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

Archival Spotlight!

Rehousing and organization efforts at the Archives have begun! We are creating box lists and inventories, as well as rehousing delicate and unsafe materials in their new archival safe folders and boxes. And we need your help!

Transportation Collection of the Hanover Historical Society

See the various carriages and carts in Hanover's collection, and learn more about their uses.

“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.