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Welcome to the Blandford Historical Society of Blandford, MassachusettsWe are an all-volunteer organization in our 91st year.
Our on-site upstairs museum has hundreds of artifacts from our collection on display. It’s open to the public–including groups–by appointment. We’re in the process of digitizing our collection so we can make Blandford’s rich history accessible to more people. We field 100+ inquiries a year from people usually doing genealogy research. We also house a treasure trove of local research compiled by members over decades. |
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 3, 2026
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The Blandford Historical Society will present its second annual Ghost Walk on Saturday, October 3, from 2 to 4PM at Blandford Hill Cemetery on North Street, across from The White Church and the Fairgrounds. Admission is FREE, along with apple cider donuts from the Blandford General Store and cider. In the event of inclement weather, the program will move indoors to The White Church, with performances at 2PM and 3PM.
This year’s theme is “Great Americans of Blandford—Movers, Shakers and History Makers.” For those unfamiliar with a ghost walk, it’s a guided tour where costumed performers portray people from the town’s past. History comes alive as the “ghosts” themselves share the courage, sacrifices, surprises and stories behind Blandford’s remarkable past. Guests will meet a colorful cast of characters, from Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War II veterans to statesmen, entrepreneurs, educators and hometown legends. These residents helped shape the town—and often the nation—in ways you might not expect. No sign-up is required. The cemetery tour lasts about an hour, with each ghost stop taking about five to six minutes. Similar to last year, guided groups will depart every 15 minutes. Enjoy a donut and cider and visit with neighbors, family and friends while you wait. The last cemetery tour will depart at 3:45 p.m. The cemetery grounds along the walk route are mostly level, with a gentle incline at the end. Organizers hope to have the police department’s six-seater vehicle available to help anyone who needs a little lift on the final leg. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Bring a folding chair if you’d like a seat at each ghost stop. |
Friday, October 9, 2026
Coming to The White Church of Blandford, Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. Blues Brothers Briefcase.
Founded in 1993, BLUES BROTHERS BRIEFCASE performs one of the few BLUES BROTHERS tribute shows in the northeast. During it's near 30 year history, BLUES BROTHERS BRIEFCASE has performed in venues and functions in all six New England states including Nantucket Island MA, Peaks Island ME, and the Cambridge House of Blues. Featuring Fake Jake and Phoney Elwood, a crack rythm section, a kickin' horn section, and an "authentic Blues Mobile"!!!?? This band just may blow the roof off the place!!!! Take out extra insurance and plan for a party!!!!!!
Founded in 1993, BLUES BROTHERS BRIEFCASE performs one of the few BLUES BROTHERS tribute shows in the northeast. During it's near 30 year history, BLUES BROTHERS BRIEFCASE has performed in venues and functions in all six New England states including Nantucket Island MA, Peaks Island ME, and the Cambridge House of Blues. Featuring Fake Jake and Phoney Elwood, a crack rythm section, a kickin' horn section, and an "authentic Blues Mobile"!!!?? This band just may blow the roof off the place!!!! Take out extra insurance and plan for a party!!!!!!
OCTOBER 2026Saturday, October 3
Blandford’s Second Annual Ghost Walk Great Americans of Blandford—Movers, Shakers and History Makers Saturday, Oct 3rd, 2:00—4:00 pm Hill Cemetery (across from the Fairgrounds and The White Church) FREE ADMISSION, CIDER & DONUTS Rain location: In the event of inclement weather, there will be a special Ghost Walk presentation inside The White Church |
NOVEMBER 2026Sunday, November 22
FINDING JETHRO: Uncovering The History of Blandford’s Early Black Community Sponsored by BHS and Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Sunday, Nov 22, 11am Meet at the junction of Blair Road with Jones Road for a hike to the burial ground and talk |
You can help support future BHS programs like this by becoming a member online (for as little as $10 a year!) or renewing your membership.
Past Events
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August 29, 2026
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April 16, 2026
GOOD GOLLY, MISSED TROLLEY, a talk by Steve Cormier about his new book. |
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JANUARY 2026
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OCTOBER 2025
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Historic DocumentsWe have taken advantage of a digitizing project at the Boston Public Library and here are links to three of the documents that they have digitized for us. Proceedings of the Blandford Lyceum Society and the Young Men's Literary Association [1829-1950] Address delivered before the Literary Association, Blandford, Mass., Sept. 21, 1850, upon the history of that town By Wm. Gibbs. It includes a substantial amount of early Blandford biographical material. “The Christian warriour: a sermon preach'd at the French Meeting House in Boston”, [actually the Old South Meeting House] March 17th, 1744,5 by Wm. McClenachan, [the 1st Pastor of Blanford, MA] |
Blandford Historical Society Board 2025 - 2026
Executive Board
President - Chips Norcross
Vice President - Jane Rohman
Vice President - Gary Hart
Treasurer - Chuck Benson
Secretary - Melissa Hamm
Curator - Judith MacKinnon
Directors
Nancy Ackley
Linda Barnard
Terry Garfield
Mary Hull
Robert Kidd
Peter Langmore
Gina Piper
Emeritus Board Members
Barb Bouley
Mick Brennan
Mary Kronholm
Pamela Rideout
Joe Taudel
Executive Board
President - Chips Norcross
Vice President - Jane Rohman
Vice President - Gary Hart
Treasurer - Chuck Benson
Secretary - Melissa Hamm
Curator - Judith MacKinnon
Directors
Nancy Ackley
Linda Barnard
Terry Garfield
Mary Hull
Robert Kidd
Peter Langmore
Gina Piper
Emeritus Board Members
Barb Bouley
Mick Brennan
Mary Kronholm
Pamela Rideout
Joe Taudel
Contact Us
Contact us:
Phone: 413-848-0108
Email: [email protected]
Mail: P.O. Box 35, Blandford, MA, 01008
Street: 1 North Street, Blandford, MA 01008
Phone: 413-848-0108
Email: [email protected]
Mail: P.O. Box 35, Blandford, MA, 01008
Street: 1 North Street, Blandford, MA 01008
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