Discovering Lowell Mason's Legacy as the 'Father of Music Education'

One year ago, I didn’t know the name “Lowell Mason.”  I knew the man’s birthplace on Adams Street was set for demolition; I learned soon thereafter that he was the founder of music education in the public school system; and I was embarrassed I didn’t know more.

I was reared in the public school system.  I was a member of the school chorus; I played clarinet; I participated in school musicals; I was a member of the marching band.  In short, I benefited from all the gifts Lowell Mason (1792-1872) bestowed upon the public school system yet I had never heard his name.

I was introduced to the man’s legacy by happenstance. 

I enjoy history and like Most Things Old so when I saw the decrepit house at 25 Adams St. with a For Sale sign on the front lawn, I was intrigued by its assumed history as well as the faded plaque that hung on its front.

I had to know more.

I spoke with a neighbor who told me the very basic story of Lowell Mason and the rest, as they say, is history.   

At the time, not many people seemed to know much more than the fact that a handful of folks were trying to save the house from being demolished but that is no longer the case.

Over this past year, I have met many of those folks and have watched as they created the Lowell Mason Foundation and took on a cause that had little steam in the beginning but has become a full-steam-ahead awareness campaign that will be remembered in the town’s history books.  It will also be applauded Saturday at 7 p.m. when the auditorium at Medfield’s Amos Clark Kingsbury High School will be dedicated to Mason.

Lowell Mason Foundation organizers say the public school auditorium, which often showcases its students’ musical talents, is the ideal place to bear Mason’s name.  The Medfield to dedicate the space to the Father of Music Education in public schools.

Saturday night's celebration will include the Boston Latin School Orchestra, the Boston Latin School Chorus, the Medfield High School Concert Band and the award-winning MHS Jazz Ensemble, according to the website.

Guest speakers will include Caleb Mason, Lowell Mason’s great-great-great grandson; Dr. William McManus, retired Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education at Boston University; and Dr. Richard Colwell, professor Emeritus of Music Education at the University of Illinois.

 Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Lord’s Department Store and at the door.

For more information – including updates and a status of the house move now set for April 19 – visit the Lowell Mason Foundation's  website.

Do you think it’s important to save the Lowell Mason House?  What are other ways to remember Mason?