Please note this is an archive of past events of the Townsend Historical Society. Please click here for the most current programs and events.
2022:
Spring Events:
Spring Program – White Stars, Black Sea: A Titanic Retrospective with Local Historian Will Kindler
Friday, April 29 – Townsend United Methodist Church at 265 Main Street in Townsend Center. 7 PM.
April marks the 110th anniversary of the fateful voyage of the Titanic. The Townsend Historical Society welcomes you to join for local historian Will Kindler’s “White Stars, Black Sea: A Titanic Retrospective”, featuring actual artifacts from the disaster and a fascinating presentation including rare stories and even some newly-uncovered historical connections between the Titanic and the people of Townsend.
The event is free, and we’ll be meeting at 7:00 P.M. on April 29th at Townsend’s United Methodist Church at 265 Main Street.
We will post the Zoom stream link the day of the event. Please click here to view the Zoom. The event is open to the general public but note that all individuals will be muted until question and answer sessions at the end of the talk.
We’ll also have a live stream of the event you can tune into on the Society’s main Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TownsendHistoricalSociety
Summer Events:
Reed Homestead Museum Weekend Hours
Please note that we have returned to drop-in hours. Registration is not required but please reach out in advance if you plan to come with a group of four or more.
Saturday, May 7, June 4, July 16, and August 20 – Reed Homestead, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM-1PM. $5/person; $20/family donation suggested.
The Reed House will once again be open for select Saturdays throughout the summer for archival access and tours. If you have yet to come or have not visited in a while, we have updated the tour and put out new artifacts for you to see. The dates are: May 7, June 4, July 16 and August 20 from 9AM – 1PM. Tours will be about an hour long and leave on the hour. We will add additional tours on the half hour if we have the docent coverage. We regularly update this website and our social media so be on the lookout for any changes.
*Masks are recommended, but not required for this in person event. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of personal preference.
Grist Mill Weekend Hours
Similar to the museum tours above, the Grist Mill tours are now drop in on the half hour. Registration is not required but please reach out if you plan to show up with a group of four or more.
Saturday, June 4, 9AM – 3PM and July 16, 1PM – 3PM – Spaulding Grist Mill in Townsend Harbor, Tours on the Half Hour.
The Townsend Historical Society will once again be offering a brief walk through of our mill properties. The Spaulding Grist Mill is one of the few nineteenth century industrial buildings to maintain most of its original workings. The building was recently cleaned from top to bottom by volunteers and is now available for tours. Come see the equipment and learn about how the structure was used. Registration will be required. Tours will be on the half-hour. You can conclude your tour by visiting the adjacent Cooperage. Over two centuries old, the building is rented to Home at the Cooperage, an assemblage of antique vendors. Be sure to see the six-sided fireplace within while you shop.
*Masks are recommended, but not required for this in person event. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of personal preference.
Fall Events:
41st Annual Fall Arts and Craft Fair
September 17 9 AM-4 PM and 18, 10 AM-4 PM on Townsend Common in Townsend Center.
We’re back! Save the date and prepare to come partake in our triumphant return. Support our annual fundraiser by attending the Arts and Craft Fair. The Common will transform into a marketplace filled with colorful and creative works by talented artists and crafters. We anticipate over fifty-five vendors, more music, food and fun. This event is great for all ages so please be sure to bring the family. We will have our usual petting zoo, fudge and face painting booths. Spread the word and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the fall!
Treasures from the Attic: An Antique Appraisal Event
On Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10:00 – 1:00 at Townsend’s United Methodist Church, we’ll be hosting “Treasurers from the Attic: An Antique Appraisal Event”. This is a hybrid event; in person or virtual attendance welcome.
We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with Wayne Tuiskula of Central Mass Auctions, Inc. Mr. Tuiskula brings three decades of professional appraisal experience, has been awarded the General Personal Property Appraiser designation from the National Auctioneers Association, and has even appeared on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow”, which in appraisal terms makes him a sort of combination of The Beatles and Indiana Jones! If you’d like to learn more about Mr. Tuiskula’s adventures in antique appraisal and about the outstanding Central Mass Auctions, Inc., you can follow this link to their website: http://centralmassauctions.com/
We’re inviting members and friends to join in the fun by purchasing tickets here on Eventbrite. Please click here or visit https://TownsendTreasures.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot. The cost is $10.00 per item to be appraised or three items for $25.00. If you’d like to have more than one item appraised, the option to purchase tickets for second and third items should be available during the online ticketing process on this website under “Add-ons”.
