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Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee

Committees: Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee

Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee

Our committee has been charged by the Selectmen to design a celebration marking the 375th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Hingham in 1635. The celebration, which will consist of a series of “festive and historic” events in 2009 and 2010, is to be “inclusive of every part of the community and region.” While the Town government is supportive of the committee’s effort, the 375th celebration must pay for itself through fundraising events and donations from local citizens and businesses

Starting in September 2009 and culminating in September 2010, there will be dozens of events and activities – some sponsored directly by the 375th Committee, many put on independently by supportive local groups and civic organizations – tracing Hingham’s growth and development. The year will be split into three segments, each focusing on a particular period of Hingham history.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Volunteer Your Time
  
  If you would like to help with any aspect of the 375th celebration, please let the committee know by clicking the “Contact Us” link at left.
  
  If you are interested in serving as a member of the committee, please let the Selectmen know by completing the town’s Talent Bank Application.
  

2009 Annual Report

Hingham’s 375th Anniversary Committee was appointed in 2007 by the Selectmen of Hingham to plan, organize and promote events to mark the Anniversary of the naming of Hingham as the 12th town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in September 1635. The opening reception took place in September 2009 with music, fanfare, tours and speeches by local dignitaries in the beautiful gardens of the Old Ordinary. The celebration will conclude in September 2010 with a fitting final event designed to include the participation of all Hingham citizens.

The year-long program is divided into three historic periods: the Early Period, the 19th Century and the 20th Century. Each period includes events which highlight the town’s history and natural resources. All of Hingham is being encouraged to take part: government, businesses, organizations, schools, clubs, houses of worship, and residents. Notice of events is given in the press, through all-Hingham mailings by the Municipal Lighting Plant, in the 375th Commemorative Book, and on the web at www.hingham-ma.gov/375th. We invite you to join us in exploring the history of our town – learning about those who lived on the land beneath our feet, one, two, three and almost four hundred years ago. Please take a moment to rediscover how and why this beautiful town with its harbor, fields, houses and woods came to be the Hingham we cherish today.

Events honoring Hingham’s 375th anniversary in 2009 included guided tours of historic Hingham and the Hingham Cemetery; golf and tennis tournaments with its own exciting raffle; a one-woman play at Derby Academy on the life of Madam Sarah Derby by Donna Milani Luther; an eye-opening weekly Hingham Journal history quiz; a Derby Street Shoppes Colonial Harvest Market with live enactment of Hingham’s early leaders; a watercolor exhibit at Linden Ponds entitled “Picturing Hingham’s Past,” based on James Pierotti’s Postcard History Series, Hingham; a WW I commemorative service at the Parish of St. John the Evangelist following the liturgy of an Evensong performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC on the occasion of the ending of World War I; a gala evening at the Old Ship Parish House of authentic period dances and music attended by guests in 17th and 18th period costume dress; a lecture on early gravestone carvings by expert Vincent Luti of the University of Mass-Dartmouth; colorful thematic art projects created by children from pre-school through Hingham High School, and a 375th photography contest organized by the Hingham Land and Conservation Trust.
These programs and the events to follow were made possible through the sale of 375th commemorative items and the support of local sponsors and volunteers whose generosity reflects the best in community spirit and honors those who came before us. On behalf of the Hingham 375th Anniversary Committee, we extend our appreciation to all involved and encourage your continued and joyful participation.