Historic New England e-newsletter

News from

Historic New England

e-newsletter

March 2010

It's lambing season at Watson Farm. Farm Managers Don and Heather Minto report that so far there are thirty-eight lambs, with seventeen more on the way. All will be on hand for visitors to enjoy on Sheep Shearing Day on Saturday, May 8.

Once a lamb is born it is very important that the ewe and lamb establish a strong bond. If there is any question about bonding, the farmers put the pair in a "lambing jug" or small pen, where mother and baby can be left undisturbed. Sometimes a "first time ewe" may need a little encouragement until she gets the hang of motherhood and, occasionally, if a lamb is not getting milk, staff step in and feed the lamb by hand. These are called bottle lambs and because they bond with humans they become quite pet-like and are used for school programs on the farm.

Award for best cymbidium

cymbidium

An orchid from the Lyman Estate Greenhouses - Sunshine Falls Butterball - won for best cymbidium at the New Hampshire Orchid Society's annual show in Nashua, New Hampshire. Thousands turned out to see the exhibits and plants at the nineteenth annual show.

Visitors from all over New England were encouraged to travel to the tropical climate of the Lyman Estate Greenhouses. Check out our award winner during your next visit.

April film premieres

Don't miss the premieres of At the River's Edge: an Oral History of Berlin, New Hampshire, the documentary based on oral histories conducted by Historic New England and the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society. It explores the city's history as the largest producer of newsprint in the world and the impact of the industry's demise on the city and families who lived and worked there for generations.

April 10 - Plaistow, New Hampshire, Timberlane Performing Arts Center, 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Details...
April 17 - Berlin, New Hampshire, 10:00 a.m. and noon showings. A reception follows the second showing at St. Keiran's Center for Arts. Details...

Listen to some of these compelling histories online.

This project is part of Historic New England's 100 Years, 100 Communities project to share and preserve twentieth-century New England history. Visit our web site for a complete list of projects.

Roll 'em

Still looking for good entertainment post-Academy Awards ceremony? Check out the Historic New England channel on YouTube and watch our new video.

Music to your ears

Renew or upgrade your membership during the month of March, and you will be entered to win four tickets to a New England String Ensemble concert at Jordan Hall in Boston on April 17. Renew online or call the membership team at 617-994-5910.

For details about the concert.

Old House and Barn expo

Stop by the Historic New England booth at the New Hampshire Old House and Barn Expo - a must for old house and barn owners and enthusiasts.

Meet expert suppliers of repair and restoration products and services. Gather valuable ideas from hourly live talks and demonstrations in which experts offer advice on renovation projects, effective maintenance techniques, and other topics.

On Saturday, March 20, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Historic New England Preservation Specialist Sally Zimmerman speaks about period-appropriate exterior colors for older historic and traditional homes, with plenty of time for your questions.

Program Highlights

skater Join us on March 15 at the Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink for an evening of outdoor skating. We have reserved the entire rink exclusively for our members and their guests from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Skate rentals are available for $5 for children and $8 for adults. Contact 617-994-5934 or e-mail for more information.