Join Historic Newton, West Newton Cinema, and Newton Cultural Alliance for a film showing and panel discussion of the original film “An Uncommon Education: The Allen School”. The panel will feature key members of the film’s production including the director, Joe Hunter. Guests will also be able to view the coinciding exhibit installed at West Newton Cinema.
At a time when slavery was still the law of the land and women’s suffrage still a distant goal, the West Newton English and Classical School admitted Black students, international students, and women to a forward-looking program of study. Founded in 1854 and led by Nathaniel T. Allen, the school (often called the Allen School) empowered its students to develop their talents while moving society decisively toward gender, racial, and educational equality. The inclusion of gymnastics as part of the educational offering, along with kindergarten, were also educational firsts.
This film restores a little-known piece of history in Massachusetts, a state that values education and has been a pioneer in fostering inclusion. Early in his career, Allen worked closely with progressive educator Horace Mann, the first Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education, and lived for a time in Mann;s home in West Newton. Many of the ideas that Allen helped develop are still relevant today. Teachers and those who want to learn more about progressive ideas in education will find the content of special interest.
This is a tripartite collaboration and revenue from ticket sales will be divided evenly between the three non-profit organizations.
