Check out the March 2025 Coolidge Museum e-newsletter for upcoming events and Coolidge history!
To receive these via email sign up at https://forbeslibrary.org/emails-and-newsletters/ or email us at Coolidge@forbeslibrary.org
Centennial Giving Day! Tuesday March 4
Join us for Centennial Giving Day on March 4 in honor of the 100th anniversary of President Coolidge’s 1925 inauguration.
Supreme Court Justice and former President William Howard Taft administered the oath to Calvin Coolidge, March 4, 1925 at the White House. Thanks to generous support, we have hired an exhibit design firm to re-imagine the Coolidge Museum with new exhibits, improved archival storage, and upgraded program space. On this historic day, we are kicking off a $400,000 fundraising campaign for this renovation.
Consider a gift of $100 for the 100th!
Give online at https://forbeslibrary.org/coolidge/giving/ or checks can be mailed to the Business Office made payable to Forbes Library. Please write “Coolidge” on memo line and send to Coolidge Museum, 20 West Street, Northampton, MA 01060.
Presidents Book Group
The Presidents Book Group meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 PM
This hybrid group meets in person in the Coolidge Museum or join via zoom.
NOTE this month we will meet on March 31
March 31 James Buchanan
Chose from the American Presidents series book: James Buchanan by Jean Baker or the University of Kansas Press book: The Presidency of James Buchanan by Elbert B. Smith April 24 Abraham Lincoln Lincoln by David Herbert Donald. This is in print, large print, CD audio e-book and e-audio available in Libby in a Boston Public Library e-card. BPL e-cards are free for all Massachusetts residents, to sign up go to https://www.bpl.org/ecard/
In this group you will deepen your understanding of the American presidency as we trace the history of the presidency and follow how presidents, both celebrated and forgotten, grappled with slavery, economics, executive power and America’s role in the world. This group is moderated by Bill Scher, Vice President of the Coolidge Museum Committee
To join the email list, contact Coolidge@forbeslibrary.org President Buchanan image from the National Portrait Gallery
Herstory Book Group
This book group meets on Zoom on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7-8:30 PM
March 12 we will discuss Madam C.J. Walker Chose either https://www.cwmars.org/Record/2092391?by A’lilia Bundles or Madam CJ Walker : The Making of an American Icon by Erica Ball
This group is moderated by Coolidge Museum Committee members Leslie Skantz-Hodgson (Smith Vocational School Librarian) and Rob Weir (retired professor of history).
To join the email list or for more information, email Coolidge@forbeslibrary.org
March is Women’s History Month
For women’s history month, we honor First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge. In 1929, Grace was chosen from over 2000 nominations to be one of Good Housekeeping Magazine’s 12 greatest American women. She was chosen for her outstanding place in the nation as a symbol of home and family at its best.For more on Mrs. Coolidge, check out her episode in the C-Span First Ladies series. You will see footage from in our collection, staff, and around Northampton.
Help Keep Coolidge Cool
Thanks to many generous donors, we raised funds to hire exhibit design firm Design Division of Amherst, MA to re-imagine the Coolidge Museum with new exhibits, improved archival storage, and program space. The revitalization effort will greatly strengthen the museum’s mission to give its visitors a well-balanced historical account of Coolidge’s political and family life.
Make a gift today to fund the renovation and new exhibits!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join a committee! We are beginning work with an exhibit designer to reimage the Coolidge Museum and recruiting more volunteers to be part of this exciting process. The Coolidge Museum is governed by the Coolidge Standing Committee appointed by the Forbes Library Board of Trustees. Join the full committee which meets monthly or a subcommittee: Development, Programming & Education, Marketing & Outreach, or Exhibits.
Be a Coolidge Museum guide and lead formal and informal tours with visitors and groups. We currently have shifts available on Mondays 10-1, Mondays 1-4 and Wednesdays 10-12.
Research projects and transcription This is perfect for people who don’t want to commit to joining a committee or don’t like meetings and enjoying working independently on their own schedule. Volunteers are currently researching photographs and transcribing notes on postcards to enhance records in our online collections database.
Follow us online!
Subscribe to the Forbes Library YouTube Channel for live streams and recorded programs Follow the Coolidge Museum on facebook for more photos, history and events