Panel Lecture Presentation and Historic Photography Exhibit, Wednesday, March 6 at Westfield State University. Lecture: Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall 6:30 p.m. Historical photography exhibit: Arno Maris Gallery, Ely Hall 2nd floor (open Wed. March 6 from 5:00-9:00 p.m., dessert reception and in gallery following lecture).

Spend an evening on the Westfield State University Campus for a special “Westfield Wednesdays” historical lecture series event offering a lecture and photography exhibit focused on the history of the Westfield Normal School. The lecture presentation at 6:30 on Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, features three speakers who will discuss the history of the Westfield Normal School. Before or after the lecture, visitors are invited to an exhibit of historical photos in the Arno Maris Gallery, Ely Hall 2nd floor. A dessert reception and raffle will be hosted in the gallery following the lecture.

The lecture will include three panelists. Professor Beth Ann Rothermel will present “’Dig Where You Stand’: Lessons from the WSU Archive.” From her research work in the WSU archives, Prof. Rothermel will share a few of her more interesting observations about the Westfield Normal School’s history. Walter Fogg will present “Westfield’s Little Known School of Observation,” a brief history of the Wyben schoolhouse from 1931 to 1939, when it served as a school of observation for Westfield State Teachers College. Students studying in “Rural Education” were transported to the Wyben Schoolhouse to observe and to practice teach. During this period of time, the schoolhouse was turned over to the College, which assumed all administrative responsibilities for the school’s daily operations. Professor Mara Dodge will present “Westfield State University: Evolution & Transformation, 1839-2010.” From its opening days in Barre, MA as the nation’s first public, co-educational “normal” school, Prof. Dodge will trace the institution’s growth while addressing some popular myths and misperceptions about its storied history.

The photography exhibit in the Arno Maris Gallery, Ely Hall 2nd floor, will feature historic photos of the Normal School and downtown buildings. Also featured will be photos by the Allen sisters, who graduated from Westfield Normal School in 1876 pursuing a teaching career which they eventually gave up due to loss of hearing. In 1884 they began a very successful career in photography. They were pioneers in respect to being women in the arts. Their nostalgic mood was coveted in an age of increasing industrialization. Their technique of developing platinum prints enhanced this direction of nostalgia. The “Westfield State University Revisited: Archival Photographs and Artifacts” collection focuses on the inception and growth of Westfield State University. Highlighted are various presidents starting with Horace Mann and continuing with those of high expectations and amazing drive bringing the Normal School forward to become Westfield State College and now Westfield State University. Continuing where “Westfield State University Revisited” leaves off is a photographic essay featuring many of the original buildings still existing in Westfield showcasing a visual evolution of the town and many links it has to the university. Catalogs of the historic photo collections will be available for purchase. The exhibit will be up during the week of March 4-9 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 – 2:00). On Wednesday evening, March 6, directly following the lecture, guests are invited to walk over to Ely Hall to visit the gallery, enjoy dessert, and participate in a raffle. To accommodate Wednesday’s events the gallery will also be open from 5:00-9:00 pm.