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After a three-month search, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society has named a new executive director. Patrick Browne, whose background includes directing regional history agencies, is scheduled to take the helm of the 105-year-old institution on May 27.
“Dr. Browne will lead us at a strategic moment for the Society, which is embarking on an ambitious five-year strategic plan,” said Walter Powell, the historic house society’s interim director. “We are excited to benefit from his expertise in the management of historic properties, collections, and development.”
Browne, a Kingston resident, has previously served as executive director for both the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum. More recently, he has been a lecturer in the history department at Boston University, where he taught courses on the history of early New England. Browne holds a Ph.D. in History from Boston University and received both his B.A. in English and M.A. in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
His professional and community activities in the Plymouth region include serving as a member of the board of directors for Plymouth 400, the Plymouth County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also the founding chairman of Backroads of the South Shore, a consortium of South Shore historical museums.
“Dr. Browne’s passion for history, extensive leadership experience with historical organizations and museums, and in-depth knowledge of the region’s history makes him exceptionally suited to lead our Society,” Plymouth Antiquarian Society President Andrea Daly said in a statement.
Browne said his familiarity with Plymouth and its history and his managerial experience with other regional agencies have prepared him well for his new position. He also previously lived in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, area and worked for agencies connected with the famous Civil War battle.
“Having researched, lectured on, and written about the history of the South Shore for decades,” he said, “the idea of furthering the work of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society is truly exciting to me.”
The Antiquarian Society describes itself as Plymouth’s largest organization dedicated to preserving historic houses and landmarks. It serves as the town’s historical society, a “gateway” to the town’s post-Pilgrim history.
When its previous executive director, Anne Mason, left in January for family reasons (the birth of a child), Powell, an experienced administrator with a history of working in nonprofit management, became the agency’s interim director. Part of his job was to oversee the search for a permanent directory.
The society was seeking a new director for the first time in nearly a decade, Powell pointed out. Previous directors include Donna Curtin, who now heads up Pilgrim Hall Museum. His role as interim director, Powell said, was focused on helping to target the search for the agency’s new boss and to “smooth the transition.” Program development and fund-raising will be important responsibilities for the new director, he said.
The Antiquarian Society owns three historic houses: the 1749 Spooner House, the Hedge House, and the Harlow Old Fort House on Sandwich Street.
Built circa 1749 for the widow Hannah Jackson, the Spooner House, 27 North St., is one of the oldest structures on the timelessly attractive North Street. It was home to the Spooner family for over 200 years, and first occupied by Deacon Ephraim Spooner, a merchant and patriot during the American Revolution. Spooners lived there until James Spooner, the last of the family, gave it to the town to be a house museum in 1954.
The 1809 Hedge House, 126 Water St., is regarded as one of the town’s best examples of Federal period architecture. Built by a prosperous shipowner on Court Street, it was saved from demolition by merchant Thomas Hedge, who added a significant addition to accommodate a growing family. The house was home to Hedge family members until the death of the last family member. The Antiquarian Society bought it for $1 in 1919 and arranged to move the building to its current Water Street location.
Built in 1677, the gambrel-roofed Harlow “Old Fort” House is the oldest of the society’s properties and one of the town’s few remaining 17th-century structures. It was the family residence of William Harlow, a farmer and town official, who served as sergeant of the local militia and participated in the brutal King Philip’s War that led to the removal of the region’s Indigenous population. Part of the house’s historic importance is that Harlow was granted permission to salvage material from the Pilgrims’ original fort-house on Burial Hill for use in building his own house.
When the house was put up for sale in 1920, and much of the town’s historic waterfront was being knocked down and removed in preparation for Plymouth’s Tercentenary celebration, the society bought it for $3,000 to preserve one of the town’s “First Period” structures.
The Antiquarian Society continues to look for new ways to attract visitors to its house museums. During last year’s Christmas season, Powell said, the society staged interactive performances of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in the Spooner House, in the recognition perhaps that old houses make good settings for ghost stories.
Things to do this week and beyond
Monday, April 29
Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, hosts psychic medium Patty Griffin. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. dinner and a show are available for $45 to $65. Tickets are available here.
With an ear for the political music of an election year, the All Worn Out Jug Band will be performing songs of politics and protest from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Plymouth library’s Fehlow meeting room. The band will cover songs from artists such as The Weavers, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Woody Guthrie, and more contemporary artists.
Tuesday, April 30
The Chamber of Commerce’s “Morning Mixer Networking” event takes place at All Town Fresh, 22 Long Pond Road, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. It provides an opportunity for professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. You can register here.
