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Hepzibah Swan: A Tale of Foreign Intrigue, Beautiful Possessions, and Puzzles from the Past

Wed, Apr 20

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In partnership with Historic New England

Hepzibah Swan: A Tale of Foreign Intrigue, Beautiful Possessions, and Puzzles from the Past
Hepzibah Swan: A Tale of Foreign Intrigue, Beautiful Possessions, and Puzzles from the Past

Time & Location

Apr 20, 2022, 7:00 PM

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About the event

Witness to the American and French Revolutions, accused of “post-revolutionary decadence” in the early 19th century, Hepzibah Swan was present at major moments of Boston—and world—history. With her husband, she ran through multiple fortunes; among their many acquisitions was a Bulfinch-designed mansion in Dorchester, which they filled with furniture previously owned by recently-deposed French nobility. (A few Swan items became part of the collection at Historic New England’s Codman Estate). While her husband was jailed in France for over 20 years, Hepzibah remained in Dorchester and Boston, where she partied with Harrison Gray Otis and invested in the development of Beacon Hill, the only woman to do so. Hephzibah Swan is a woman who has fascinated Boston historians for almost two centuries.  This virtual, illustrated talk is presented by Historic New England’s Codman Estate lead guide Camille Arbogast in partnership with the Dorchester Historical Society.

Tickets are free; donations are encouraged. Become a member today to help us continue to offer free programs for all to enjoy.

Please call 617-994-6678 for more information.

The link for the webinar will be included in the order confirmation for this program.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society - The Swan House.

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