SPNEA presents The Program in New England Studies, based on its esteemed Vale Program first offered in 1979. The new week-long learning experience includes lectures by specialists in many fields, supplemented by workshops and behind-the-scenes tours to study the buildings and collections of SPNEA and other museums.

The program bring together people from all over the country who want to learn more about New England history and material culture. The Program in New England Studies features architecture and will include building design and technology along with discussions of the wide-ranging lifestyles illustrated by SPNEA properties. The Program offers a broad approach to teaching the history of New England culture through artifacts and architecture in a way that no other museum in the Northeast can match. The program will appeal to museum professionals and graduate students, owners of historic houses, collectors, and those who appreciate New England history.

Featured speakers will include Director of Preservation Studies, Boston University, Richard M. Candee; President of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society of America, Edward Gordon; Executive Director, Connecticut Landmarks & Antiquarian Society, William N. Hosley, Jr.; Professor of Decorative Arts, Winterthur Program in Early American Culture, Brock Jobe; the Carolyn and Peter Lynch Curator of American Decorative Arts, Peabody Essex Museum, Dean Lahikainen; SPNEA President Emerita, Jane Nylander; and the Katharine Lane Weems Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gerald W. R. Ward. SPNEA Vice President for Properties & Preservation Michael Lynch, Chief Curator and Director of Collections Richard Nylander, and Vice President for Museums and Collections Philip Zea also participate in the program.

The program takes place Saturday June 21 through Friday, June 27, 2003. The $1,200 fee includes all lectures, admissions, guided tours, motorcoach transportation to and from special visits and excursions, most meals and service charges.