Author Stephen Puleo to Discuss The Great Abolitionist:
Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union
Please join the Friends of the Goodnow Library on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3 PM for an author talk with Stephen Puleo. The presentation will take place in the Community Room of the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury. Seating will be first come first served. In case of inclement weather, please check the Friends website at www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates. This free program is made possible by a bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.
THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union is the first major biography of Charles Sumner to be published in over fifty years. It tells the story of one of the most influential non-presidents in American history (included in this exclusive club were Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King, Jr.) – and far more influential than many presidents – a leader who exhibited true courage and authenticity.
In the tempestuous mid-nineteenth century, as slavery consumed congressional debate and America careened toward civil war and split apart – when the very future of the nation hung in the balance – Charles Sumner’s voice rang strongest, bravest, and most unwavering.
Where others preached compromise and moderation, he denounced slavery’s evils to all who would listen and demanded that it be wiped out of existence. More than any other person of his era, he blazed the trail on the country’s long, uneven, and ongoing journey toward realizing its full promise to become a more perfect union.
Before and during the Civil War, at great personal sacrifice – which included enduring a vicious beating that nearly killed him – Sumner was the conscience of the North and the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of emancipated people more than he did.
To Sumner, the two concepts of abolitionism and equal rights were inseparable and could not be untethered. Freedom and equality embodied the founding principles of the United States as stated in the Declaration of Independence, and in the Constitution’s guarantee of a republican form of government. Only by enshrining these rights forever could the United States survive.
This view was first considered radical and unworkable, dismissed as the ranting of rabble-rousers on the fringe – positions at first not held even by Lincoln and other anti-slavery Republicans. But Sumner’s influence gradually took hold, permeated the party’s dogma, and finally became the prevalent and official view of Lincoln and the nation.
Through the force of his words and his will, he moved America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights, which he fought for literally until the day he died. He laid the cornerstone arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century as the country strove to achieve equality among the races.
In his book review New York Times bestselling author William Martin writes, “In prose that is perceptive and propulsive, in scenes that are powerful and dramatic, Puleo brings Sumner vividly to life. Once more, the Great Abolitionist drives the momentous events of the mid-Nineteenth Century. Once more, the strength of his character, the intensity of his personality, and the honor of his crusade shine before us. And once more, Stephen Puleo delivers a book that will captivate the general reader and reward the serious historian, too.”
Stephen Puleo is an author, teacher, historian, public speaker, and communications specialist. All of his books have been Boston regional best sellers and have received national recognition. An experienced, dynamic, and in-demand speaker and presenter, Steve has made more than 700 appearances before thousands of readers – including bookstore signings, keynote addresses, library presentations, historical societies, panel discussions, industry events, book clubs, and appearances at universities and public and private schools.
Steve has also taught history at Suffolk University in Boston and at UMass-Boston. He also has developed and taught numerous writing workshops for high school and college students, as well as for adults who aspire to be writers. His books have been woven into the curricula of numerous high schools and colleges, and more than 30 communities have selected his books as “community-wide reads.”
Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union
Please join the Friends of the Goodnow Library on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3 PM for an author talk with Stephen Puleo. The presentation will take place in the Community Room of the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury. Seating will be first come first served. In case of inclement weather, please check the Friends website at www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates. This free program is made possible by a bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.
THE GREAT ABOLITIONIST: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union is the first major biography of Charles Sumner to be published in over fifty years. It tells the story of one of the most influential non-presidents in American history (included in this exclusive club were Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King, Jr.) – and far more influential than many presidents – a leader who exhibited true courage and authenticity.
In the tempestuous mid-nineteenth century, as slavery consumed congressional debate and America careened toward civil war and split apart – when the very future of the nation hung in the balance – Charles Sumner’s voice rang strongest, bravest, and most unwavering.
Where others preached compromise and moderation, he denounced slavery’s evils to all who would listen and demanded that it be wiped out of existence. More than any other person of his era, he blazed the trail on the country’s long, uneven, and ongoing journey toward realizing its full promise to become a more perfect union.
Before and during the Civil War, at great personal sacrifice – which included enduring a vicious beating that nearly killed him – Sumner was the conscience of the North and the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, no one championed the rights of emancipated people more than he did.
