Past Programs
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
The Old Stone House by Paul LaCroix
Paul LaCroix, Millis Historical Society President gave a detailed presentation about his quest to find the elusive remains of the Bogastowe Farms stone house. What began in 2005 snowballed into one of the most intriguing historical archaeological investigations in Massachusetts history.
According to Jameson, in his History of Medway 1713—1885, the Bogastowe Farms stone house a.k.a. George Fairbanks’ palisade, which was built during the mid-seventeenth century, was the earliest structure to be erected in what would eventually become the Town of Medway in 1713. This same George Fairbanks was the second son of Jonathan Fairbanks, senior, 1636 immigrant to Dedham who is in turn credited with the building of the renowned Fairbanks house in Dedham ca. 1640’s, the oldest timber-frame structure still standing in the United States.
The archaeological evidence when coupled with the conclusions drawn from long hours of research and consultations with some of the nation’s foremost authorities in the fields of archaeology, Native American anthropology, seventeenth century New England architecture and artifacts, and archaeometallurgy, has allowed for a new and scholarly interpretation of the facts, many of which have remained shrouded in mystery for three and a half centuries.
This dig began in 2009 and ended in 2012 and was chronicled by Paul Charles LaCroix in the book, Bogastowe Farms Stone House Archaeological Investigation. It includes details about the process and what was learned along the way. The book is available for purchase on amazon.com or from Silver Street Media at 877-266-5118.
The Old Stone House by Paul LaCroix
Paul LaCroix, Millis Historical Society President gave a detailed presentation about his quest to find the elusive remains of the Bogastowe Farms stone house. What began in 2005 snowballed into one of the most intriguing historical archaeological investigations in Massachusetts history.
According to Jameson, in his History of Medway 1713—1885, the Bogastowe Farms stone house a.k.a. George Fairbanks’ palisade, which was built during the mid-seventeenth century, was the earliest structure to be erected in what would eventually become the Town of Medway in 1713. This same George Fairbanks was the second son of Jonathan Fairbanks, senior, 1636 immigrant to Dedham who is in turn credited with the building of the renowned Fairbanks house in Dedham ca. 1640’s, the oldest timber-frame structure still standing in the United States.
The archaeological evidence when coupled with the conclusions drawn from long hours of research and consultations with some of the nation’s foremost authorities in the fields of archaeology, Native American anthropology, seventeenth century New England architecture and artifacts, and archaeometallurgy, has allowed for a new and scholarly interpretation of the facts, many of which have remained shrouded in mystery for three and a half centuries.
This dig began in 2009 and ended in 2012 and was chronicled by Paul Charles LaCroix in the book, Bogastowe Farms Stone House Archaeological Investigation. It includes details about the process and what was learned along the way. The book is available for purchase on amazon.com or from Silver Street Media at 877-266-5118.
Saturday, May 20, 2017 3:00 - 6:00 pm
The Ide house tour.
Medway Historical Society shared Jeff Roy's post.
Yesterday at 7:44am ·
Yesterday, the Jacob Ide House in Medway was opened up for tours thanks to the Medway Historical and the house's current owner Bill Womack. The home was erected in 1814-1815 by Malachi Bullard and sits on a high point along Main Street in Medway. Rev. Jacob Ide accepted the call to become pastor of Medway's Community Chrurch and was ordained on November 1, 1814. His pastorate spanned 51 years and he was a prolific writer, editor, and teacher of theology, preparing 43 men for the ministry. Many of his sermons have been published. The tour of this historic home offered a glimpse at his life and the context in which he operated. Many thanks to Medway Historial Society President Sheila Dubrawski for the tour and to Mr. Womack for sharing how he and his family acquired the home 26 years ago.
Saturday, April 7, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 pm
The "MADE IN MEDWAY" opening reception at STONE MILL GALLERY was a great success!
The "MADE IN MEDWAY" opening reception at STONE MILL GALLERY was a great success!
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Sunday, March 25, 2012 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Reception for Anson Daniels self-portrait "Welcome Home"
Reception for Anson Daniels self-portrait "Welcome Home"
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October 16, 2011 1:00 - 3:00 pm
The public is invited to see the museum’s historic objects and exhibits. Right now, the museum is featuring Medway and national aspects of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary. Curators have added anti-slavery materials, Massachusetts being a hotbed of agitation for the Emancipation Act finally enacted during that war.
The Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide, long-time Medway minister, was very involved in the movement as were most Massachusetts clergymen. Almost unknown, however, is the role of his son in-law, the Rev.Charles Torrey, an ardent abolitionist, who in 1846 died in a Maryland prison after freeing hundreds of slaves.
Browse the museum’s interior, then drop by the museum’s table at the Community Farm’s Fall Festival held the same day.
The Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide, long-time Medway minister, was very involved in the movement as were most Massachusetts clergymen. Almost unknown, however, is the role of his son in-law, the Rev.Charles Torrey, an ardent abolitionist, who in 1846 died in a Maryland prison after freeing hundreds of slaves.
