As part of the Topsfield Library’s Rev 250 programming marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and with tall ships visiting Boston for Sail Boston 2026, we are excited to host author James L. Nelson to discuss his book George Washington’s Secret Navy. Watch this program anytime on this page, or on our YouTube! ABOUT THE BOOK: In 1775, General George Washington secretly armed a handful of small ships and sent them to sea against the world’s mightiest navy. This is the story of how America’s first commander-in-chief–whose previous military experience had been entirely on land–nursed the fledgling …Read More

On June 24, 2026, the Topsfield Town Library was proud to host author Sarah Lohman virtually. We partnered with the Topsfield Historical Society to bring this exciting program to Topsfield! She asks: what is the state of American food on its 250th birthday? Watch this lecture below, as Sarah looks at all all the flavors, dishes and cooks that got us here, from the Indigenous ingredients that shape regional American cuisine, to the influence of the African kitchen, to the fast food revolution. About the Speaker: Sarah Lohman is originally from Hinckley, Ohio where she began working in a museum …Read More

On June 1, the Topsfield Town Library and Topsfield Sustainability Advisory Committee welcomed Molly Courson, the Resiliency Program Director at the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), for a lecture on water conservation tips and best practices. This informative discussio teaches  practical ways to conserve water, creating a more sustainable landscape at home, and about how the Ipswich River Watershed Association is working towards a more climate resilient future for our watershed. Watch this presentation via YouTube. Topsfield’s Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) and Topsfield Town Library are proud to co-sponsor this Speaker Series focused on creating a greener, more sustainable Topsfield. This was the …Read More