This program is supported in part by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Landmark first period houses in Essex County is the topic of an online talk Thursday night sponsored by Haverhill’s Whittier Birthplace.
Ipswich town historian Gordon Harris leads the lecture which will be held at 7 p.m. on Zoom. He will point out the distinctive architectural styles of these 17th century residences.
The talk is one of three in series of winter virtual lectures. While the talks are free, the Haverhill museum suggests a minimum $10 donation.
The other two lectures are Thursday, Feb. 26, and Thursday, March 26. Josiah E. Morrow, president of the Duston-Dustin Garrison House Association, discusses the history of the house, at 665 Hilldale Ave., during the Feb. 26 lecture. The house was built with local bricks in 1697 by Thomas Duston as a garrison to protect early English colonists from attacks by Abenaki natives. It is considered an outstanding example of First Period American architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The final lecture of the series features lost ski areas of the White Mountains with emphasis on the ski gondola once on Mount Whittier. Author Jeremy Davis of the New England Ski Museum gives highlights of the over 60 areas that have closed since the 1930s. He will discuss their history and impact on the economic development of the region. The Mount Whittier ski area operated into the 1980s until the lack of snow making equipment forced its closure.
Registration for one or more of the talks takes place at WhittierBirthplace.org.