Massachusetts Anniversaries

 Massachusetts Anniversaries    
               Fenway Park                                Chatham                                Tanglewood


GREATER BOSTON

Fenway Park, Boston– The first pitch was thrown at Fenway Park one hundred years ago and it’s time to celebrate! As the oldest operating Major League facility in the United States, Fenway will be highlighting Red Sox history and commemorating the wide range of other sports, music, civic, philanthropic and community events that it has hosted in its first century.

War of 1812 Bicentennial – Tall ships and naval vessels from around the globe will visit Boston from June 30 – July 6 to mark the bicentennial and the role of the USS Constitution in the conflict. The Constitution is docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza, which opened in 1912, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The building, which is the former site of the Museum of Fine Arts on St. James Avenue, is finishing a $20 million renovation. There will be 100 days of celebrations leading up to the Aug. 19th anniversary, including rooms at 1912 prices -- less than $2 a night early on. A special anniversary package allows couples with a receipt from their wedding night hotel room to pay the price they originally paid.

The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston opened in 1912 with 10,000 people in attendance -- many of them school children given the day off by Mayor "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald for the occasion. The zoo is holding several promotions to accompany its 100-year anniversary, including an animatronic dinosaur exhibit and prizes for the 100th visitor of the day.

Milton's 350th Anniversary - Many events all year long.

NORTH OF BOSTON & GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Lexington – Lexington’s 300th anniversary events begin in September; commemorating its incorporation with a festive nine-month celebration, including the town’s 300th Patriot’s Day Parade.

Charles Dickens Bicentenary, Lowell - The Charles Dickens bicentenary features Dickens and Massachusetts: A Tale of Power and Transformation, and more than fifty public programs taking place March through October.

Wenham Museum
In celebration of the Wenham Museum’s 90th year, the museum presents a playful exhibit featuring classic toy stories that come to life through more than 50 original illustrations, books, and the toys themselves. Discover nearly a century of cherished stories including Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse by Leo Lionni, Raggedy Ann in the Golden Meadow by Johnny Gruelle, The Dolls’ House by Tasha Tudor, and more.

The Ipswich Museum
Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the birth of America’s first poet, Anne Bradstreet, on April 18. Lecture by educator Catherine Hommes.

Bread and Roses Festival
2012 marks the Centennial Anniversary of the Great Lawrence Strike of 1912, better known as the "Bread & Roses Strike". What started as a wage protest quickly became a fight for better conditions both on and off the job. Celebrate the victory of these workers in the historic city of Lawrence at various events throughout the year, wrapping up with the Bread & Roses Labor Day Festival this September.

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
Celebrating 100 years

SOUTH OF BOSTON

Pembroke – A town famous for shipbuilding, Pembroke broke from Duxbury and incorporated as a separate township in 1712, taking on a name reminiscent of Pembroke, Wales. Anniversary events include a golf tournament, car show, art festival, and more!

Fairhaven – New Bedford once included the present day town of Fairhaven; the town officially separated and incorporated in 1812 and will celebrate its bicentennial anniversary with special events throughout the year.

Abington – Turns 300

Seekonk – Turns 200

CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

Chatham -The Town of Chatham announces “Chatham 300,” a yearlong celebration of its 300th anniversary.A cherished seaside town, Chatham’s rich history, culture, arts, leisure and hospitality will be showcased throughout the year.

CENTRAL MASS

Oakham –First settled in 1749 and officially incorporated in 1762, Oakham will celebrate 250 years in 2012;anniversary events will commence on New Year’s Eve and continue through September.

Athol - The Athol Historical Society, in conjunction with the Town of Athol, invite you to join them in celebrating the town’s 250th, Semiquincentennial, Anniversary! The year will be filled with events that pay homage to Athol's history.

Templeton – Turns 250

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Tanglewood ,Lenox – Named for Nathanial Hawthorne’s Tanglewood Tales, concerts at Tanglewood began in 1936 when the Boston Symphony Orchestra performed its first concerts in the Berkshires. To commemorate its 75thanniversary season, the venue will pay homage to legendary moments and feature eight world premiers. The venue will also add a series of three sculptures to honor music figures from years past.

Edith Wharton’s Birthday, Lenox – In January, The Mount will celebrate Edith’s 150th birthday with a series of events highlighting her significant influence on contemporary culture, literature, entertainment, and design.

Titanic Historical Society, Springfield – The Titanic Historical Society will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage withthe Titanic Centennial Memorial on Sunday, April 22.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival celebrates its 80th Anniversary Season in 2012. The first theatre in the U.S. designed specifically for dance, this treasured National Historic Landmark is home to America's longest running international dance festival with more than 300 performances, talks, tours, exhibits & events. The Pillow received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in March 2011. Dates run June 20 – August 26, 2012.

The 106-room Hotel Northampton celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2012 with a property renovation featuring a distinctive bedding package and a lavish update to all guestroom bathrooms in the main building. Public space updates include European marble flooring at the entryway and restoration of the grand entrance. More to come, with area activities and packages offered for their celebration.

Historic Deerfield
Historic Deerfield is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a year-long series of special events, lectures, and programs.

Free Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary with the return of Sherlock Holmes, the Free Theatre will present The Valley of Fear, adapted by WTF veteran Steve Lawson (and Williamstown resident) from the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes saga, launched the Free Theatre in 1987, and now the legendary sleuth returns in this new theatrical version of Conan Doyle's final novel. Spectators will don their crime-solving caps and lend Holmes and Dr. Watson a hand, with gasps and laughs guaranteed for all. Presented under the stars at Poker Flats Field.
Williamstown Theatre Festival at’62 Center for Theatre & Dance, 1000 Main Street, Williamstown

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