Ticketholders will be able to send the Historical Society digital photographs of the items they would enjoy having appraised, along with any known history pertaining to the pieces. While this is not mandatory, the more information sent in advance, the more time Mr. Tuiskula will have to properly research your artifact(s). Please be sure to include images of markings, decorations, or unique features which could help Mr. Tuiskula in his evaluations. Once you’ve purchased a ticket for each item, you may send the items’ photographs and any corresponding background information in an email to us at: townsendhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.
Then, on October 15th, everyone will be welcome to view the appraisals (both in person and virtually). For those guests joining us in person, we’ll meet at the Methodist Church at 265 Main Street. We will have a gallery where you can listen to Mr. Tuiskula give his appraisals. The order of appraisal will be first come first served. For those that can’t make it in person, we can do virtual appraisals. For those that want to join us, please feel free to drop in or email us for the live stream link. We’ll be doing it on Zoom. No fuss, no hassle; there is no need to signup or create any username or password. If you follow us on Facebook, you’ll also find us there. The entire program will be recorded so if you miss us, you can watch the whole thing anytime on our social media or on our Youtube channel.
We look forwarded to seeing you at this hybrid event. Our supporters are the lifeblood of the organization and we will make every attempt to encourage all forms of participation. If you have any questions about the program, the online ticketing, emailing your photographs, or getting the Zoom link, please feel free to reach out to us by telephone at (978)597-2106, or email at townsendhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com. We hope to see you soon!
Townsend Historical Society Fall Open House and Encampment
Saturday, October 1 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM—4 PM.
Please join the Townsend Historical Society as we welcome the Stow and Townsend Minutemen companies for a Saturday step back into the American Revolution. The Reed homestead will come alive with the sights and smells of the 18th century. There will be musket demonstration and drills, hearth cooking and hands on crafts. Similar to last year, there will be a number of artisans and craftsman (and women) on hand to demonstrate historic crafts. A few will be selling their wares. Be sure not to miss this exciting opportunity to connect with our rich local history.
2021:
Spring Events:
Reed Homestead Museum Weekend Hours
Please note that the all tours require pre-registration. Ticketing information will be available starting April 1. Tickets for this program may be found by clicking here!
Saturday, May 1, June 5, July 10, and August 14 – Reed Homestead, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM-1PM
The Reed House will once again be open for select Saturdays throughout the summer for archival access and tours. If you have yet to come or have not visited in a while, we have updated the tour and put out new artifacts for you to see. The dates are: May 1, June 5, July 10 and August 14 from 9AM – 1PM. Tours will be about an hour long. Registration is required (4 slots each day…starting on the hour). Be sure to look for our call for tickets. We regularly update this website and our social media.
Summer Events:
Grist Mill Weekend Hours
Please note that the all tours require pre-registration. Ticketing information will be available starting April 1. Tickets for this program may be found by clicking here!
Saturday, June 5 and July 10 – Spaulding Grist Mill in Townsend Harbor, 1PM to 3PM. Tours on the Half Hour.
New this year, the Townsend Historical Society will be offering brief walkthroughs of our mill properties. The Spaulding Grist Mill is one of the few nineteenth century industrial buildings to maintain most of its original workings. The building was recently cleaned from top to bottom by volunteers and is now available for tours. Come see the equipment and learn about how the structure was used. Registration will be required. Tours will be on the half-hour (4 slots total). You can conclude your tour by visiting the adjacent Cooperage. Over two centuries old, the building is rented to Home at the Cooperage, an assemblage of antique vendors. Be sure to see the six-sided fireplace within while you shop.
*Masks are required for in person events. No exceptions. Participants will be expected to social distance.
