| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
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For More Information, Contact: |
| August 18, 2005 |
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Coria Holland, Director of Communications |
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617-727-5300, ext. 258 |
CHARLESTOWN COURT CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER
TO HOST COURT’S 375th ANNIVERSARY
Charlestown District Court Chief Probation Officer Barbara Burke will host a celebration of the court’s 375th anniversary on Tuesday, August 23, 7 p.m., at the courthouse, located in City Square, Charlestown.
The ceremony is being held on the very same day it was established, August 23rd, nearly four centuries ago. It was at this time when the first governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop, held the first sitting of the Court of Assistants. The court was Winthrop’s private residence.
Tuesday’s ceremony will feature a skit based on the founding of the court as well as musical performances by a Fife and Drum Corps and bag piper.
The court was the first seat of government, law, learning and religion in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The court was also the first in the North to have an African-American Presiding Justice, the honorable George L. Ruffin. Judge Ruffin served on the bench from 1883 to 1886.
The court boasts a museum which features a number of important artifacts, including historical paintings of George Washington, Daniel Webster and Andrew Jackson. Also present in the court’s museum collection are a piece of pottery from Governor Winthrop’s home, a wedding plate, and a clay pipe. These artifacts may be viewed by appointment by calling 617-241-5251.
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