Category Archives: Press Releases

When a business is into Fabric Art, we take notice, and for new ideas that originated in history the Society was a perfect place to visit. Alice Mask, owner of The Threaded Needle in North Grafton, did just that. We both agreed that together we could make an impact on history and Art and the board of Directors agreed. It is with this goal in mind, that a collaboration has begun. Alice has chosen one of the beaded handbags that previously belonged to the Usher family, of Bruce Street. It will be very exciting to see the process unfold and become available for sale.

Winter does not have to be boring this year, cute snowmen could greet you every day. This two day fabric art project will make a lovely table runner for the winter months. The $15 fee will provide an opportunity to learn the basics, or advance the skills of hand quilting or embroidery for established sewers in a small group setting. The materials list will be provided or for an additional small fee will be ready for you on the first Sunday. Registration is required no later than November 9th by calling/texting 508-320-1173 or emailing graftonmahistory@gmail.com. This class is offered by Nancy Therrien.

Join us for a fun afternoon of friendly conversation as we share some English “Twining” tea and enjoy special treats, including gluten free and sugar free choices, along with fruit and cheese, served on fine china. Mark your calendar for October 4th as well as November 1st and bring a friend or meet new friends at the Grafton Historical Society tea and begin a new tradition of slowing down to enjoy life.

The Grafton Historical Society is hosting “How Grafton Farms Helped Grow the Community” on Sunday, September 29th at the Grafton Community Harvest Barn, 37-Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA. This free program will look at stories of Grafton farmers and how they have played a huge part in building community for hundreds of years. The presentation will cover several farms whose statistics will astound you, including the Knowlton Farm, Houland’s Farm, and Town Line Dairy Farm, along with many others. We will look at the reasons for the decline in farming currently. Join us in learning about this agricultural industry that produces the crops that sustain us all.

September 6, 2024

Down through the years, Grafton has been home to a number of colorful characters. Each has contributed to the rich history that makes our town unique. Grafton Historical Society is creating a series of profiles to bring their stories to life. We invite you to take a journey back in time as we share these stories with you and preserve them for generations to come.

Don’t miss out on this special event held yearly on beautiful Grafton Common, Route 140 in Grafton MA, brought to you by the Grafton Historical Society. As you are browsing for those special items from some of New England’s best vendors, you can enjoy the music of the Kelly Clark Trio or stop by and check out an appraisal from Tom Tomaszek for only $5.00 per item. Free demonstrations of exquisite Nantucket Basketmaking by Joann Beller will be ongoing throughout the day. Food and non-acholic beverages will be available. An entrance fee of $5.00 helps our 501(c)3 society keep history alive for future generations.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 20th at 2 PM. You will want to join the Grafton Historical Society at 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA for this special presentation by one of our favorite performers, Judith Kalaora of History At Play. This new interactive show is sure to be of great interest and prove to be lots of fun.

Michael F. Goulet to be the Recipient of Grafton History Award

            The Grafton Historical Society is very pleased to present the 2024 Grafton History Award to Michael F. Goulet at this year’s Annual Meeting on Friday, May 3^rd at the Post Office Pub.  A life-long Grafton resident, he has helped a pronominal number of people in our town. In both his printing business and private life, he always strived for the best results. Mike has extended services to many self-publishing individuals at little cost throughout the years. He has been instrumental in helping to publish several books that have been supplied to the Grafton Historical Society, such as “A Grafton Chronicle” by Joe Kuras & Jayne Carroll Wilson, The History of Catholic Churches in Grafton, The History of Baseball in Grafton, by Joe Kuras, A History of the Polish American Community of Grafton by Stasia Obara Rawinski & Joe Kuras, and “ Zosia”, based on the journals of Stasia Obara Rawinski, edited and written by her daughter, Helen Rawinski Blazis. When Joe Kuras & Jayne Carroll Wilson approached him with an idea shared with Jayne by a college friend, Mike got busy printing “Four Men, Two Canoes, and a Dog Named Abe”. His dedication to the town does not stop there, his print shop has fulfilled numerous orders for wedding and shower invitations with no concern for a profit if they grew up in Grafton.

 He has a long history of volunteering to help coach Little League, Girl’s Softball, AAU Boy’s Baseball as well as serving as a certified umpire for baseball and softball when called upon. He has umpired at every level of baseball, including college. In softball he has umpired at all levels, including four times at the Little League Baseball’s Senior League Eastern Regional Tournament and the American Softball Association U18(under age18) level. Somehow, he found time to coach girls’ softball teams as well. Being a member of the Grafton High School Athletic Booster Club sprung from his dedication and service to the town’s school and sports programs. This led to a very special honor of signing one of the beams during the construction of the school. In 2014 he was voted into the Grafton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. As recent as 2023 he sought out the newest high school athletic director and walked away as the newly appointed Grafton High School Junior Varsety Basketball Coach.

Friends and family are invited to join us at The Post Office Pub, 6 Ray Street, North Grafton, in the atrium room at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 3^rd. A buffet meal of House Salad, Bread & Butter, Herb Roasted Chicken, Haddock, Steak Tips, Oven Roasted Potatoes, and a Mixed Vegetable Melody will be served at 6 PM. A selection of desserts will be offered to go with coffee as we prepare to move into our business meeting. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening for you to purchase your favorite beverage. After a brief business meeting, Mike will be recognized for his stellar career and dedication to the town of Grafton. For reservations please call 508-839-0000 and leave a contact number, email us at graftonmahistory@gmail.com or send $50.00 to Gratton Historical Society, P. O. Box 218, Grafton, MA 01519 with your name and contact information. Gluten free choices are available at this event as well.

The Grafton Historical Society is a 501©3 nonprofit organization that has collected historic artifacts and documents for preservation and research for all generations. Stop by to see what’s new at the museum Sunday or Tuesday (except holidays) from 2 – 4 or email graftonmahistory@gmail.com to set up a private appointment time.

Join Select Board members Ann Marie Foley & Mark Alimo, along with Bob Berger, Inspector of Buildings at the Grafton Historical Society to ask your questions about our town. A perfect opportunity to see the very special “Hidden Gem” housing some of Grafton’s most important artifacts, documents, textiles and maps. Our displays highlight the many fascinating stories that showcase this special town.

Add to the fun history of remembering the 1970’s by sharing your personal stories, photos, clothing items, and music so the groovy memories can be shared by all. Hard to believe this period is creeping into the category of “Historical Times”!