To Sumner, the two concepts of abolitionism and equal rights were inseparable and could not be untethered. Freedom and equality embodied the founding principles of the United States as stated in the Declaration of Independence, and in the Constitution’s guarantee of a republican form of government. Only by enshrining these rights forever could the United States survive.
This view was first considered radical and unworkable, dismissed as the ranting of rabble-rousers on the fringe – positions at first not held even by Lincoln and other anti-slavery Republicans. But Sumner’s influence gradually took hold, permeated the party’s dogma, and finally became the prevalent and official view of Lincoln and the nation.
Through the force of his words and his will, he moved America toward the twin goals of abolitionism and equal rights, which he fought for literally until the day he died. He laid the cornerstone arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century as the country strove to achieve equality among the races.
In his book review New York Times bestselling author William Martin writes, “In prose that is perceptive and propulsive, in scenes that are powerful and dramatic, Puleo brings Sumner vividly to life. Once more, the Great Abolitionist drives the momentous events of the mid-Nineteenth Century. Once more, the strength of his character, the intensity of his personality, and the honor of his crusade shine before us. And once more, Stephen Puleo delivers a book that will captivate the general reader and reward the serious historian, too.”
Stephen Puleo is an author, teacher, historian, public speaker, and communications specialist. All of his books have been Boston regional best sellers and have received national recognition. An experienced, dynamic, and in-demand speaker and presenter, Steve has made more than 700 appearances before thousands of readers – including bookstore signings, keynote addresses, library presentations, historical societies, panel discussions, industry events, book clubs, and appearances at universities and public and private schools.
Steve has also taught history at Suffolk University in Boston and at UMass-Boston. He also has developed and taught numerous writing workshops for high school and college students, as well as for adults who aspire to be writers. His books have been woven into the curricula of numerous high schools and colleges, and more than 30 communities have selected his books as “community-wide reads.”
Come join us for our fourth program in our 2024-2025 Sunday Afternoons Cultural Series!
Stacey Sparrow Demonstrates Painting in the Bob Ross Style
Stacey Sparrow Demonstrates Painting in the Bob Ross Style
Friends of the Goodnow Library Host Painting in the Style of Bob Ross
Certified Bob Ross art instructor Stacey Sparrow to present program and painting demonstration
Sunday, February 2nd, at 3 PM
Are you an aspiring painter? Do you want to learn how to paint in the style of Bob Ross? Please join the Friends of the Goodnow Library and Stacey Sparrow, artist and certified Bob Ross painting instructor, for a fun and informative program with a painting demonstration on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 3 PM in the Community Meeting Room of the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury. This free program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library. Seating will be first come, first served so plan to arrive early for best seat selection. In the event of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.
Bob Ross was an American painter and art instructor who created and hosted The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983-1994 on PBS in the US and similar channels elsewhere. During each half hour segment, Ross instructed viewers in the quick wet-on-wet oil painting technique, painting a scene without sketching it first. He created the image directly from his imagination in real time and deconstructed the process into simple steps. He combined the wet-painting method with a limited collection of tools and colors that did not require a large investment in expensive equipment. It is estimated he created 30,000 paintings in his lifetime mostly landscapes.
Stacey Sparrow is a passionate artist dedicated to sharing her love for painting with others. She received a Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art, and she has spent more than fourteen years empowering individuals of all ages through her art classes at her art studio Art on the Rocks.
As a mother of two – one approaching 16 and the other 12 – she seamlessly blends her roles as an artist and a parent inspiring creativity in her children and students alike. Known for her warm teaching style and ability to make art accessible, Stacey fosters a nurturing environment that encourages self-expression and confidence. She continues to explore new artistic techniques while celebrating the joy of painting.
Certified Bob Ross art instructor Stacey Sparrow to present program and painting demonstration
Sunday, February 2nd, at 3 PM
Are you an aspiring painter? Do you want to learn how to paint in the style of Bob Ross? Please join the Friends of the Goodnow Library and Stacey Sparrow, artist and certified Bob Ross painting instructor, for a fun and informative program with a painting demonstration on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 3 PM in the Community Meeting Room of the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury. This free program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library. Seating will be first come, first served so plan to arrive early for best seat selection. In the event of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.
