Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Course on Hopkinton history returns, new course to be offered in spring

After the success of a class it ran in the fall on Hopkinton history, the Historical Society plans to offer additional classes this winter and spring.

According to president Anne Mattina and member Chuck Joseph, who taught the class alongside vice president Aubrey Doyle, the Historical Society will offer its inaugural class again, starting in February. The class focuses on what was happening in Hopkinton in the 1700s, using town records from the time as primary sources.

“All of these classes are based on us teaching the American story and using the Town Meeting notes as to what Hopkinton was talking about and doing at the same time,” Joseph explained.

The class in the spring will look at the town’s history starting in the 19th century. That class is expected to start in April or May.

Mattina stated in an email that the first running of the program was a “resounding success,” with participants engaging in the material and responding to Joseph’s lectures. “Chuck has a gift for making the past come alive, turning every session into a lively discussion about our town’s role in the American story,” she stated.

So many people were interested in attending the first class that a wait list was set up. Mattina reported that the first session had a wide age range and just about an even split between men and women. The majority of attendees live in Hopkinton, she added.

Those on the wait list get first priority for the second session. “We expect to fill the class completely,” stated Mattina.

The content and format of the winter session will remain the same as the first. Participants will hear lectures, review primary sources and engage in small group discussion about various topics moderated by either Joseph, Doyle or Mattina. The course will run on Wednesdays starting Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Registration for the course is required. The cost to attend is $40 unless participants are Historical Society members.

The course’s success is due in part to the preservation and digitization of Town Meeting documents and other records — a project the Historical Society continues to develop.

“We’re so lucky to have these Town Meeting notes that survived three fires at Town Hall,” said Joseph. “They tell us what people were doing. It’s great.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton Middle School teacher Bill Mingace has returned home after months in the hospital and remains optimistic about his recovery from an October motorcycle accident.

Henry “Artie” Pyne, 84, recently passed away. He was raised in Hopkinton and served as a volunteer firefighter and a special detail officer in town.

Betty Davis, 92, a former Hopkinton resident, passed away Dec. 23.

Town meetings tonight include the Water & Sewer Advisory Board (5), Housing Authority (6) and Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Scouts (from left) Krish Patel, Rudra Patel and Evan McDaniel hold winter care kits that they delivered on MLK Day to older residents at the Hopkinton Housing Authority and The Communities at Golden Pond.