Special Public Program
Architect Charles Brigham and his Buildings
A Walking Tour led by David Russo
Sunday, October 6, 2024
1:00 PM
[Rain Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024]
tour departs from the Marshall Street parking lot
31 Marshall Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Join Historical Society of Watertown Corresponding Secretary and former Watertown Historical Commission Chair David Russo for a 90-minute walking tour in Watertown focusing on local renowned architect Charles Brigham and the buildings he designed. Mr. Brigham was born in Watertown and was active in civic matters, serving as a Selectman, a member of the School Committee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Free Public Library. He earned an international reputation as an architect.
Brigham resided at 84 Garfield Street in a home he designed. Many of the grand houses located on Garfield, Russell and Brigham Streets in Watertown were also his handiwork. He contributed his design services to Watertown's First Parish Church for the former Parish house, now the church, and donated plans for a high school to the town. His buildings still stand in Boston and numerous other cities.
Charles Brigham was instrumental in the preservation of the Edmund Fowle House and was a founding member of the Historical Society of Watertown. He was a thoroughly native son of Watertown who gave back tremendously to his community. He is buried in a modest family plot in the Common Street Cemetery.
There will be a $10 fee (cash or check only) for the tour, which is open to the public. For more information, contact Joyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit Mr. Russo's web site to view the architecture of Charles Brigham.
Special Public Program
Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of the World
A live performance by Sheryl Faye
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
4:00 PM
Watertown Senior Center
31 Marshall Street
Watertown, MA 02472
The Historical Society of Watertown in partnership with the Watertown Senior Center presents Sheryl Faye in this one-woman performance. After suffering through an unhappy childhood and losing her parents and one of her brothers, Eleanor figured out where she fit in and could make a difference. She grew up and became an American politician. The longest serving First Lady of the United States, she was the first presidential spouse to hold press conferences, write a syndicated newspaper column and speak at a national convention. She advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, as well as the rights of World War II refugees. She became one of the first delegates to The United Nations and is considered one of the top ten most admired people of the 20th century.
Ms. Faye attended Emerson College, where she received a BFA in acting. She is currently touring eleven one-woman shows throughout the country, performing for a variety of audiences. She has received numerous awards for her work on stage and in film.
This event is free and open to the public. Please call the Watertown Senior Center at 617-972-6490 to register. For more information, contact Joyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This program is funded in part by a 2024 grant from the Watertown Community Foundation.