The Broken Tomb with John McConnell

We welcome John McConnell back for another enlightening and enjoyable presentation titled “The Broken Tomb: Winchester’s Connection to a Pivotal and Mysterious Figure in American Architecture”. The great New York architectural firm McKim Mead & White was responsible for nothing less than a monumental new vision for a national architecture at the turn of the century. As young men, the partners looked to medieval England and France for their inspiration. But it was a little-known member of the office whose vision set the firm on the road to the Renaissance and Roman classicism on which their fame rests. A Bostonian, Joseph Morrill Wells (1853-1890) died young and remained a footnote in architectural history until a recent book about the firm revealed more about his life and contributions. He was also buried in Medford’s Oak Grove Cemetery. Lecturer McConnell set about to locate his grave, which led to a several-year mission to revive both the tomb and its occupant’s life story, which includes a Winchester connection. Along the way, a band of delightful and accomplished people was assembled who contributed their influence and fundraising skills towards a glorious outcome. Join John McConnell for his presentation to learn about this intriguing story and it’s conclusion. Register to obtain Zoom link. Sponsored by a generous grant from the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation.