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Image for event: Rounders to Baseball: History of America's Favorite Game

Rounders to Baseball: History of America's Favorite Game

with Anne Barrett

2026-04-15 13:00:00 2026-04-15 14:00:00 America/New_York Rounders to Baseball: History of America's Favorite Game From Opening Day to last out at the World Series, baseball has exhilarated and exasperated fans since the mid 19th century. Find out why! Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Wednesday, April 15
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-15 13:00:00 2026-04-15 14:00:00 America/New_York Rounders to Baseball: History of America's Favorite Game From Opening Day to last out at the World Series, baseball has exhilarated and exasperated fans since the mid 19th century. Find out why! Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

Reading Public Library

Community Room (A & B)

From Opening Day to last out at the World Series, baseball has exhilarated and exasperated fans since the mid 19th century. Find out why!

Variations of baseball have been played for hundreds of years, including a rousing game of stoolball at Plimoth Plantation and games to pass the time during the Civil War. The game bred gambling scandals and rivalries so bitter that the 1904 World Series was cancelled.  It also popularized Cracker Jacks, baseball cards and Broadway songs.  Trace the game's social, historical and professional evolution from 19th century "townball" to the formation of the major leagues. For baseball AND history lovers!

No Registration Required.

Thank you to the Friends of the Reading Public Library for generously supporting this program!

About the presenter: Anne Barrett 

Even as a child, Anne had a flair for the dramatic. Public speaking, acting, and writing have been constant companions. For over 10 years, Anne has researched, written, and produced lectures and performances with a focus on educating and entertaining audiences.

As a former newspaper history columnist and publisher of the Topsfield Historical Society's news magazine Local Lore, Anne is dedicated to making history interesting for audiences.  

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | In-Person Event | Brochure |

Reading Public Library

rdg@noblenet.org
Phone: 781-944-0840

Hours
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Mon, Apr 27 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 1:00PM to 9:00PM
Fri, May 01 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 02 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 1:00PM to 5:00PM


About the Library

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To ask questions about accessibility or request accommodations, please contact the library at rdgadmin@noblenet.org.

If the Reading Public schools are closed due to snow, all Children's programming will be canceled.

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Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

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Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

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Reading Public Library - Community Room (A & B)

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Reading Public Library - Children's Program Room

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