Fall Events:
40th Annual Fall Arts and Craft Fair ***Note this event is Virtual***
Ongoing throughout September, 2021 – Click here to drop over to our digital common for this year’s event!
The Townsend Historical Society is pleased to announce that beginning September 1, the Arts and Craft Fair will be available online! While we will miss seeing you, drop on by our digital common to see all the vendors and the great items they are selling. You’ll see the same quality handiwork and some great ideas for gifts. Let’s not forget the holiday season will be upon us soon enough. Please share the link for this dedicated marketplace which can be found at http://www.townsendhistoricalsociety.org/virtualfair. We look forward to seeing you back in person next year!
A Silent Raffle for Preservation ***Note this event is Virtual***
Ongoing throughout September, 2021 – Click here to drop over to our Arts and Craft Fair. The raffle is at the bottom of the page.
Coinciding with the Virtual Arts and Craft Fair, the Townsend Historical Society is running a silent auction with donations from the vendors who are participating this year. We are extremely thankful for their donations. All the proceeds of the auction will support work on the Historical Society’s buildings. Please be sure to visit the website and click on the silent auction link to see all the wonderful gifts available Tickets will be through Eventbrite and offered for $1 in increments of $1, $5, $10, and $20. The winners will be announced on the last day of the month, September 30th. Goodluck and let the competition begin!
Seasonal Cleanup at the Reed Homestead
Saturday, September 18 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM – 3PM.
It is once again time to reclaim the yard from summer growth which has come forth from the ground! Bring clippers, cutting implements, gloves, and a strong work ethic and help us clear all the greenery in our back and side spaces. We anticipate once again clearing down to Minnie’s Brook and the Harbor Pond to keep our lands clear of invasive plants. All debris will be stacked and burned over the winter. If interested, please give us a call at 978-597-2106 or send an email to let us know you’ll be dropping by. Many hands make light work. We’re certain with a little bit of effort, we can keep our historic landscape open so that all who visit the museum grounds can appreciate this wonderful landmark.
Member’s Meeting – Building Project Updates and Approvals ***Note this event is Virtual***
Wednesday, September 22 via Zoom at 7PM.
Zoom Link to follow and will be posted here and around our website.
Join President Ryan D. Hayward and the Board of Directors for an overview of the Society’s buildings, their condition, necessary work, and proposals for restoration and maintenance. We are seeking member feedback and approval for work on both the Spaulding Cooperage and the Harbor Church. We will discuss the merits of each project and come out with a clear path for next steps. We request your presence and support to hear the overview, proposals, and provide input. Information will be made available in draft format by clicking our news. We encourage review of the materials and comment in advance of the meeting. Zoom information will be posted for ease of access. For our members without Zoom access, we are working to have a central streaming location. We look forward to seeing you virtually!
Townsend Historical Society Fall Open House and Encampment
Saturday, October 2 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM—5 PM.
Please join the Townsend Historical Society as we welcome the Stow and Townsend Minutemen companies for a Saturday step back into the American Revolution. The Reed homestead will come alive with the sights and smells of the 18th century. There will be musket demonstration and drills, hearth cooking and hands on crafts. New this year, a number of additional artisans and craftsman (and women) will be on hand to demonstrate historic crafts and a few will be selling wares. Be sure not to miss this exciting opportunity to connect with our rich local history.
Signup is encouraged via Eventbrite by clicking the link here. Walk-ins are always welcome but we are attempting to maintain social distancing. Masks are required for all indoor tours and activities.
Winter Events:
Townsend Historical Society Annual Meeting and Program
Sunday, November 7 – Virtual Presentation via Zoom and Live Streamed on Facebook . 2 PM.
Please click here to join us via Zoom!
The Annual Meeting of the Townsend Historical Society will kick off with Officer Reports and a summary of our organization’s accomplishments over the past year.
Then we’re excited to turn the microphone over to our featured speaker, Townsend native Bill Pavao. Bill had the chance to be curator of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum from 1998-2004 and of Lizzie Borden’s post-trial home, Maplecroft, from 2015 -2016. Bill will present the story of the Borden family, the 1892 murders, Lizzie’s trial, and her life following her acquittal.
