March programs have been postponed due to health concerns related to COVID-19. 

For centuries Americans have celebrated their public identity with parades. Marching politicians and soldiers, stirring music, flags and banners, and colorful floats set forth on the stage of town after town to symbolize traditions and values that Americans hold dear. This talk will explore both story and significance of parades in New England from the time of those celebrating the ratification of the Constitution in 1788 to the Tercentenary celebrations of the 1920s and 1930s, including rare views of Dedham celebrations preserved in the collections of the Dedham Historical Society & Museum. Speaker Jane Nylander, President Emerita of Historic New England, is a well-known author and lecturer who will offer the audience an illustrated preview of her forthcoming book, “The Best Ever,” Parades in New England, 1788 to 1940. The 2019-2020 lecture series is generously sponsored by David G. Newsom. Members free; Not Yet Members: $10. Call 781.326.1385 or visit https://dedhamhistorical.org/current-events/ to purchase tickets.