Robbins Library

Local filmmaker Roger Hagopian presents his documentary film, Memories Flow Beneath It, From Valley to Quabbin. This 69-minute film traces the displacement of people and the loss of a way of life in the Swift River Valley of western Massachusetts, when the Quabbin Reservoir flooded four towns in order to create water infrastructure for 52 Boston metropolitan communities. Several interviewees include former valley residents, historians, and authors, notably J.R. Greene, who has written numerous books on the subject.
The ever-westward evolution of the water systems begins with springs on the Shawmut Peninsula of Boston in 1630, an aqueduct from Jamaica Pond, the Cochituate System emanating from Natick, which became insufficient due to the mass immigration of refugees from the Irish Famine, thus drastically increasing Boston’s population. The Great Boston Fire of 1872 exposed the limitations of the water supply, leading to the Sudbury and Wachusett systems. Italian immigrants, some of whom were stonemasons, found work on these public works projects as the system expanded further. State House debates, Supreme Court decisions, and incredible civil engineering innovations, led to the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir.&nbsp;
Former Valley residents recall their rural agricultural and&nbsp;industrial villages, family life, and the years leading up to their expulsion. The cold processes of eminent domain and eviction caused lifelong trauma, especially for the elderly. Generations of history were demolished by 1938 and the people were not given housing and employment assistance by the state – they were on their own.Join the Friends of the Robbins Library for this free showing of the documentary and discussion with the filmmaker.

Local Event: "Memories Flow Beneath It": From Valley to Quabbin 

Middlesex County

Arlington

Massachusetts

"Memories Flow Beneath It": From Valley to...


Local filmmaker Roger Hagopian presents his documentary film, Memories Flow Beneath It, From Valley to Quabbin. This 69-minute...

"Memories Flow Beneath It": From Valley to Quabbin 

Amy McElroy

Benjamin Pierce

Boston Metropolitan Area

Belmont

Winchester

Medford

Watertown

Somerville

Lexington

Cambridge

William Hall

Waltham

Woburn

Stoneham

Tempo

District 18 VFW Auxiliary is fundraising for the MA VFW Auxiliary Presidents' Special Project America's Vet Dogs. 6 raffle baskets are on display NOW at Tempo, 474 Moody St, Waltham and will be raffled off LIVE at Tempo on SATURDAY, May 23, 2026 at 8PM. VFW D18 Auxiliary Members will be live at Tempo on 5/23/26 4p-8p with a cash 50/50, America's Vet Dog treats for sale, and more items for the raffle live! *When you send your venmo please let me know which basket you would like your tickets put into* Otherwise, come to Tempo on the 23rd and have dinner, have a drink, or just buy some tickets! All are welcome! Thank you to Erin Barnicle for helping us! Call 781 789 8018 for more information.

Local Event: Basket Raffle Fundraiser for America's Vet Dogs

Basket Raffle Fundraiser for America's Vet Dogs

District 18 VFW Auxiliary is fundraising for the MA VFW Auxiliary Presidents' Special Project America's Vet Dogs. 6 raffle...

Virtual

Academically adventurous students flourish at Commonwealth School, challenged by rigorous classes and supported by faculty at the top of their fields. Are you interested in applying next year? Here’s your chance to discover what makes our school so uncommon!
Join us Wednesday, May 27, from 6:30–8:00 p.m., for a <a href="https://www.commschool.org/admissions-aid/admissions-events/info-session" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virtual Information Session for Fall 2027 Admission</a>.
During this event, prospective students will have the chance to:
<ul class="rx-format-list-to-text"><li>Participate in a sample class</li><li>Preview the admissions and financial aid processes</li><li>Hear from current students and parents. </li></ul>
Parents of prospective students will also be able to connect with Commonwealth parents.
Please note that pre-registration is required for this event.
<a href="https://www.commschool.org/admissions-aid/admissions-events/info-session" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sign up now to reserve your spot.</a>
We look forward to seeing you there!

Local Event: Commonwealth School Virtual Information Session for Fall 2027 Admission

Suffolk County

Boston

Commonwealth School Virtual Information Session...

Academically adventurous students flourish at Commonwealth School, challenged by rigorous classes and supported by faculty at...

Commonwealth School Virtual Information Session for Fall 2027 Admission

The First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Summer season starts Thursday, May 28, 7pm, at the First Parish in Cambridge, MA. This summer our theme is “Music From the Movies”, including Footloose, Grease, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, James Bond, Hair, and many more.&nbsp;Come try it out risk-free! Find your voice. Feed your spirit. Make new friends. For more information, visit our website RockVoices.com

Local Event: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY...

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! No auditions! Summer season starts Thursday, May 28, 7pm, at the First...

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Amy McElroy, Neighbor

Posting Activity

"Memories Flow Beneath It": From Valley to Quabbin

MAY

28

6:30 PM

Robbins Library, 700 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA

Basket Raffle Fundraiser for America's Vet Dogs

Commonwealth School Virtual Information Session for Fall 2027 Admission

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!