Please click here for the complete program list, minutes, and more!
Townsend Historical Society Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 5 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor 11 AM—4 PM.
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!
2020:
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.
Spring Events:
Annual Potluck Dinner and Program ***Postponed for Covid-19, future date TBD by early summer***
Friday, May 1 – St. John Catholic Church Hall, 1 School Street in Townsend Center. 6 PM.
Join us in kicking off our annual season of events. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to share, a good appetite for food, conversation and a bit of curiosity. Our featured speaker is Volker Nahrmann, the principal bassist with Symphony New Hampshire and professional luthier. He will be providing insight into Abraham Prescott, his basses and their local and regional connection. ***Note the event venue change***
American Innovator: Abraham Prescott and His Instruments 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.
Museum Summer Weekend Hours
Please note that the all open houses are Postponed for Covid-19 and we will open the house an additional weekend in the fall.
Saturday, May 2, June 6, July 11, and August 8 – Reed Homestead, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 9AM-1PM
The Reed House will once again be open for select Saturdays throughout the summer for archival access and tours. If you have yet to come or have not visited in a while, we have updated the tour and put out new artifacts for you to see. The dates are: May 2, June 6, July 11 and August 8 from 9AM – 1PM. Be sure to look for a schedule of available offerings closer to the event date. We update our social media regularly or feel free to give us a call!
Walking Tour of the Old Burying Grounds and Hillside Cemetery
***Postponed for Covid-19, future date TBD by early summer***
Saturday, May 2 – Hillside Cemetery and Old Burying Ground on Highland Street in Townsend Center. 2PM. Rain Date TBD.
May is preservation month in Massachusetts and we’re stepping off for an afternoon exploration with local historian Lee McTighe as she guides a tour of the Old Burying Grounds and Hillside Cemetery in Center Village. Lee will lead a discussion about the gravestones of early New England—the materials, motifs and mottos that were popular through different time periods—while showing examples of each. As we walk the grounds, Lee will point out the resting places of past notable citizens of Townsend, as well as unusual stones, markers and epitaphs. This event is sponsored by the Amanda Dwight Fund.
Summer Events:
Declaring Independence – Then & Now ***Postponed for Covid-19, future date TBD ***
Thursday, July 2 – United Methodist Church, 265 Main Street in Townsend Center. 6 PM.
Come and join the Townsend Historical Society and hear the echoes of the past in this riveting performance about the Declaration of Independence. Costumed performers will tell the story behind the struggle to define freedom. The reading will take place in the same structure where the document was read before the congregation, 245 years ago. Declaring Independence is presented in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. The event is immediately followed by concert on Town Common by the Townsend Military Band.
Leisurely New England: A Nostalgic Look Back at How We Had Fun
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 – Location Townsend Public Library, 12 Dudley Road in Townsend. 6:30 PM.
New England is vacation land. Now, more than ever before, we are on the move traveling to places near and far. As we explore our surroundings, we often take them for granted. Sure, they have a history but how well is it known? Few have looked back to examine the history of regional tourism and how it relates to the local narrative. Fortunately, we live in the birthplace of this industry. Townsend was on the crossroads of travelers heading in all directions and influenced by regional and national movements. From notable firsts, short-lived trends, long-established destinations and everything between, this program will dive deeper into the history of having fun. Some locations will be active and known to all ages. Others might look back on long-gone landmarks with a twinkle of nostalgia. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to connect with memories, old and new. Presented by Historian Ryan D. Hayward of The Preservation Collaborative, Inc. and Taber Morrell.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Townsend Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. It is also sponsored by a generous grant from the Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund of Townsend
Fall Events:
39th Annual Fall Arts and Craft Fair ***Cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns***
September 19 9 AM-4 PM and 20, 10 AM-4 PM on Townsend Common in Townsend Center.
Save the date and prepare for another fall favorite! Come support our annual fundraiser by attending the Arts and Craft Fair. The Common will transform into a marketplace filled with colorful and creative works by talented artists and crafters. We anticipate over fifty-five vendors, more music, food and fun. This event is great for all ages so please be sure to bring the family. We will have our usual petting zoo, fudge and face painting booths. Spread the word and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the fall!
