Author Archives: GraftonGreen

Grafton Historical Society Presents Patricia Perry’s “Things That Go Bump In The Night”: sneak a peek into the dark, deep corners of haunted New England and some famous international ghosts. Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 PM in the Grafton Community Barn at 37 Wheeler Rd.; a $5.00 donation is suggested. Refreshments will be served.

The Grafton Historical Society will host a Victorian Tea on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00pmat St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Main St. North Grafton. The very finest fresh brewed tea, delicate scones, tiny sandwiches, and succulent sweets will be served. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest hats and most elegant attire. See photos of prior years’ teas. Admission is $15. Reservations are necessary by calling Linda at (508) 839-6390 or Carolyn at(508) 839-5574.

From a Victorian Tea, by Grafton Historical Society

The annual yard sale will be Sunday, September 20, 2015 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM next to Post Office on Upton Road near Grafton Center. Rain date: September 27, 2015

Each year there are many interesting items ranging from antiques to flea market finds. Donations of good quality items accepted. No electronics or large furniture. Items may be brought to the lot next to the Grafton Center Post Office on Upton Road that day before 9:00 AM or call the Museum for information at (508) 839-0000.

The program schedule for the coming year is now posted on the Programs page – have a look!

A full day of antiques, music, food, and much more

Update: Here is a slide show of some pictures from this year’s Antiques and Arts Fair. It was a banner day, with more visitors than ever!

Slideshow: click first picture, then use arrow keys

[Click first picture for slideshow]

Original Announcement:

The Grafton Historical Society announces that the 48th annual Antiques and Arts Fair will be held Saturday, June 20th, from 9 AM to 3 PM, on Grafton Common. There will be dozens of antiques and collectibles booths, music, food concessions, and artisans demonstrating their crafts, among numerous other attractions. 

“We are so pleased to be bringing the Antiques and Arts Fair to Grafton again this year and we invite everyone to come and share in this wonderful annual tradition,” said Nancy Therrien, Grafton Historical Society President. “Whether you’re searching for treasures, learning about crafts, or enjoying some food and music, it’s sure to be a fun day.”

In addition to the many vendors displaying their wares, there will be an appraisal table where, for a small fee, visitors can learn the value of their antiques and family heirlooms. Artisans also will be on hand providing demonstrations on basket making and other crafts. As a backdrop to the festivities, Kelly Clark and his band will entertain the crowd with live music on the bandstand.

Admission is $5 for adults, children are free.

Directions to Grafton Common:  Google Maps, free parking available around the common including the town lot behind the library on Upton St.

RAIN DATE: in case of rain, the fair will be held at the North Street Elementary School, 60 North St., Grafton Center, MA. For more information, call 508-839-0000 or drop us an email at graftonmahistory@gmail.com.

Doing some late spring cleaning? The Grafton Historical Society is now accepting antiques in good condition for consignment at the Antiques and Arts Fair. A fun way to combine nostalgia with a pleasant day on Grafton Common, the Fair will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Consignment fees help support Historical Society programs. Please call the Society at 508-839-0000 or email us at graftonmahistory@gmail.com for details or to arrange for drop-off or pick-up. The museum will be open Sundays from 2 – 4 PM leading up to the Fair.

First Lady Dolley Madison

UPDATE: see event photos

At 2pm, Sunday, March 29th you’ll want to join us at the South Grafton Community House, 25 Main St, South Grafton (click for directions). The engaging and talented Patricia Perry will present “Dolley Madison Remembers”, a enacted by the wife of the fourth President of the United States herself. Dolley will tell stories of friends and foes, personal memories of George Washington, Francis Scott Key and more. She will entertain you and regale you with little known stories of the famous and infamous. A $5 donation is requested. Refreshments will be provided.

Patricia Perry of Sneak Peek Productions from Rhode Island, is a professional historical interpreter, a member of the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums and the former Chairperson for the Blackstone Valley Interpreter Network. 

At 2 p.m. on Sunday January 11, 2015 at the South Grafton Community House located at 25 Main Street, South Grafton, John Root, musician and educator will present his show “Popular Music of the Gaslight Era”. Songs such as “I Love You Truly,” “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” “Bicycle Built For Two” and “The Sidewalks of New York” offer insight into customs and values of American culture at the turn of the 20th century. Audiences also learn how our country’s multicultural diversity created unique musical styles that continue to delight and inspire. We’re sure you’ll want to sing along and then share memories after this enjoyable performance. You can see news from a previous performance here.

A donation of $5 is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Questions? Call the Grafton Historical Society at (508) 839-0000 or visit John Root’s website. A snow date of January, 18, 2015 is in place in case of inclement weather (watch this space or call for up-to-the-minute info).

Find out more about your town’s place in history! The Grafton Historical Society Museum at One Grafton Common will be open on Sunday December 7, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for “Grafton Celebrates the Holidays.”

This cross-town event is sponsored by dozens of local organizations, churches, the TV station, fire stations, and businesses participating – it amounts to a town-wide open house across town with a craft fair from 10-3, events from 12-4, and the tree lighting at 4:30 (with a special guest arriving by fire truck!).

Official event information is in The Grafton News, including a special event insert in the December 3rd edition of the newspaper. An online version of the insert is posted on Grafton’s town website.

The museum will be staffed by docents ready to put you into what amounts to a time machine to turn back the clock and see Grafton through the eyes of history. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.

Click: Directions to One Grafton Common

Update: see photos from the event!

Grafton Historical Society  invites you to meet Deborah Samson Gannett  portrayed by actress Judith Kalaora Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the South Grafton Community House.

Deborah Samson Gannett  was a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental  Army during the American Revolution. Using the name Robert Shurtlieff, she was the first woman to enlist, to fight and to be honorably discharged from the American Military.

Travel back in time and experience Mrs. Deborah Samson Gannett’s  “Revolution of Her Own” through interactive stories and authentic colonial attire.

The South Grafton Community House is located at 25 Main Street South Grafton, MA (click here for directions). Questions? Call 508-839-0000 to learn more.

Donation: $5.