L
arz and Isabel Anderson made various provisions to ensure that their beautiful estate in Brookline would be a resource and benefit to the surrounding community. In addition to hosting dignitaries, the Andersons used their home as a cultural center, hosting plays for children of the town, dog shows, birthday parties, charity functions, and ice skating on the pond in the winter, as well as playing host to informal lawn gatherings of likeminded early automobile enthusiasts, at the dawn of the motor age. Decades after their passing, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum continues the Anderson’s enduring legacy by opening our doors to the public for our Community History Speakers Series. Designed to create a community-wide conversation about history in our area, the topics range from architecture, textiles, American history in Brookline, and of course, the Andersons themselves.
Every dollar received for these presentations helps to defray the cost of providing outstanding community programming. Please support the Larz Anderson Auto Museum as we continue to fulfill our mission to serve and educate. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is a non-profit educational and cultural institution dedicated to exploring the history of the automobile and its influence on our lives.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024 | 7PM
Chasin' the Dream with Stefan Gavell
Stefan has always been intrigued by those advertisements for cars that note their “Mille Miglia Eligibility.” As the Millie Miglia (MM) was run between 1927 and ’57, the requirement for the modern recreation is that the car be an actual historic participant, or of the same type, with an absolute cut-off date of 1957. After Stefan laid eyes on a wonderfully restored 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Sprint Coupé, bodied by Pininfarina, painted in a lovely “Celeste Bettula”, Alfa Romeo’s stunning light blue color code, and available at auction in Paris, he was struck by, as they say in French, a “coup de Coeur,” which means that it was love at first sight; he had to have the car. Stefan drove his 1953 Alfa Romeo in the 2023 reenactment of the Mille Miglia. Join us at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum as he relives his memorable experience.
Members, $15 | Non-Members, $20
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 | 3-5PM
An Evening with Skip Barber and Walter Irvine
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed evening at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum! Join the legendary Skip Barber, American race car driver and mastermind behind Skip Barber Racing Schools, alongside Walter Irvine, the dynamic Director of Lime Rock Park. Brace yourself as Skip Barber takes you on a thrilling journey through his racing career, unraveling tales of triumphs and his electrifying connection with Lime Rock Park.
Walter Irvine will unveil the high-octane events awaiting you in the 2024 season at Lime Rock Park, offering you an exclusive opportunity to dive into the heart of the action. But that's not all – prepare for an exhilarating open Q&A session, your golden chance to fire away those burning questions at the one and only Skip Barber! Don't miss out on this extraordinary night of speed, passion, and racing revelations!
Members, $20 | Non-Members, $30
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024 | 7PM - 8:30PM
The 1949 62 Series Cadillac Coupe Deville on display at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum was modified for the Peking to Paris Race. The Peking to Paris rally is one of the last great endurance motor challenges. Traversing over 9000 miles, the Peking to Paris rally race was originally held in 1907 between what was then Peking which is now Beijing and Paris, France. Lloyd Dahmen’s car entered the Peking to Paris race in 2010. Driving an antique car halfway around the world, racing against the clock, with timed sections, makes the event one of the toughest and longest driving challenges for vintage and classic cars. Lloyd will join us at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum to regale his time during the 2010 Reenactment of the Peking to Paris, one of the most challenging endurance rallies in history.
Members, $15 | Non-Members, $20
THURSDAY, FEB. 22, 2024 | 7PM - 8:30PM
Explore the world of chocolate, a delectable creation meticulously crafted from ground roasted cacao beans. Yet, its significance goes beyond the culinary realm, weaving a fascinating tapestry of cultural reverence. In Toltec and Aztec cultures, chocolate assumes a divine role as Quetzalcoatl—the god of light and bestower of the heavenly elixir, chocolate. Similarly, Ancient Greece pays homage to this ambrosial delight through the goddess Ixcacao.
Today, chocolate stands as a symbol of indulgence, a luxurious treat derived from cocoa, manifesting in delightful forms such as bon bons and savory concoctions like mole. The journey through its flavors is an invitation to savor the richness of this timeless delicacy, connecting the present to a history steeped in cultural significance.
Members, $20 | Non-Members, $30
Chocolate Tasting will be included.
THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 2024 | 7PM - 8:30PM PM
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Michael Furman will not be able to join us in person, but we are able to offer a virtual presentation to a wider audience across the country. Join the digital halls of Larz Anderson Auto Museum with Michael Furman. Books purchased or wanting to be purchased will still be available and will be shipped straight to your home. The presentation will be done via Zoom and we will open the comment section for the Q&A at the end of the presentation. We can’t wait to ‘see’ you there.”
World renowned automotive photographer Michael Furman is best known for having the pleasure of photographing some of the world’s most significant vehicles. He has photographed the Ralph Lauren collection featured at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. Michael’s responsibility is to the car and the designers and engineers who created it. His goal? To show the car the way it was meant to be seen. Michael Furman will join us at the museum on January 25th to talk about his technique, preserving automobiles thru photographs and his unique relationship with the automobile.
