Programs and Events

2023 Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free to the General Public. In lieu of a fee, the Society asks you to join or donate instead and help us grow our organization. Please check back often as events are subject to change.

Fall Events:

1st Annual Scarecrow Festival

October 14 10 AM – 4 PM on Townsend Common in Townsend Center.

Can’t get enough of fall festivities? Join us for our first annual Scarecrow Festival! This event will be on the Townsend Common, like the Arts and Craft fair. In the festival, entrants will display handmade scarecrows, while enjoying pie tasting, pumpkin carving, food trucks, a scavenger hunt, and live music. To participate in the contest, please fill out a registration form. Scarecrow creations will be judged in three categories: Business/Organization, Family, and Individual. Winners will receive gift cards, and all entrants will have the option to donate their scarecrow to an end-of-day auction.

See this page for more info on the festival, including registration details.

Festival Registration Form (PDF)Download

American Innovator: Abraham Prescott and His Instruments

Date TBD, Fall 2023 – Townsend United Methodist Church at 265 Main Street in Townsend Center. 7 PM.

New England in the nineteenth century must have sounded beautiful with the music of instruments hand crafted by local artisans. Abraham Prescott was a noted American luthier from New Hampshire. He is particularly well known for his double bass, one of which survives in the collection of the Townsend Historical Society. His pieces are now prized possessions of museums and musical institutions across the country. Join us for an interesting investigation into the life and legacy of this important Yankee innovator. This event is sponsored by the Amanda Dwight Fund.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is prescott-tag.jpg
Abraham Prescott advertisement for his instruments. The Townsend Historical Society owns a large bass which is actively being restored.

Winter Events:

Townsend Historical Society Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 3 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor, Time TBA.

You’re invited to partake in merriment during this festive gathering. Christmas cookies and punch will be served. Decorations in seasonal spirit will be set to liven the mood. Tours are provided to help you step back in time and escape the holiday rush. See you there!

The Great Snowstorm of 1717 buried New England in several feet of snow. We’ll hope for a light dusting to make our Holiday Open House magical and festive.

Archive of Past Events

For an archive of past events, please click here!