Amasa Holcomb was a self-taught 19th century American who did a little bit of everything in his remarkable life. Born in 1787, his life spanned from the earliest days of the country through the post-Civil war era. Along the way, Holcomb was successful as a teacher, farmer, civil engineer, and tool maker, including becoming the first commercial telescope maker in North America.
Somehow, Holcomb even found time to serve in the Massachusetts legislature and be a popular “circuit riding” Methodist minister. Holcomb was able to claim that he lived in two states and four towns without ever moving from the disputed land that is now Southwick, Massachusetts.
Presented by Ed Faits, retired computer programmer and Springfield STARS club member
An Almanac for the Year of Our Lord 1808, by Amasa Holcomb. Photograph by Ed Faits.
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If you plan to attend in person at the Museums, tickets are available on the day of the lecture in the Welcome Center.
Members: FREE
Springfield residents: $4
Nonmembers: $4
To attend via ZOOM, please register in advance.
