Quincy 400: Valentine’s Day Traditions in Boston
Quincy 400: Valentine’s Day Traditions in Boston with Author & Historian Anthony M. Sammarco
Monday, February 10 | 7 – 8 PM
Community Meeting Room, Main Library, 40 Washington St. Quincy, MA
The City of Quincy proudly marks 400 years of rich history, community, and culture since its settlement in 1625. Known as the birthplace of two U.S. Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Quincy has been at the forefront of shaping American democracy and innovation. This milestone is an opportunity to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a bright future together.
Join the Celebration! The Thomas Crane Public Library invites the public to partake in an exciting year-long series of activities and events commemorating Quincy’s remarkable legacy! Our next Quincy 400 event at the Library will take place on Monday, February 10 from 7 – 8 PM featuring author and historian Anthony M. Sammarco, where Sammarco will present on local Valentine’s Day traditions.
Valentine’s Day Traditions in Boston is a fun and interesting way to recall the holiday from the exchange of Valentine cards in day school to the cards, candy, and flowers we sent or received as adults to and from our valentine. From Ancient Rome with the pagan festival of Lupercalia to the worldwide celebration of the holiday, we revel in its history and evolution through the centuries as a day of love. Today, Esther Allen Howland is honored with the nickname “Mother of the American Valentine,” with many citing her small card factory as the start of a multi-million-dollar industry. Beginning in 2001, the Greeting Card Association has annually given the “Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary,” and they estimate that 200 million valentines are sent each year in the United States.
Referred to as the “Balzac of Boston History” by the Boston Globe, Anthony Mitchell Sammarco is a noted historian and author of over seventy books on the history and development of Boston, and he lectures widely on the history and development of his native city. In this presentation, Anthony Sammarco discusses the history of St. Valentine’s Day from Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrated on February 15 to ensure fertility for the people, fields, and flocks to the annual exchange of cards, candy, and flowers. Beginning with Esther Howland who produced delicate and fanciful Valentine’s Day cards in the nineteenth century through to major card companies such as Hallmark, Norcross, Gibson, and Rust Craft, Americans exchange millions of cards annually. The book also discusses the more outré Sailor’s Valentines, Vinegar Valentines, and Krampus Valentines.
This year promises a wide array of programs and activities designed to celebrate 400 years of the people and ideas that have shaped not only Quincy but also the fabric of America. Additionally, we’ll have a year-round Quincy 400 display with rotating subjects/themes each month as well as Quincy 400 trivia sheets and Quincy 400 bingo! All are available at the Main Library. Bingo sheets are available at all Quincy Library branches. Stay tuned for more events to come!
Join us as we commemorate Quincy’s vibrant legacy and celebrate the shared pride of our community. Together, let’s honor our history and look forward to the next chapter.
This program is made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.