Members, $20 | Non-Members, $30
A limited quantity of Michael’s books will be available for purchase for $75 (retail: $100) and he will be available for a book signed and Q&A.
WAS:THURSDAY, JAN. 18, 2024 | 7PM - 8:30PM
NOW: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024 | 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Step into the past and explore the lives of two remarkable Brookline women from the 1800s. Mary Wild dedicated herself to raising six children in her home along the current Weybridge Road. Meanwhile, nearby on Linden Street, a teenage Adeline Faxon experienced her own unique journey. Remarkably, both of their homes remain standing today. The Brookline Historical Society has painstakingly transcribed and annotated the diaries of these women, providing captivating insights into the tapestry of life and society in Brookline during the 1850s.
There were many differences then, as there are now, between a teenage girl and a woman running a family and a household. One thing they had in common is that both were avid readers who documented what they were reading. Join Brookline Historical Society president Ken Liss at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum for a look at the books they read and what they tell us about mid-19th century literature and two people who made it a part of their lives.
Tickets are $15 per person.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 | 7PM - 8:30PM PM | $20 PER PERSON
If Aston Martin is defined by its Grand Touring cars – high-speed, long-distance vehicles which are also highly capable on the race track – then the DB4GT is arguably the most significant car to live up to that definition in the marque’s 103-year history. It is the epitome of the GT car. Comfortable for two, it has few frills and a level of luxury that any gentleman driver would desire for everyday driving. Yet, it’s also capable of heart-stopping performance and superb handling on racetracks around the world. Author Nick Candee will join us at the museum to discuss his book.d SCCA Conference Championships. He also spent several years racing professionally. Join us as Jasper discusses his career in racing cars and how to begin racing yourself!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 7PM - 8:30PM PM | $15 PER PERSON
Race Car Driver, Jasper Drengler, has over one hundred wins under his belt and even more impressively, has raced in all fifty United States. Jasper has been infatuated with cars since he could crawl and during his teen years spent a lot of his time at the Indy 500. Upon graduating from high school, he transitioned from a spectator to taking the driver's seat, embarking on a journey into competitive race car driving. His victories include some at local tracks, touring series, and SCCA Conference Championships. He also spent several years racing professionally. Join us as Jasper discusses his career in racing cars and how to begin racing yourself!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | 7PM - 8:30PM PM | $20 PER PERSON
If I told you this Alfa 6C 2500 did not roll off the factory line with all the rest, would you believe me? In the 1930s, owning an Alfa 6C 2500 was at the top of everyone’s list. Paul Wilson coveted this beautiful sports car that was seemingly out of reach at the time. His solution? To build one. Paul had no formal training or fancy equipment, just a dream and determination. Join us as Paul talks about fabrication techniques, methods and the ultimate design of his one of a kind Alfa you have to see to believe.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023 | 7PM - 8:30PM PM | $20 PER PERSON
Pinetree Jamboree is a moving history event that pays homage to the early days of hot rod drag racing, a time when cars were built out of what was on hand, no budget and back yard ingenuity. Pinetree Jamboree is not about winning or losing, like the adage states,“I’d rather drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.” Joining Eli for the Q&A is Gabby Goodwin, Alan Johnston, Bill Neergaard, Al and Bonnie Dyer, JD Sweet and their built not bought hotrods.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023 | 5-8 PM | $25 PER PERSON
We are excited to invite you to a special event - an evening of MINIs on the lawn! These little British cars have stolen our hearts, and we can't wait to share the passion with you. No two MINIs are alike, and each person brings their own sense of individuality and flair to their car.
But that's not all - joining us for the evening is Nick from The MINI Vlog with a presentation about the history of MINIs and MINI events around the country such as at MINIs at the Glen and MINIs take Rt. 66! He will be on site filming the event for his YouTube channel and displaying his GP3 #0001. Don't miss the chance to spend some time with Nick and other MINIacs.
This is a perfect opportunity to connect with other MINI drivers, share stories and tips, and admire each other's unique cars. Plus, you'll get to see Nick's amazing GP3 #0001 up close and personal.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of MINIs on the lawn, and don't forget to bring your own MINI to show off your individuality and style.
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED!
Step into the untamed underbelly of Boston's history, where alongside the Sons of Liberty, a cadre of daring women left an indelible mark. From Sarah Parker Remond's defiant refusal to yield her seat long before Rosa Parks to Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall's audacious boycott against bird plumage, these women challenged norms and reshaped history. Join author Dina Vargo in her enlightening books, "Wild Women of Boston" and "The Hidden History of Boston," as she unveils the remarkable stories of these overlooked heroines. In this captivating talk, Vargo transports you through time, introducing a colorful array of female pioneers who defied convention and left an enduring legacy on Boston's streets.
Members, $15 | Non-Members, $20