On Saturday, February 18th the Grafton Historical Society will host historian Joe Kuras presenting “The History of Baseball” at 2 PM in the Community Room at the Grafton Public Library. At one point there was a baseball field out behind this current library. As the Red Socks head back to MA, we can’t forget the contribution our town of Grafton made to “America’s Favorite Pastime”! Joe will amaze you with a power point presentation covering the story of a community whose love for this sport is still strong. Light refreshments will be served at this free presentation. A snow date of Saturday, February 25th has been set aside if needed. http://graftonhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-History-of-Baseball.pdf
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Marc Leuenberger recently completed research on the family history and relations of Graftonite Jonathan Warren and had it published in the MASSOG Journal of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists. At one time Warren was the richest person in Grafton, responsible for construction of the town house on the Common, a.k.a., the Warren Block.
Come to the museum and dig up your own roots! Marc’s work is a great example of what can be accomplished with the myriad resources available in the museum – you can do it too. Beginning with Pierce’s “History of Grafton”, and is citation 1 in Leuenberger’s journal article. From there you can branch out into tabular records, newspapers, and photos. Yearbooks in the library are good resources for studies of more recent family histories. Musuem volunteers are constantly finding new information and adding to the index.
The museum also holds information beyond geneology, including houses, buildings, business, farms, and maps. We’re open Sundays from 2-4 and by appointment – see the About page or our Facebook page for the latest information.
Happy researching!
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Co-Sponsors: Grafton Historical Society & Grafton Public Library
Most people have lots of historic fashion moments happening right in their own closets. After all, fashion designers are always bringing styles back. The Grafton Historical Society and Grafton Public Library are betting that some folks will enjoy wearing, talking about and learning more about retro fashion and what fashion tells us about the values of the people wearing it. They are throwing a Retro Fashion in Your Closet event at 2:00-4:00 on Saturday Oct. 22 in the Community Room at the Grafton Public Library. Participants are invited to raid their own closets to find some clothing that has retro elements. Think high waisted jeans, frilly blouses, goth clothes, steampunk outfits, 1990s hip hop attire, gingham picnic shirts, etc.
Historian Dr. Charlotte Haller from Worcester State University will explain what style changes over the decades have said about the people wearing the clothing. Dr. Haller will draw on her work as curator of the exhibit Pretty Powerful that was on display last year at the Worcester Historical Museum. “One of the reasons why fashion designers may take inspiration from the past is that power that clothes have to define an era so compellingly.” Haller explains.
“I’m really excited about the interactive nature of this fashion event,” Pam Hollander, Grafton Historic Society program planner, said. “I love the idea that a mixture of younger and older people from the area will get together dressed up in clothing that references an earlier time period.” Each of the style elements from earlier times can be associated with a certain aesthetic or even values and beliefs.”
The Grafton Historical Society Museum, at 71 Main Street, in South Grafton, has a collection of historic clothing that the public can come and take a look at during open museum hours. There are garments worn by women and men, as well as some children’s clothing. “Our clothing collection ranges from the early 1800’s through the mid 1900’s with some special attire like wedding gowns, cheerleading outfits, scouting uniforms, very early bathing suits, along with one band uniform that is very patriotic” explains Nancy Therrien, President of the Grafton Historical Society. “The average daily outfits reflected the moral culture of each time period.”
For more information about the event, contact Pam Hollander at pam.w.hollander@gmail.com or call the Historical Society at (508) 320-1173.
This program was funded in part by the Grafton Cultural Council, a local agency that is part of the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. www.massculturalcouncil.org/
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Join the Grafton Historical Society on Saturday, Junne 18th for the Annual Antique & Arts Show. Antique & Art vendors will line beautiful Grafton Common offering high quality Antiques and craft items for sale. Music and food will be available to add to the festive spirit. An admission of $5.00 goes to the society for maintenance and monthly programs.
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On Sunday, April 3rd at 2 PM, the Grafton Historical Society will host author Claire Gem as she presents “Electricity” a romance novel with a supernatural twist. When your inspiration comes from a creepy old building on the grounds of Grafton State Hospital the story is sure to keep you in suspense. You can pre-order books that will be selling for $12.00 by calling 508-839-0000 or by emailing graftonmahistoy@gmail.com. http://graftonhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/image.png
Sunday. December 5th the Grafton Historical Society will welcome guests for the townwide celebration known as Grafton Celebrates the Holidays. From 12 – 1:30 children 5 – 7 can be registered for Storytime, crafts and a light snack. From 2 – 4 the museum will be open for a Holiday Tea including gluten free and regular pastries. Stop by, there is always something new at the museum!
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The LWV Grafton & Shrewsbury and The Grafton Historical Society are joining together to bring you an amazing free performance of “I Now Pronounce You : Lucy Stone”, by award winning playwright and living historian, Judith Kalaora. Suitable for all ages, “History at Play’s compelling story-telling is a window into the motivations that drove celebrated American women to push boundaries that changed the course of our society.” writes Josh Lederman, NBC Political Correspondent. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Grafton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the MASS Cultural Council, a state agency.
Inspired by 19th century Retail Advertisements, Grafton artist Charlotte Ecker will teach Print Making on Paper at the South Grafton Community House, October 24th at 2 PM. Registration is required by calling 508-839-0000 or emailing graftonmahistory@gmail.com. A ten dollar fee covers materials provided by artist.http://graftonhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Retail-Advertisement-Poster.pdf
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Join in this special event to remember and honor our heroes. On Sunday, September 26th, 2 pm at the South Grafton Community House 24-27 Main Street, South Grafton the stories told by our guest speaker, Christian de Marken will remind you what bravery looks like. See the American flag sewn by his Belgium mother in her darkened bedroom awaiting it’s reveal once the American’s were victorious. Hear the story of his American father’s capture. Christian will complete the story with his own military service stories as a translator for USA forces in France.
What is your families military history? You are welcome to share those stories as well.
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