Virtually Vintage: A Live, Online Antique Appraisal Event – October 10th
The Townsend Historical Society is excited to be bringing back one of our most popular types of programs! On Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 – 1:00, the Townsend Historical Society will be hosting “Virtually Vintage: A Live, Online Antique Appraisal Event”.
We’re thrilled to be partnering once again with Wayne Tuiskula of Central Mass Auctions, Inc. Mr. Tuiskula brings three decades of professional appraisal experience, has been awarded the General Personal Property Appraiser designation from the National Auctioneers Association, and has even appeared on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow”, which in appraisal terms makes him a sort of combination of The Beatles and Indiana Jones! If you’d like to learn more about Mr. Tuiskula’s adventures in antique appraisal and about the outstanding Central Mass Auctions, Inc., you can follow this link to their website: http://centralmassauctions.com/
We’re inviting members and friends to join in the fun by purchasing tickets online through a simple website called Eventbrite. You can find ticketing options for our event by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtually-vintage-a-live-online-antique-appraisal-event-tickets-120768920091
The cost is $10.00 per item to be appraised or three items for $25.00. The option to purchase tickets for second and third items should be available during the online ticketing process on the Eventbrite website under “Add-ons”.
Ticketholders will then be able to send the Historical Society digital photographs of the items they’d enjoy having appraised, along with any known history pertaining to the pieces. Please be sure to include images of markings, decorations, or unique features which could help Mr. Tuiskula in his evaluations. Once you’ve purchased tickets for up to three items, please include your photographs and any corresponding background information in an email to us at: townsendhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.
Then, on October 10th, everyone will be welcome to view the live broadcast of Mr. Tuiskula’s appraisal of each of the antiques. Join just to see your own items appraised or feel free to relax and enjoy the entire show! We’ll all be able to view via the easy-to-use video chat program “Zoom”. There’s no need to create a profile, password, or go through any hassle, the Historical Society will simply send you a link to view the program on your home computer.
We know 2020 has brought a lot of changes to how events are held, so if you have any questions about online ticketing, emailing your photographs, or using Zoom, please feel free to reach out to us by telephone at (978)597-2106, or email at townsendhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com. We hope to see you soon!
Walking Tour of Riverside Cemetery
Saturday, October 24, 2020—Riverside Cemetery on Dudley Road in West Townsend. 2PM.
If you’re looking for the perfect fall outing, join us as local historian Lee McTighe guides a tour of Riverside Cemetery in West Townsend. Similar to the spring event, Lee will guide us through the various notable stones and residents found within. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore this local treasure. Sponsored by a generous grant from the Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund of Townsend.
Townsend Historical Society Fall Open House and Encampment
Saturday, October 3 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor. 10 AM—4 PM.
Please join the Townsend Historical Society as we welcome the Stow and Townsend Minutemen companies for a Saturday step back into the American Revolution. The Reed homestead will come alive with the sights and smells of the 18th century. There will be musket demonstration and drills, hearth cooking and hands on crafts. New this year, a number of additional artisans and craftsman (and women) will be on hand to demonstrate historic crafts and a few will be selling wares. Be sure not to miss this exciting opportunity to connect with our rich local history.
Winter Events:
The Power of the Zodiac? Some Townsend Notables and their Signs
Sunday, November 8 – Memorial Hall, 272 Main Street in Townsend Center. 2 PM.
Be ready to hear about the full range of activities the Society accomplished throughout the year. This will be followed by a presentation by Dee Morris who will delivering The Power of the Zodiac? Some Townsend Notables and their Signs. Most people know of the twelve sun signs but their meaning and relevance has been lost. Like so much around us, their history has been forgotten. Does the sun’s position influence personalities? Perhaps the zodiac can offer insight. Ithamar Sawtelle, our first historian and avid humanitarian, was an Aquarius (February 2). Elsa Williams forged an empire as a Gemini (June 9). We’ll explore these two and more.
Townsend Historical Society Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 6 – Reed House, 72 Main Street in Townsend Harbor 11 AM—4 PM.
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!
