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The Townsend Historical Society

~ Preserving Local History Since 1896 ~

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Author: rideout01469gmailcom

Winslow Homer and his family connection to Townsend 

by rideout01469gmailcom on November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Numerous articles have been written about Winslow Homer and his connection to Townsend. Materials located in the THS Vault attest to the research and writings of local historian Lee McTighe. Lee has written extensively on the Homers and has given talks including one given in New Ipswich, NH at the Historical Society’s annual meeting in…

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Townsend Time Capsules – An Old One and a New One Coming!

by rideout01469gmailcom on September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

Did you know that Townsend has a Time Capsule buried in front of Town Hall? Yup, we do. It was buried on July 24,1982 in celebration of the towns 250th anniversary and it has a planned opening of July 2032. How old will you be then? The capsule supposedly contains newspapers, town reports, photographs and…

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Recreation of Rufus Porter Monochromatic Murals

by rideout01469gmailcom on August 29, 2025August 29, 2025

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Massachusetts, the Townsend Historical Society was able to recreate the monochromatic Rufus Porter mural in the downstairs parlor of the Reed Homestead! Thanks so much to the great artist Susan Leach, this room feels like it would have over a century ago when you walk…

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Mrs Clara Craig and Asa and Sarah Tyler…the rest of the story

by rideout01469gmailcom on August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

I always find it interesting that when researching a topic it doesn’t take long for connections to emerge. While researching the old school bell from the No12 Schoolhouse, for the September 2024 ‘Treasures From the Vault” article, several connections emerged. Mrs Clara (Stearns) Craig was the teacher who rang the bell at the No12 schoolhouse,…

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The Townsend Memorial Band and our Summer Band Concerts On The Common

by rideout01469gmailcom on June 4, 2025June 4, 2025

Band Concerts It wouldn’t seem like summer in Townsend if there wasn’t a Thursday evening Band Concert on the Common. Concerts have traditionally begun in June and run through mid-August, every Thursday evening (weather permitting) from 7:30-9:30. Local organizations host a lawn party in conjunction with these concerts, and while the band plays there is…

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Office Hours

MaryJane Churchville, Site Administrator

In person visits: appointments
are recommended in advance

Tuesday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tel.: 978-597-2106
Email: info@townsendhistoricalsociety.org

Location

Our Headquarters and Museum can be found at:

The Reed Homestead
72 Main Street
Townsend, MA 01469

Mail: P.O. Box 95
Townsend, MA 01469

© 1896 – 2025

 

Upcoming Events

Annual Meeting continuation – Dec. 7, 2025 2 PM

Great Hall, Memorial Hall, Townsend, MA

The public can join or renew at the door.

 

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