The “Changing Tides: Teen Sustainability Club” for people ages 12 to 18 who are interested in sustainability, the natural world, and climate change meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Plymouth library’s craft room. No registration is required. For more information email Ms. Natalie at nbennington@plymouth.ocln.org.
The League of Women Voters holds a candidates forum for the three open seats on the Plymouth School Committee at the School Administration Building in the Mayflower Room, starting at 7 p.m. Free childcare care will be provided across the street at the Nathaniel Morton School by the YMCA. Reservations may be requested by calling 781-956-2059.
Wednesday, May 1
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk is led by Mass Audubon staff and geared toward adults.
Sunrise Senior Living, 97 Warren Avenue, offers educational support groups to provide an opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences in a confidential environment and receive information and guidance, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required. Call 774-552-6080.
Plymouth library hosts a virtual author’s talk by Douglas Brunt on his bestselling nonfiction work “The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I.” The book reveals the hidden history of one of the world’s greatest inventors and tells the story of his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. The online talk takes place between 3 and 4 p.m. For more information go here.
The Spire Lobby Series presents South Shore musician Aldous Collins, performing at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available here.
Thursday, May 2
Plymouth library hosts yoga for all, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Meet at the rear entrance to the library and bring your own yoga mat. A $10 donation is suggested.
Plymouth library offers preschool storytime at 11 a.m. The half-hour program gives parents, caregivers, and children ages 3-5 the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together,
The Manomet library presents “Birds of a Feather” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children are invited to take part in hands-on activities exploring migration, adaptations, and bird diets. Participants will also make and take home their own pinecone bird feeder.
The Eastern Bank Lobby Jazz Series at The Spire Center presents The Mike Casano Quartet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Casano is a drummer, producer, writer, educator and DJ. Tickets are $15 and are available here.
Friday, May 3
Indie Ferm, 127 Camelot Drive, will make a big brew on its system to share with all brewers who bring a 5-gallon fermenter or buy one at the store. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. brewers are invited to bring in equipment they no longer use and swap it for something they need. Food will be potluck style. Brewers are invited to bring a dish to share with others. Beer and kombucha will be available.
“Friday’s Live Music on Shirley Square” is back, kicking off with Just Two Guys performing live. The duo performs by the front steps of 4 North St. between 4 and 6 p.m. The music is free.
The Spooner House Museum, 27 North St., has partnered with “spiritual organizations” to offer tarot card readings on select Fridays this year, from 5 to 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the preservation of the historic house.
On the First Friday of the months May through October, rain or shine, artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the Plymouth Bay Cultural District will open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration from 5 to 8 p.m. See a walking map here.
Club d’Elf performs a synthesis of traditional Moroccan music and electronic funk at The Spire from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 and $25 and are available here.
Saturday, May 4
Plimoth General Store, 44 Main St., offers “Indulge,” described as a luxury shopping event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $30 and can be purchased here.
Historian Walter Powell leads a Burial Hill history tour on the theme of “From These Honored Dead: Civil War Plymouth” from 1 to 2 p.m. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum sponsor a free public tour series, taking place on the first Saturday of each month. Meet at Burial Hill Cemetery. No registration required. For more information
visit www.pilgrimhall.org or www.plymouthantiquarian.org.
A nature walk to kick off the Plymouth Town Forest StoryWalk will take place starting at the Plymouth Community Intermediate School, 117 Long Pond Road, at 10 a.m. The one-hour “StoryWalk” display will be up through Sunday, June 2. It’s available to the public on weekdays after 4 p.m. and on weekends, but is not be available to access during school hours.
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus performs Brahms’ “A German Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Parish, 803 State Road. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens, and $15 for students over 14. Children 14 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available here and at the door.
Singer, songwriter, and storyteller Ellis Paul will perform at The Spire at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28.80 and $32. Tickets are available here.
Sunday, May 5
Longhouse Ax Throwing, 46 Main St., hosts a fundraiser from 12 to 4 p.m. to find homes for dogs in need of one, while children enjoy video games on site. Local beer and cider are available as participants test their skills with toy axe-throwing sets.
The Sunday Funday Residency at The Spire continues with South Shore roots rock band The Shady Roosters from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5.
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus performs Brahms’ “A German Requiem” at 4 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Parish. Tickets are available here and at the door.
Stress expert, humorist, and author Loretta LaRoche presents “Life Is Short – Wear Your Party Pants” at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., at 4 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available here.
Hometown Heroes leads a “Walk Through Time for Charity,” a 90-minte tour of downtown Plymouth from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A minimum donation is $15. Call 508-517-8355 for details and reservations.
