelin Room. Refreshments will be served.

* Wellesley Free Library – Main Branch, 530 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

Questions? Please email Executive Director Taylor Kalloch at director@wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org

THE WHARTONS’ WAR

Sunday, March 26th 2:00 p.m.

Local Resident Sue Bell and Civil War historian William Davis will discuss their new book on the recently-discovered correspondence between Sue’s ancestor, Confederate General Gabriel Wharton, and his wife Anne Wharton during the Civil War. General Wharton was actively engaged in the fighting in Virginia and was acquainted with many other, high-ranking Confederate officers.

REBELS AT SEA

Sunday, April 2nd 2:00 p.m.

Maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin will discuss his latest book, Rebels at Sea, which focuses attention on the often- overlooked role of American privateers in winning the American Revolution. Not surprisingly in light of our maritime traditions, many of these privateers were based right here in New England.

BLOOD AND IVY AT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

Sunday, May 7th 2:00 p.m.

Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran will discuss the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Dr. George Parkman of Harvard Medical School in 1849. This case (and the subsequent murder trial) was one of the most sensational in the history of 19th Century America.

This series is made possible by our generous sponsor,

Christine Mayer.