Henrietta Leavitt

We Are Stardust: A Conversation with Anna Von Mertens and Jennifer Roberts

Join artist Anna Von Mertens and art historian Jennifer Roberts as the two explore the extraordinary in the ordinary. Their conversation will paint a portrait of the trailblazing astronomer Henrietta Leavitt (1868 – 1921) and include the book project published this September by the MIT Press, which emerged from their… Read More

Old Manse in July

American Contradictions: Slavery and the American Revolution at the Old Manse

Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also see it… Read More

fall fruitlands

Visions of Utopia: Guided Tour of the Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Office

Looking to dig deeper into the stories of the Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Gallery? Join us for a guided “Visions of Utopia Tour,” as we explore the contrasts and overlaps of these two utopian communities. This 1-hour walking tour will take place both outdoors and indoors with facilitated talks… Read More

chf mushroom

Hunt for Halloween Mushrooms Guided Hike

It’s almost Halloween! Our special foray at Chestnut Hill Farm will be to find fungi and we will focus on some “scary” and Halloween-themed mushrooms. You’ll learn about Witches’ butter, Jack o’ Lantern mushrooms, Dead man’s fingers, and varieties of bleeding fungi. As day turns to dusk, you’ll also get… Read More

Shibori Pattern

Shibori Dyeing Workshop at deCordova

Shibori, the elegant forbearer to psychedelic tie-dye, is a Japanese dyeing technique. The term “shibori” comes from the Japanese “shiboru,” meaning “twisted and pressed”. Designs are created by folding, binding, and compressing fabric before submerging it in dye. The manipulation of the fabric from the 2-D plane into a 3-D… Read More