Monday, May 6
Plymouth library’s Teen Advisory Group meets once a month from 7 to 8 p.m. to plan events, discuss library volunteering opportunities, and test out new crafts and games. It’s intended for teens ages 13-18. No registration is required. For more information, email Miss Madde at mmahony@ocln.org.
Uva Wine Bar, 46 Main St. hosts a workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. by fiber artist Kati Carloni, who will guide participants through the process of needle felting to create “an adorable wool frog.” The class is open to all levels of felting experience. Tickets are $50. Purchase tickets here.
Tuesday, May 7
Untold Brewing, 2 Loring Blvd., hosts a trivia night from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s free.
For its May meeting Plymouth library’s Local History Book Club will be reading “Between Concord and Plymouth,” by L.D. Gellar, a chronicle of the friendship between Emerson, Thoreau, the Channings, and Bronson Alcott with Benjmain Watson, a Plymouth intellectual and horticulturist, and the literary circle he cultivated. The meeting takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s history room. Registration is required. You can do it here.
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, hosts “Craft Creations and Cider” from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and are available here.
Wednesday, May 8
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk is led by Mass Audubon staff and geared toward adults.
Teen Writers Hearthside invites teen writers ages 13 to 18 to Plymouth library to learn valuable techniques in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. From 2:30 to 4 p.m. participants will hone writing skills, share writing advice, and meet new friends. Bring a notebook, pen, or pencil; or a laptop. Warm drinks and snacks will be provided. Registration is required. For more information call 508-830-4250 x210 or email Ms. Natalie at nbennington@plymouth.ocln.org.
Thursday, May 9
Children who are independent readers may sign up for a 15-minute session to read to Tasha, a purebred Maltese, who is a certified therapy dog. It’s an opportunity to read aloud in a comfortable environment, which can help improve comprehension and confidence in children under the age of 12. The reading takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library’s craft room.
The Manomet Vintage Reads book group meets at Manomet library from 7 to 8 p.m.
The Spire transforms its lobby into a 70-seat lounge to showcase local and regional musicians in a relaxed and intimate setting. Mini Yellow Witches, an American rock band out of Plymouth, will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available here.
Friday, May 10
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its Empowering Women’s Luncheon at noon at the Pavilion at Pinehills Golf Club, 54 Club House Drive. Pre-registration is required. You can register here.
Plymouth library hosts “Wild About Reading: Sustainable Storytime” from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Each month, the program will offer different stories and activities that teach children about environmentalism and encourage a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. Storytime books are picked for ages 5-9. Registration is required. For more information contact Melissa Burridge at 508-409-9420 or mwolfert89@gmail.com.
“Friday’s Live Music on Shirley Square” is back, offering live music by the front steps of 4 North St. between 4 and 6 p.m. The music is free.
Adam Ezra and his bandmates – Corinna Smith (fiddle), Alex Martin (drums), and Poche Ponce (bass) – perform at The Spire from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available here.
Saturday, May 11
Rising Tide Charter Public School, 59 Armstrong Road, hosts its second annual 5K run, beginning at 9 a.m. The event will include music, raffles, snacks, and t-shirts. This event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Participation costs $20; $10 for Rising Tide students. You can register here.
State botanist Karro Frost, Town of Plymouth staff, and passionate residents from across town will lead a hands-on educational session at Town Brook to identify some of the most common invasive plants plaguing Plymouth. Attendees will work together on different removal techniques from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at Town Brook Park, 10 Spring Lane. Registration is required, and you can do it here.
Mothers’ Day at Shelly’s Tea Rooms, 51 Court St,. offers “Windsor Afternoon Tea,” accompanied by the tea room’s resident hapist. The tea room will also offer a special gift for every “Mum” that comes by from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 508-927-4402 to reserve a table.
The Manomet library hosts a beginner-friendly adult session of Dungeons and Dragons from 2 to 4 p.m. No experience is required. Players will fill out character sheets and learn the basics of gameplay together in the first session. All supplies, including dice, will be provided by the library. Registration is required, as spaces are limited. Register here.
Peter Rowan, a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades, performs at The Spire from 8 to 10 p.m. In his early years he played under the tutelage of Bluegrass veteran Bill Monroe. Tickets are $35 and are available here.
Sunday, May 10
Mom can’t wait for this. The “Rebels and Rods” car show takes place in the East Bay Grille parking lot, 173 Water St., from 7 to 10 a.m. The Plymouth Car Club meets every Sunday at this time (weather permitting) from April to November. The club supports first responders, veterans, and citizens in need.
Shelley’s Tea Rooms, 51 Court St., celebrates Mother’s Day with a Windsor Afternoon Tea accompanied by the shop’s resident harpist, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 508-927-4402 to reserve a table.