As Autumn 2020 approaches, our lives are in transition on a number of levels. The museum's Autumn Illumination Festival was created to bring people together and provide comfort amidst the stress of change and uncertainty. Kicking off the festival will be Evan Murphy and Danny Erker of the the Kings of Ghost Town, a Boston-based duo playing original acoustic music that blends bluegrass and contemporary composition. The evening will also include readings of original poetry by Anna V. Q. Ross of Dorchester, who's writing has been inspired by her family and current events.

Following the Forbes family's tradition of civic leadership, the museum is collaborating with MASSCreative to promote #CreateTheVote, an arts and cultural effort to increase voter registration and participation, with materials and resources available at check-in.

The event has been funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, through its Festivals Program.