Browse the museum’s interior, then drop by the museum’s table at the Community Farm’s Fall Festival held the same day.
May 15, 2011 1:00 - 3:00 pm
OPEN HOUSE. The monthly open house at the Medway Historical Society will be on Sunday, May 15 from 1 – 3 p.m. The museum is located at 223 Main Street.
Since this Sunday coincides with the weekend for the annual high school alumni reunion, there will be a special display of artifacts from Medway schools past. These include the fire gong from the old High Street school, donated by Lenore Beers Wilson, and the much-worn briefcase used by Octavia Jarvis McGowan, donated by Kathleen McGowan Choate. Alumni are invited to stop by to visit the school days, school days, dear old golden rule days, and take a look at displays of past events, observances of anniversary celebrations and photos of an earlier Medway.
Maps and books will be available, including The New Grant: a History of Medway by the late Francis D. Donovan.
Since this Sunday coincides with the weekend for the annual high school alumni reunion, there will be a special display of artifacts from Medway schools past. These include the fire gong from the old High Street school, donated by Lenore Beers Wilson, and the much-worn briefcase used by Octavia Jarvis McGowan, donated by Kathleen McGowan Choate. Alumni are invited to stop by to visit the school days, school days, dear old golden rule days, and take a look at displays of past events, observances of anniversary celebrations and photos of an earlier Medway.
Maps and books will be available, including The New Grant: a History of Medway by the late Francis D. Donovan.
May 10, 2011 The Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the Medway Historical Society will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00. All members are urged to attend; among other business, the Nominating Committee will present a slate of officers to be elected for the 2011 – 2013 term. With a good turn-out of the general membership there should be a lively discussion of work accomplished during the past year and different approaches to problems facing us in the year ahead. These are busy times for the society, counted on for resource help by groups making plans for events during the town’s 300th anniversary observance, as well as planning events of their own. An interested, engaged membership can bring a better understanding to the lives and times of early Medway.
The Annual Meeting marks the end of our program year. Monthly open house hours continue through the summer from 1 – 3 on the third Sunday of the month; programs are scheduled to resume in the fall.
The Annual Meeting marks the end of our program year. Monthly open house hours continue through the summer from 1 – 3 on the third Sunday of the month; programs are scheduled to resume in the fall.
May 3, 2011 LEARNING ABOUT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION
Marian Pierre-Louis will show you how to identify your own old photos through the examples of the Medway Historical Society collection. Learn about the different types of photos – daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, cartes de visite and cabinet cards. She will also look at using the clues– such as clothing, hairstyles and props – to determine the age of the photos. You’ll leave with a good basic foundation in understanding old photos that will help you with your own collection.
March 1, 2011 THE JOYS OF RESEARCHING OLIVER OPTIC
Peter Walther from Oriskany, NY will be making a repeat performance at the Medway Historical Society on Tuesday March 1st. Mr. Walther has done extensive research on Oliver Optic, a famous children’s author who was born in Medway and visited here often. Oliver Optic wrote hundreds of books mostly for young boys, as well as thousands of short stories for publication. Mr. Walther has unearthed some of these stories and put them into book form. He is a dynamic speaker and his passion for his subject is contagious. Join us in hearing Mr. Walther tell the audience about new facets of his research.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Medway Historical Society
223 Main Street, Medway, MA
OPEN HOUSE. The collection of the Society includes artifacts and documents from colonial times to the present - household items, farming equipment, tools used in shoe and straw hat manufacture. Maps and books will be available for sale, including The New Grant: A History of Medway by Francis Donovan. Visitors can pick up a folder by Eagle Scout Tim Dobday for a walking tour of the new Village Historic District.
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Medway Historical Society
223 Main Street, Medway, MA
OPEN HOUSE. The collection of the Society includes artifacts and documents from colonial times to the present - household items, farming equipment, tools used in shoe and straw hat manufacture. Maps and books will be available for sale, including The New Grant: A History of Medway by Francis Donovan. Visitors can pick up a folder by Eagle Scout Tim Dobday for a walking tour of the new Village Historic District.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Medway Historical Society
223 Main Street, Medway, MA
OPEN HOUSE. There is a special exhibit of documents and articles highlighting the first hundred years of Medway history, 1713 – 1812. Maps, letters, documents from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, household equipment and legal records are among the articles exhibited. The curator has also arranged a small display of recent donations to the collection. Books and maps are available, as well as “A Walking Tour of the Village Historic District” by Tim Dobday.
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Medway Historical Society
223 Main Street, Medway, MA
OPEN HOUSE. There is a special exhibit of documents and articles highlighting the first hundred years of Medway history, 1713 – 1812. Maps, letters, documents from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, household equipment and legal records are among the articles exhibited. The curator has also arranged a small display of recent donations to the collection. Books and maps are available, as well as “A Walking Tour of the Village Historic District” by Tim Dobday.
Medway Historical Society, 223 Main Street, Medway, MA 02053 (508) 533-7222
