One Book, One Belmont 2014

In Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution, historian Nathaniel Philbrick tells the story of the first, and perhaps bloodiest, major battle of the Revolutionary War.

From the Boston Tea Party to the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, Philbrick details the events that led to the vicious engagement now known as the Battle of Bunker Hill, when the patriots proved beyond recourse that they were willing to lay down their lives for independence.

A dozen town departments and civic organizations have joined the Belmont Public Library in organizing activities that celebrate the book and this dramatic chapter in the history of “Boston Strong.” We hope you will join us for the following events:

Saturday, April 12th @ 10am
Freedom Trail Tour: Taking the High Ground
Information about meeting location provided at registration.
Join National Park Service Rangers for a half-mile, 45-minute walk in Charlestown to the Bunker Hill Monument. Retrace the footsteps of the British soldiers and marines who assaulted the hill, losing almost half their troops in a costly victory.
Register at 617-993-2870 or www.onebookonebelmont.com starting March 26.

Wed., April 23rd @ 7:30pm Assembly Room Belmont Public Library
Phillis Wheatley, Revolutionary Poet
Phillis Wheatley, a Boston slave born in Gambia, became one of the foremost poets in early America.  John Stauffer, Professor of English, American Studies, and African American Studies at Harvard University, tells the story of Wheatley’s remarkable life and the revolutionary nature of her poetry.

Co-sponsored by Belmont Against Racism, the Belmont Historical Society, and the Human Rights Commission.

Wed., April 30th @ 7:30pm - Assembly Room, Belmont Public Library
The Revolution in Boston – As Seen at the Museum of Fine Arts

Suzi Fonda, Manager of Teacher Programs and School Partnerships at the MFA, presents treasures from the MFA’s collection of Revolutionary era art, including portraits of the key leaders who Philbrick brings to life in Bunker Hill.

Sat., May 3rd @ 3pm, Assembly Room, Belmont Public Library
Music on Saturday: The Fenway Brass Quintet Plays American MusicSpencer Aston, Powers Music School Faculty, and his quintet perform music heard from the Revolution to the Civil War, including broadside ballads and the compositions of William Billings.

Teen and Children’s Events

Thurs., April 24 @ 2pm - Assembly Room, Belmont Public Library
The British are Coming! Visit by members of British 10th Regiment of Foot

Hear the British perspective on the American Revolution and try an 18th century military drill under the guidance of Rob Lee and several other members of His Majesty’s 10th Regiment of Foot, a group dedicated to portraying the life of the British troops garrisoned in the Boston area during the War for Independence.
For students ages 10 and up.
Sign up at www.belmont.lib.ma.us or call 617-993-2870.

Sat., April 26th @ 10am - Jason Russell House Tour
Information about meeting location provided at registration

Jason Russell was killed at the doorstep of his Arlington home by British troops ransacking and burning homes on their retreat from Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Daniel Leclerc, former Belmont selectman and history teacher, will lead a tour of the house and tell more about that fateful day.
Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up. Limited space, registration required; sign up at 617-993-2880.

Thanks to our Co-Sponsors

The Friends of the Library
Belmont Against Racism   ~  Belmont Gallery of Art
Belmont Citizen-Herald and WickedLocal Belmont
Belmont Historical Society     ~     Belmont Library Foundation
Belmont Media Center   ~   Belmont Public Schools
Belmont World Film Council on Aging
Human Rights Commission    ~    Porter Square Books