Events

Learn about upcoming events at the Harvard Historical Society or relive past events. Watch the pictures or the video record when available.

Sandbox – Announcement

Announcement – Enter a short, 30 to 50 words excerpt here. It is OK if all or some of it is repeated further in the content.

The Creation of the Wachusett Reservoir

Ed Sterling from Bolton has had a lifelong interest in history, especially that of trains and railroads. He has studied the history of the Central Mass Railroad extensively and the role it played in the building of the Wachusett Reservoir.

Sandbox – Event

The Harvard Historical Society hosted the Harvard Fire Department for a program featuring a film created by Harvard resident producer/filmmaker, Robert Curran. The evening opened with the arrival of “Antiquey,” driven by Lt. Tony Shaw, and Engine 1, at the front of the Meetinghouse.

The 1870 George Stevens Pipe Organ

“What began as stewardship led to the discovery of a historic gem that should be restored and preserved.”
— Denis Wagner, former president and current board member of the Harvard Historical Society.

Harvard Churches

Harvard’s first meetinghouse, for civil as well as religious purposes, was built near the top of the Common in 1733. It was followed by a second meetinghouse and three Unitarian church buildings, all on the same approximate site.

Recitals

We are inviting musicians to play the organ. Contact the Curator to schedule your own experience with this unique and historic instrument.

Harvard History

The town of Harvard, Massachusetts, incorporated in 1732, has a rich history of social and religious experimental communities.

Harvard Buildings

Learn about the town of Harvard, Massachusetts, through its many historic buildings and the people who were involved in their construction.

The Organ

In 1966, The Harvard Historical Society purchased the Still River Baptist Church. With the purchase of the building came a pipe organ that dominates the western wall of the sanctuary.

People from Harvard

Over the years, the town of Harvard has been home to a number of notable historical figures, including Louisa Alcott, Peter Atherton, and William Bowles Willard. Learn more about the people who have called Harvard home.

Sandbox – Recipe

These classic chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and full of chocolate flavor. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion!

Carlene Philips

Carlene Phillips has been a writer for the Harvard Press and is the co-author of two historical biographies for young adults.

Joe Theriault

Joe Theriault has been an invaluable member of the Harvard community as a historian, preservation activist, author, editor, and speaker

Sandbox – Video

Eighteen year-old Bolton resident Gavin Klein demonstrates the workings of the 1870 George Stephens Organ at the Harvard Historical Society in a new video filmed by Patrick Vallaeys. The Organ was recently restored to better working order in a community funded campaign led by the Harvard Historical Society.

Sandbox – Gallery

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Sandbox – Article

On September 15th, 2022, the Harvard Historical Society hosted the Harvard Fire Department for a program featuring a film created by Harvard resident producer/filmmaker, Robert Curran. The evening opened with the arrival of “Antiquey,” driven by Lt. Tony Shaw, and Engine 1, at the front of the Meetinghouse.

Firefighting, Past and Present

The Harvard Historical Society hosted the Harvard Fire Department to clebrate the department’s 100th anniversary. The program featured a film created by Harvard resident, producer/filmmaker, and firefighter, Robert Curran. The evening opened with the arrival of “Antiquey,” driven by Lt. Tony Shaw, and Engine 1 at the front of the Meetinghouse.

Shaker Open House

Open House at the Harvard Historical Society featuring our permanent Shaker Collection and a unique Shaker desk on loan to the society. The members prepared a few Shaker Recipes that could be tasted during this event.

Shaker Hidden Treasure

People were invited to admire a newly arrived Shaker Desk, on loan to the society, and learn about two special Shakers who might have used it.

Organ Recital by Gavin Klein

Gavin Klein was artist-in-residence at the society from 2020 to 2022, keeping the newly restored 1870 Stevens organ in tune and in use.

Autoneers Frostbite Tour

On Sunday, October 17, the Autoneers Frostbite Tour went through Harvard, and drivers stopped briefly at the Historical Society to view the building and collections. Their antique cars parked outside the meetinghouse created an authentic scene from the early 20th century.

L’Acadie!

Joe Theriault’s talk related the story of Acadia, the first French colony to be settled in North America, and the unwilling role that the Lancaster militia, with some Harvard members, played in Acadian history.

A Common History Day

On September 25, 2021, we celebrated the unique history of the Harvard Common: the people, places, and events that help tell the story of Harvard’s identity. The program took place on the Common.

150 years of social distancing in Harvard

When the Covid 19 pandemic hit us in early 2020, observing social distancing became a way to protect against the virus. But, as Doug Cregar humorously depicts in this video with pictures from the Historical Society’s archives, social distancing had long been observed by town residents.

The Baptists of Still River

A history of the Still River Baptist Church, 215 Still River Road, now home of the Harvard Historical Society. This account was written in 1993.