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Architecture of the Pilgrims and Puritains in New England with Marc Callis

Architecture of the Pilgrims and Puritains in New England with Marc Callis


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

In this conversation, we will explore the essence of the First Period House. When most people think of American colonial architecture, visions come to mind of Georgian houses with Palladian proportions, festooned with square-paned sash windows and classically-inspired doorways. This description fits the English colonies, including New England, for the most part quite well. However, New England also has an earlier tradition of architecture, one that is derived from Northern European Late Medieval rather than Renaissance Palladian precedents. This architectural style spans the years 1635-1725 and is known by several names: Tudor, English Post-Medieval, and, most commonly, New England First Period.
We will discuss materials, joinery, and architectural style. Though we will touch on some of the more commonly-visited structures, our discussion will primarily focus on buildings that are harder to see, both due to geographical inaccessibility and lack of regular hours of visitation. By the end of this conversation, the participant will have a basic understanding of this unique architectural style, which not only takes us to the very beginnings of Anglo-America but also represents the closest thing to actual remnants of the Middle Ages to be found in the United States.
Led by Boston historian, archaeologist, and published author Marc Callis, this interactive seminar will delve into the architectural history of New England. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the themes and styles that we can admire in this architectural period.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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(4)
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A
Anonymous

Guest did not leave comment

K
Kathy K (Leominster, US)
Well organized and presented

I have participated in a couple of conversations. This was by far the best one. Marc didn’t try and cover too much in the one hour time period. Architecture is a tricky thing, especially when you are trying to cover almost 100 years. He did an amazing job of taking us through a bit of history building by building. We started with the outside, a couple of styles; and he showed us examples that were relevant and easy to remember. After we got it, Marc took us on a journey of how these structures were built. He gave us fascinating insights like tree ring dating. Finally, we were introduced to various interiors. I was excited about this section because I grew up in a house with one of the features in the fireplace that Marc talked about. When there were no questions he was not flustered, instead he went on to talk about other things of real interest and importance in the New England area such as the Saugus Ironworks. I would attend this conversation again and will look for others give by Marc Callis.

J
Jean

I don't know if this is possible, but as Europe reopens before we do, it may be fun to join the instructor live on an actual walk/tour rather than a slide show. Would also love to see Context Conversations about Ireland (mythology, Wild Atlantic Way, murals in Belfast- lots of possibilities) and/or Scotland. Thanks!

B
Barbara

The ‘guides’ are terrific, the audio/technical is inconsistent

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous

Guest did not leave comment

K
Kathy K (Leominster, US)
Well organized and presented

I have participated in a couple of conversations. This was by far the best one. Marc didn’t try and cover too much in the one hour time period. Architecture is a tricky thing, especially when you are trying to cover almost 100 years. He did an amazing job of taking us through a bit of history building by building. We started with the outside, a couple of styles; and he showed us examples that were relevant and easy to remember. After we got it, Marc took us on a journey of how these structures were built. He gave us fascinating insights like tree ring dating. Finally, we were introduced to various interiors. I was excited about this section because I grew up in a house with one of the features in the fireplace that Marc talked about. When there were no questions he was not flustered, instead he went on to talk about other things of real interest and importance in the New England area such as the Saugus Ironworks. I would attend this conversation again and will look for others give by Marc Callis.

J
Jean

I don't know if this is possible, but as Europe reopens before we do, it may be fun to join the instructor live on an actual walk/tour rather than a slide show. Would also love to see Context Conversations about Ireland (mythology, Wild Atlantic Way, murals in Belfast- lots of possibilities) and/or Scotland. Thanks!

B
Barbara

The ‘guides’ are terrific, the audio/technical is inconsistent