Thomaston Historical Society Programs for 2023

Our regular meeting dates are usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Unless otherwise noted, the programs below will be held at Thomaston Federated Church, 8 Hyler St. Thomaston in the bottom of the Federated Church at 7:00 pm, with easy access from the parking lot behind the church.

For more information, please call 207-354-2295 or email us at info@thomastonhistoricalsociety.com. Thank you.
 

Tuesday, May 30
    7 p.m.

Thomaston Federated Church, 8 Hyler Street
 Lower level
“NORTHEASTER” BLIZZARD OF 1952.

  Award winning author and Maine native, Catherine Pelletier, will talk about the blizzard and the courage and resolve of the people in Maine affected, including the tragic loss of 1941 Thomaston High School’s Valedictorian, Harland Davis.

There will be a book signing.

Google Map link to Thomaston Federated Church
 
Tuesday, June 20
     7 p.m.

Thomaston Federated Church
8 Hyler Street
 Lower level
Talk by Michelle Hauser, Artist
and Annual Membership Meeting

Artist Michelle Hauser, winner of a Pollack-Krasner Foundation Grant, will show selections of photographs of meeting halls throughout the state and explain the halls’ different rituals, significance of symbols, historical and economic origins and their current state.

The entrance to the lower level is from the parking lot (easy access) behind the church, accessible off of Hyler Street or Dunn Street.

Google Map link to Thomaston Federated Church
 
 
Saturday, July 22
     10:30 a.m.

Knox Grave Site
Thomaston Village Cemetery
Celebrating the Life of Henry Knox, Major General in the Revolutionary War and first U.S. Secretary of War.

An annual remembrance service honoring the life of Henry Knox at his grave site in the Thomaston Village Cemetery on Elm Street, followed by a celebration of his life at Knox Museum.

      Knox Day Poster

Google Map link to Thomaston Village Cemetery
Google Map link to Knox Museum - Montpelier
 
 
Saturday, August 12

Tickets available
1 - 2:15 p.m.

Thomaston Federated Church parking lot accessible off of Hyler Street or Dunn Street

Tours available at
1:15 and 2:15 p.m.

The rain date is Sunday, August 13
Dunn and Elliot Walking Tour

On August 12 the Thomaston Historical Society will sponsor a Walking Tour of several of the homes of the Dunn and Elliot families who were the founders of the Dunn and Elliot ship builders sail makers and marine mercantile shopkeepers in Thomaston.

The Walking Tour will last 30-45 minutes and will end with participants being able to explore the first floor of 11 Elliot Street, currently the home of Susan and Charlie Grover, and the home of one of eight Elliot families living on Elliot Street.

Lavinia Wren, the real-life woman from Irene Drago’s historical novel Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers, launched last summer at Watts Hall, would have frequently visited this house. Irene Drago will be present for a book signing of her novel and to answer questions. Historian Peggy McCrea, who provided background information for the novel, will lead the first tour. Captain Arthur Elliot?s granddaughter, Ida Clark, will also be present. Light refreshments will be available following the tour and house visit.

Tickets will be $10 for THS members and $12 for non-members and will be available at the Federated Church parking lot on Dunn Street between 1-2:15 PM. Cash/checks only, please. The event will have two tours available at 1:15 and 2:15. The rain date is Sunday, August 13. Please contact Mimi Zwick at 207-354-7029 for additional information.

Google Map link to Thomaston Federated Church
 
Tuesday, August 15
   Starting at 7 p.m.
Hand Making Boat Lines

Bill Wasson will demonstrate how to make boat riggings. This will take place outside at the museum.

Google Map link to Thomaston Historical Society Museum
 
 
Tuesday, September 12 The Economic Collapse at the Maine State Prison 1861

Sandra Hoekstra, Bookseller, will talk about the Civil War and the economy of the town of Thomaston and the Prison.

Tuesday, October 10 History of Malaga Island.

Maine State Archivist, Kate McBrien, will talk about this 42 acre island near Phippsburg, its mixed race population and treatment of residents and evictions over the years.

Friday, December 8
     5 ‑ 7 p.m.

and Saturday, December 9
     9 a.m. ‑ 3 p.m.
Home for the Holidays

We will be greeting you at Bill and Jen Leszczynski’s home at 8 Main Street Mall in Thomaston and sharing this lovely Greek Revival, circa 1846, with its beautiful architectural details and special collections of European posters and other collectibles. Friday’s event features a Live Auction, a Silent Auction, and house tour as well as savory hors d’oeuvres and sweets with wine and seltzers. On Saturday the house tour and Silent Auction will be available.

Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance for Friday at $20/Members and $24/Non-members. Saturday tickets can be purchased at the door for $10/Members and $14/Non-members. Contact Mimi Zwick at (207) 354‑7029 for tickets and more information.

      Home For The Holidays Poster

Google Map link to 8 Main Street Mall in Thomaston
 
 












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