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.
2026 Events
Walking tour of the old section of Hillside Cemetery – Sat. Oct. 3, 2026 – 1:30 PM
Join local historian Lee McTighe’s tour of the historic section of Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1:30. Lee’s tour of Townsend’s historic cemeteries have always drawn great reviews, so don’t miss your chance to join us this year! Enter the cemetery at Avenue 1 (the main gate) and park at the back of the cemetery alongside the stone wall. Avenue 1 is across from 30 Highland St, Townsend, MA. Rain date is Sunday October 4, 2026 at 2 PM.
Guided Tour of Howard Park – Sun. Oct. 4, 2026 11 AM
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile walk through Howard Park while learning about its rich history. Along the way, we’ll share interesting stories and point out the park’s main attractions and highlights.
Grand reopening of the Cooperage – Sat. Oct. 10, 2026 1-3 PM
Come and tour the newly refurbished Cooperage on Oct. 10, 2026. The Townsend Historical Society has spent over a quarter of a million dollars rehabilitating this historic treasure, and everyone is invited to stop by Saturday, October 10, 2026 between 1 and 3 PM to look at the great results! Park at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St. Townsend, MA. Should parking fill up, you will directed where else to park.
Lead contractor Uwe Tobies will be there to answer questions about how the work was done. In addition, there will be displays inside the Cooperage showing the Townsend Historical Society’s plans for Old Harbor Village. These plans include:
- An interactive museum in the Cooperage itself displaying all the early American industries that once called the Cooperage home
- A working grist mill across the street
- A refurbished Reed Homestead (grand reopening Dec 6, 2026!)
- A beautiful function hall available for rent at Harbor Church
- A Charlotte’s Web/E. B. White Museum and a Townsend History Museum at the newly donated 16 South St. in front of the donor company – Deluxe. Also will include offices, workspace, and a store.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Annual meeting – Nov. 8, 2026 – Memorial Hall – 2 PM Members, 3 PM talk by Bill May
Our annual meeting is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2026 at Memorial Hall (Great Hall). The members meeting will be at 2 PM, where you will hear about the great progress made this year, and board membership will be voted on. At 3 PM, Townsend hero Bill May will be speaking about growing up in Townsend. Bill was the long time police chief in Townsend and is the author of a number of books
Reed Homestead Holiday Open House – Sun. Dec. 6, 2026 2-4 PM
Join us on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026 from 2 to 4 PM at the Reed Homestead (72 Main Street, Townsend, MA) to celebrate the holidays and the past year. There will decorations, high school musicians and carolers, piano music and refreshments.
Archive of Past Events
For an archive of past events, please click here!