Upcoming Adult Programs

Massachusetts' Paranormal Past with Christopher Daley

Friday, October 4 | 4:00 PM (Virtual)

Color photo of Christopher Daley

This one-hour slide presentation, led by Christopher Daley, combines contemporary photographs of various sites with historical images to create a captivating narrative. It weaves together historical facts, legends, and myths, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on real events and the haunting tales that emerged from them.

The lecture covers the following topics:

  • The Haunted Hoosac Tunnel (North Adams & Florida)
  • The Curse of Giles Corey (Salem)
  • The Old Pilgrim Burial Ground (Plymouth)
  • The Ghost of the Eunice Williams Bridge (Greenfield)

Christopher Daley has been speaking all over New England for the past 30 years and virtually via Zoom throughout the United States for the past two years on historical topics of interest; at libraries, historical societies, schools and all sorts of clubs and organizations!

He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Bridgewater State University in Political Science and History.  He was formerly the President of the Pembroke Historical Society and Chairman of the Pembroke Historical Commission. He was also a docent at the John Alden House Historic Site as well as Coordinator of Educational Outreach. Chris recently retired from his position as history teacher in the Silver Lake Regional School System in Kingston, Massachusetts after teaching for 25 years. 

Chris has written several articles on varied historical topics for local publications and has written his first book entitled "Murder and Mayhem in Boston: Historic Crimes in the Hub.” Chris has also served as historical consultant on the Sacco-Vanzetti Case for the Travel Channel's program "Time Traveling with Brian Unger."  He also appeared in two episodes of the Travel Channel's "Kindred Spirits" in the capacity of historian on shows about the Lizzie Borden Case.

Chris' wife Cathy is his fellow researcher and travels along as DaleyHistory's Professional Photographer.  Christopher and his wife reside in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. [REGISTER]

This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Sharon Public Library.

 

Elections in Real Time: Current Events in a College Classroom

Monday, October 7 | 2:00 PM (Virtual)

Aren't you curious about what young people are talking about regarding current events and, specifically, this election cycle? If so, join Professors Racheal Cobb and Robert Rosenthal of Suffolk University as they conducts their "“Elections in Real Time” class live for us to view and participate! They and their students will discuss the current events of the day and we can ask questions and make comments. It will be like going to university without the tests and the cafeteria! We hope you can join us for this very unique and timely opportunity.

Rachael V. Cobb, Ph.D. is Chair and Associate Professor of Government at Suffolk University. Cobb specializes in U.S. elections, election administration, electoral politics, civic engagement, and political participation. Robert Rosenthal, PhD is the Associate Professor & Chair, Advertising, Public Relations & Social Media at Suffolk University.

Note: This is the first time we're doing this type of program so we hope that we can all enjoy the format while being respectful and awe-inspired by the perspectives of this new generation of voters. We thank Professor Cobb and her students for bringing this amazing program to our community.

REGISTER to receive the Zoom webinar link from Ashland Public Library. This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Presented in partnership with Ashland Public Library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

Ted Reinstein Discusses "Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England"

Tuesday, October 22 | 6:30 PM (In-Person)

Join us for an evening with Ted Reinstein, who will discuss his latest book, Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England: Stories of Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph.

Journalist and author Ted Reinstein has reported all around New England for 25 years, telling the colorful stories of this historic yet ever-changing corner of America. Now, he condenses his countless travels into a single, unique labor of love: a journey through the heart and soul of New England, meeting the most memorable people—and their unlikely stories—all along the way. People whose struggles, toughness, triumphs, and humor not only define the very essence of New England, but represent the timeless best of America as well.

In all six states, in their own words, the stories unfold. From a stalwart surfer on New Hampshire’s tiny seacoast, to Maine’s “Slim” Andrews and his one-man museum, to the Vermonter who builds extraordinary havens in the trees for those without hope of reaching them. Meet a couple in the Berkshire Hills determined to save a place they were told doesn’t exist, and a cartoonist in Rhode Island who found an ingenious way for an entire city to say goodnight to those who need to hear it most.

It's a legendary part of America that’s often caricatured, but rarely caught with such real-life candor and intimacy. Indeed, the Old Mainer in the tired-old joke was wrong: you can get there from here. And along the way, see New England in a whole new light, through the stories of some everyday Americans you’ll never forget.

Following the program, copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

REGISTER beginning October 1.

The Origins and Evolution of Project 2025 with Professor Brian Conley

Wednesday, October 23 | 7:00 PM (Virtual)

Project 2025 has been in the news lately but, for some, it seemed to come out of nowhere. Join Professor Brian Conley of Suffolk University, as we delve into the history of this document and it's origins during the Reagan Years. For instance, called, "Mandate for Leadership", Edwin Feulner, who led the Heritage Foundation when it was first written, explains that the idea for such a policy book originated at a 1979 meeting of Heritage's Board. Professor Conley will help us understand the origins of the Mandate which led to the current Project 2025 document. We look forward to having a respectful dialogue about this important subject with an expert in the field.

Brian M. Conley, Ph.D. is a Professor and Chair of the Political Science & Legal Studies Department at Suffolk University. As Program Director of Suffolk's Masters in Applied Politics and MA in Global Public Policy, as he has researched and written "The Rise of the Republican Right: From Goldwater to Reagan". Dr. Conley, an expert in electoral politics, political parties, and political marketing and branding.

REGISTER to receive the Zoom webinar link from Ashland Public Library. This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Presented in partnership with Ashland Public Library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

Tech with Tim

Wednesday, December 4 | 6:00 PM (In-Person)

Topic TBD

Tim Lumnah runs his own business that helps people keep up with the fast pace of today's technology. He started professionally helping people with tech by building websites and later became the go-to person for tech assistance when the IT department couldn't resolve an issue before starting his current project, ComputerTutor.

This is a beginners-level course. Registration required.