514 Hanover St, Hanover, MA 02339

The Hanover, Massachusetts, Historical Society, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization seeking to promote a better understanding of Hanover’s unique heritage through education and preservation.

Through its vast collections of books, textiles, historical objects and artifacts, the Hanover Historical Society encourages a better understanding of the town’s history to foster community in the present.

The Stetson House

This beautiful historic home was built between 1694 and 1716 by Samuel “Drummer” Stetson and was home to three generations of the Stetson family. Over the years the house has been a private home, a tavern, and even a place for religious services. Today, the Stetson House is home to the Hanover Historical Society and its collections and artifacts.

Featured Event

Haunted Hanover History at Hanover Center Cemetery!

Join the Hanover Historical Society for a Haunted Hanover History walk through the Hanover Center Cemetery. Hear stories of Hanover’s ghosts, infamous tales of hauntings, malice, madness, and the dead sleeping (or not sleeping), beneath the headstones of the oldest burying ground in town. Bring a lantern or flashlight for extra spookiness. The tours will take one hour.

Times: 

3:00pm Tour (Daylight Tour)
6:00pm Tour (Dusk Tour)

 

Education

Bring the Hanover Historical Society to your classroom! We proudly offer in-classroom educational programs as well as special class tours of the Stetson House and grounds.

ARTICLES & OTHER NEWS

Stories from the Revolution

Two and a half centuries ago, the people in the small town of Hanover in Colonial Massachusetts were anxious and troubled. Three documents, preserved in the collections of the Hanover Historical Society, chronicle the town’s history during those years, listing out the names of those who fought and served in America’s War for Independence.

From the Hearth: Food in Hanover 200 Years Ago

Meet John and Mary, two young historians. They wanted to learn more about what was eaten in Hanover 200 years ago. Learn along with them!

Musical Instruments from the Collections of the Hanover Historical Society

Learn about the musical instruments in our collection, ranging from the early 19th century to the early 20th century.

Featured Collections & Exhibits

“Touched with Fire:” G.A.R. Portraits in the Hanover Historical Society

Explore the history of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) through the photo collection of the veterans of Hanover's Joseph E. Wilder Post #83, which held its opening ceremony in the Town Hall on April 29th, 1869.

Stories from the Revolution

Two and a half centuries ago, the people in the small town of Hanover in Colonial Massachusetts were anxious and troubled. Three documents, preserved in the collections of the Hanover Historical Society, chronicle the town’s history during those years, listing out the names of those who fought and served in America’s War for Independence.

From the Hearth: Food in Hanover 200 Years Ago

Meet John and Mary, two young historians. They wanted to learn more about what was eaten in Hanover 200 years ago. Learn along with them!

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