Grafton Historical Society

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.

On Friday, May 2nd, the Grafton Historical Society will have the Annual Business Meeting at the Post Office Pub, 6 Ray Street, North Grafton, MA. Beginning at 5:30, guests will gather to socialize before the meal of House Salad, Rolls & Butter, Herb Roasted Chicken, Oven Baked Haddock, Green Beans, and Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes, served at 6:15 PM. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Coffee & Tea will be served as the short business portion begins. Around 7 PM the President will present a report of the past year, followed by the annual financial report of the Treasurer, leading into a presentation of a special artifact by our Co-Curator. At 8 PM, we will recognize Jayne Carroll Wilson and Joeseph E. Kuras with awards for an outstanding commitment to keep Grafton’s history alive. Whenever and wherever they could find time to serve you would see them volunteering for special duties. Their commitment culminated in a book about the history of the town from our beginning as a community in the wilderness to the current day community that has grown into a town to be valued for keeping that small town charm. All are welcome to honor Joe or Jayne. You can register with the Grafton Historical Society by sending $50.00 to cover the meal, taxes & tip to Grafton Historical Society, P. O. Box 218, Grafton, MA 01519, texting 508-320-1173 or calling 508-839-0000. Please include your name and a contact number. Gluten free choices are available by calling the Pub.

Stop by Mill Village Park, 61 Main Street (Route 122 A) South Grafton on Sunday, April 27th from 3 – 5 PM to visit the Grafton Branch Bank that served the Mill workers and their families over the years. We will have the bank open for you to view the interior. Books about Grafton History as well as early Grafton maps will be for sale. Outside is where the fun is for children. We will have free pony rides and a Storytime activity with a special treat for participating, or have a special design put on your face for the day with non-allergenic face paint. Stop by the Society table to see some non-electric items and hear stories about Grafton’s history and how our town had a link to fame in more than one instance. The Society building at 71 Main Street will be open from 2 – 4 PM. Drop by to see some of the larger items like our Victrola (ask to hear the volume control), Grafton Center and the Mill Dioramas, and our Wedding gown collection that is currently on display.