In-depth study of New England history, architecture, and decorative arts

Historic New England will present its annual Program in New England Studies from June 16-21, an intensive learning experience with lectures by specialists supplemented by workshops and behind-the-scenes tours. Participants study the buildings and collections of Historic New England and other museums and private houses in the region.

The Program in New England Studies examines New England history and material culture from the seventeenth century through the Colonial Revival. This week long experience delves into architecture, including building design and technology, and the wide-ranging lifestyles illustrated by Historic New England properties and other historic sites on the itinerary. The program is based in Boston, and the group travels to sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Essex County, Massachusetts; and Woodstock, Connecticut. Also scheduled is a visit to Historic New England’s Codman Estate in Lincoln, Massachusetts, with Senior Curator Richard Nylander. This in-depth tour looks at the layers created by the accumulated possessions of several generations of one family.

Cary Carson, former Vice President of the Research Division at Colonial Williamsburg, presents the keynote, How Colonial New England became Britain’s Pottery Barn. Other presenters include Historic New England’s Curator Nancy Carlisle, and Curator of Library and Archives Lorna Condon.

In addition to Historic New England staff, presenters include Richard M. Candee, professor emeritus, American and New England Studies, Boston University; Abbott Lowell Cummings, architectural historian; J. Ritchie Garrison, director, Winterthur Program in Early American Material Culture, University of Delaware; James L. Garvin, state architectural historian, New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources; Brock Jobe, professor of American Decorative Arts, Winterthur Program in Early American Culture; Dean Lahikainen, Carolyn and Peter Lynch curator of American Decorative Arts, Peabody Essex Museum; Kevin D. Murphy, professor and executive officer, PhD. Program in Art History, CUNY Graduate Program; Robert Mussey, principal and furniture conservator at Robert Mussey Associates; Jane Nylander, Historic New England president emerita; James O’Gorman, professor emeritus, History of American Art, Wellesley College; Gerald Ward, Katherine Lane Weems senior curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Fine Arts; and Philip Zea, president, Historic Deerfield, Inc.

The $1,350 fee includes all lectures, admissions, guided tours, transportation to and from special visits and excursions, daily breakfast, lunch, and evening receptions. The program is designed to appeal to owners of historic houses, collectors, museum professionals, graduate students, and those who enjoy New England history. The program is limited to 25 participants.

Scholarships are available to mid-career museum professionals and to graduate students in the field of architecture, decorative arts, material culture, museum studies or public history. For more information on the program visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org or contact Ken Turino at 617-227-3957, ext. 246.

About Historic New England

Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the lives and stories of New Englanders through their homes and possessions. For more information visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.