Designing an End to Poverty: the Massachusetts Poor Farm and the Cambridge Almshouse

Saturday, March 19 at 2:00

at the Old Schwamb Mill

Designing an End to Poverty:

The Massachusetts Poor Farm

and the Cambridge Almshouse

Massachusetts was the nation's leader in the design of poorhouses, an institutional answer to the problem of poverty.  In the 19th century, it pioneered two innovative designs - the poor farm and the cruciform almshouse.  As Dr. Orwig will illustrate, no architectural innovation could sustain a failed social policy of isolation and neglect.

Timothy Orwig, Ph.D., is an architectural historian and consultant who has taught at Brandeis University, Simmons College, and Boston University.  From B.U., he received a master's degree in Preservation Studies and doctorate in American and New England Studies.  His books include Historic Photos of Boston (2007) and Remembering Boston (2010).  His talk is based on his master's thesis on poorhouse design.

Presentation sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society and the Old Schwamb Mill.

Admission is $15  ($10 for members of either organization).   Refreshments will be served.

RSVP  Peggy Clarke @  cmargaret800@comcast.net  or  781-643-3292.