Bob Ross was an American painter and art instructor who created and hosted The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983-1994 on PBS in the US and similar channels elsewhere. During each half hour segment, Ross instructed viewers in the quick wet-on-wet oil painting technique, painting a scene without sketching it first. He created the image directly from his imagination in real time and deconstructed the process into simple steps. He combined the wet-painting method with a limited collection of tools and colors that did not require a large investment in expensive equipment. It is estimated he created 30,000 paintings in his lifetime mostly landscapes.
Stacey Sparrow is a passionate artist dedicated to sharing her love for painting with others. She received a Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art, and she has spent more than fourteen years empowering individuals of all ages through her art classes at her art studio Art on the Rocks.
As a mother of two – one approaching 16 and the other 12 – she seamlessly blends her roles as an artist and a parent inspiring creativity in her children and students alike. Known for her warm teaching style and ability to make art accessible, Stacey fosters a nurturing environment that encourages self-expression and confidence. She continues to explore new artistic techniques while celebrating the joy of painting.
Happy New Year!
A big welcome to 2025! The Friends are alive and well and excited to continue to bring great programming to you.
We started off our season in October with a concert at First Parish. The concert featured our favorite musicians from the New England Conservatory; Pianist August Baik, cellist Eric Schindler, and their friend, violinist Ravani Loushy Kay. The audience was treated to a fabulous program featuring Mendelssohn, Franck, Beethoven and Ravel.
In November, 150 people enjoyed The Tanglewood Marionettes’ performance of Cinderella. Look for pictures of the performance and the marionettes on our website and Facebook page.
Our next two programs will focus on art. On January 12th, author/illustrator Jannie Ho will help children develop their own graphic novels in the community room at the library. This program requires advanced registration and is currently filled. However, we are happy to rebook Jannie with enough interest. On February 2nd, Stacy Sparrow will demonstrate painting in the “Bob Ross” style as seen on PBS. Stacy runs a very popular art workshop business.
Our March and April programs will be more historical in nature. On March 2nd, author Stephen Puleo will discuss his book The Great Abolitionist, a biography of Senator Charles Sumner. Senator Sumner of Massachusetts was arguably the most influential politician fighting against slavery and for equal rights both before and after the Civil War. To finish up our series, on April 6th, author Ed Achorn will discuss his book, The Lincoln Miracle.
Be sure to check the Friends website www.friendsofgoodnow.org, and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/thefriendsofgoodnowlibrary, to keep up to date on the Friends activities.
Come join us for our third program in our 2024-2025 Sunday Afternoons Cultural Series!
Graphic Novel Workshop for Elementary-Aged Students
Friends of the Goodnow Library Sponsor Comic and Graphic Novel Workshop for Elementary-Aged Students
Join the Friends of the Goodnow Library for a hands-on interactive program for elementary-aged students (ages 5+) to nurture and develop their appreciation of comics and graphic novels. Author/Illustrator Jannie Ho (The Lost Mitten, Fry Guys) will discuss how graphic novels are created. She will also engage attendees in a lively collaborative drawing game where everyone will get to make their very own 4-panel comic
This program will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 3 PM at the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA. Children must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration is required. The program is limited to 20 children and one adult per child. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/friendsjannieho.
The program is made possible by a generous bequest to the Friends of the Goodnow Library by Stella and Frank Ricciardi.
Jannie Ho is the author/illustrator of THE LOST MITTEN, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR, and BEAR AND CHICKEN. She is also the illustrator of FRY GUYS, an early reader graphic novel series. Jannie is the creator of SUPER CHICKEN AND SHELLY, a regularly featured comic in Highlights for Children High Five Magazine. With a passion for visual storytelling and sequential art, she runs comic workshops for kids in libraries and schools. For more of her work, visit www.JannieHo.com
In the event of inclement weather, please check for updates at the Friends of the Goodnow Library website: https://www.friendsofgoodnow.org/
**Alert**
Our new facebook link is:
https://www.facebook.com/thefriendsofgoodnowlibrary
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Letters of Support for the Friends