The Townsend Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in north-central Massachusetts. We own five properties of local interest and welcome new members from all across the country to share in our passion for history.
Pictures from our 2006 Christmas Open House at the Reed Homestead
Our 2006 Annual Meeting featured a talk and book signing by former Townsend Police Chief Bill May.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the THS. ❤️❤️ When we think of Valentine’s Day we often think of hearts and flowers, and perhaps a box of chocolates for the ones we love, but as I’ve been inventorying the Vault in the Reed House I’ve been reminded of other acts of love, and acts of caring shown…
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Townsend Historical Society on March 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the North Middlesex Regional High School auditorium. In addition to a short presentation on the history of the Irish in Townsend, there will be performances by Flying Irish Studio from Ashby, the McGonagle School of Irish Dance from…
Winter is upon us and many are dusting off their skis, sleds and ice skates and dreaming of snowy days with good sledding hills. Our ancestors, in their day, probably had the same thoughts. The THS is indeed fortunate to have some historic ice skates and a lovely old sled. The old wooden ice skates…
Back in 2019, our esteemed former site administrator Tabor Morrell decided to put his archeological training to use in the Reed Homestead attic. While exploring through the cobwebs up there, he came across an unexpected find – a double bass, the largest of the string instruments. As luck would have it, his brother-in-law, Jason Lee,…
This antique tin pudding steamer came with the message “The old article that was for steaming brown bread or suet pudding. It is a least 100 years old. Had belonged to Agnes Sherman.” These steamers were used to steam Christmas Puddings and Brown Breads, such as this one made and steamed by Chris Barnacoat for…
“Necessity (really) is the Mother of Invention” Have you ever given thought to a cow, especially when it is being milked? Go back at least 120 years and imagine yourself in a rustic old wooden barn on a farm in Townsend Harbor. The sound of the old timbers creaking, seeing a few chickens scratching on…
The Townsend Historical Society’s vault continues to offer up some interesting, rather unique stories and items. Any ideas on what this unusual contraption might be ? Welcome to the Platform Bag Holder! In 1907 this useful invention was patented by George H. Tenney, as “The Platform Bag Holder Company” of West Townsend, Massachusetts! In the…
As of this writing, Townsend school bells are ringing again for the start of the school year. How many bells have been rung in Townsend since the first school house was built in 1746? Who was behind the ringing of these bells? How many students heard the call of the bell and sat diligently at…