Grafton Historical Society

The First Friday Tea originally set up for March 6th is being rescheduled to Friday, March 13th. We hope you can join us. During the hours of 1 – 3 PM we will have our table set with China teacups, lovely dessert plates and sweet treats. Regular, gluten free, and low sugar snacks will accompany our English Twining Tea. The next scheduled tea will be Friday, June 5th.

The Grafton Historical Society is pleased to announce a special program at our museum space, 71 Main Street, South Grafton, Sunday March 22nd at 2 PM. In case of snow, we will hold the program on Sunday, March 29th. This free talk will explore the rich history of millinery, showcase couture, period inspired hats, and include a display of traditional tools used in creating high quality headwear.

The talk will explore how hats reflected culture, class, and identity throughout the centuries. Guests will be treated to a curated display of period-inspired and couture hats, along with traditional millinery tools and materials. From the tall, dramatic silhouettes of the 1970’s and the elaborate plumed hats of the Edwardian era, to the sculptured cloches of the 1920’s and the sleek styles of mid-century fashion, this program traces how millinery shaped-and was shaped by- the changing roles of women, social customs, and historical events.

“Hats have always carried stories”, says milliner Donna Vanderbeek. “They reveal so much about fashion, society, and the people who wore them. I’m honored to share both the history and the craftsmanship behind this beautiful, fading art”.

On Sunday, April 12th at 2 PM, guest speaker, historian Richard Gardner will be at the Grafton Community Harvest Barn, 37 Wheeler Rd, North Grafton, speaking about one of Grafton’s greatest Patriot’s, Luke Drury. He will help us understand the mindset of the men and women who lived here during the American Revolutionary period. Luke Drury served throughout the town and state in many capacities, but as the resistance was building the men of Grafton and surrounding towns saw an opening to protest and make their voices heard. Don’t miss this free program.

Funded by

“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”. www.massculturalcouncil.org/

On Sunday, March we have a very special guest, Donna Vanderbeek, of “Lady Salisbury”, 2 Grafton Common, Unit G, owner and designer of high fashion millinery wear, will be at the Grafton Historical Society, 71 Main Street, South Grafton. This lecture will be sure to get you excited about wearing a hat. Her special creations are prized possessions to be worn and enjoyed as you build a lifetime of happy memories. Donna will cover hats worn throughout many different eras and fashion changes. Please register for this free program by calling 508-839-0000, texting 508-320-1173, or emailing graftonmahistory@gmail.com. March 29th has been set aside for a snow date.

Join with some of your favorite friends and meet at the Grafton Historical Society, 71 Main Street, South Grafton, for a verry special treat, fresh brewed tea, pastries, fruit and cheese served from our collection of fine China. Hear the story of Grafton’s own, Jotham Taft and how his handmade Valentines came to be made right here. Reservations must be made by calling 508-839-0000 and leaving your contact number, or texting 508-320-1173, or emailing graftonmahistory@gmail.com.

Sunday, December 7th, you will find several members of the Board of Directors ready to serve you some Twining English Breakfast Tea and yummy treats as you stop by to visit the museum space at 71 Main Street, South Grafton, MA from 1 – 3 PM. There are new exhibits to see and share with your friends and families. We love to tell the stories behind the artifacts. A few of our more experienced guides will be available to answer questions or know where to research them if they don’t have an immediate response. Books, maps, and our latest ornaments, highlighting Grafton Center will be for sale. Stop by and say “Hi”.

Historian and folklorist, Professor John Horrigan will be a guest speaker on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Grafton Public Library, Grafton MA. Mr. Horrigan has written numerous books covering many topics. He is active in Revolutionary War re-enactments, getting a chance to live the history that he loves so much. Mr. Horrigan is host and co-creator of the five-time Emmy award winning television show The Folklorist. The show is co-sponsored by Grafton Public Library and is free of charge.

Join us at the Grafton Historical Society Museum at 71 Main Street, South Grafton for a special event, “History” in Bloom. The members of Grafton Garden Club are joining us to host a display of several wedding bouquets to compliment the amazing wedding gowns from our collection. Some dating as far back as the 1700’s.

Join us here at the Grafton Historical Society, 71 Main St., South Grafton, on Sunday September 21, 2025 for coffee and a group discussion on the 1920’s. If you have any clothing items from this period, feel free to bring or wear them to show off and talk about during our discussion.

The decision has been made to change locations away from the outdoor Common area. Join the Grafton Historical Society as we gather at 60 North Street, North Street Elementary School, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 9AM – 3PM to bring you a well-known and highly respected Antique & Arts Fair. Your $5.00 entrance fee goes to support the 501(c)3 Grafton Historical Society. Brouse through a large selection of vendors while looking for that perfect gift for yourself, a friend, or family member. Relax for a while and listen to the music of the Kelly Clark Trio from 11 – 2. Have a snack from Paradise BBQ Food Truck. Stop off and see what we have on our Silent Auction Table or spend some time watching Elaine Blake do her chair caning and JoAnn Beller weave her wonderful Nantucket Baskets. Have one of your antiques appraised for $5.00 for each item. For large items, Tom can work from a clear photograph. Mark your calendar and bring a friend.