Although they split in 1881, Needham and Wellesley were originally two halves of the same town (Needham). Needham just finished its celebration of 300 years (Wellesley, in contrast, is only 130). Their shared history has been turbulent, even violent; nevertheless, the two towns were together longer than they were separate.
Learn more about this special relationship by joining historical societies from both towns on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3:30 pm at the Wellesley Free Library’s Wakelin Room, 530 Washington St. Historian Beth Hinchliffe will speak on “Needham and Wellesley’s 300th Birthday Celebration." The program is sponsored by the Needham Historical Society, the Wellesley Historical Society, and the Wellesley Free Library.
Hinchliffe is Wellesley’s unofficial town historian. She is a lifelong Wellesley resident and a graduate of Wellesley High School and Wellesley College. She is a speaker, writer, editor and the author of the Wellesley centennial history, “Five Pounds of Currency, Three Pounds of Corn,” several other books, and numerous articles. She was editor of the Wellesley Townsman in the 1980s, and a speechwriter for Pres. George H.W. Bush.
This presentation is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information about this program, call Gloria Greis at 781-455-8860 or e-mail g.greis@rcn.com.
