The Amos Blanchard House and Barn Museum in downtown Andover, Massachusetts, recreates the life and times of a typical middle-class family of the early 19th century.  Educational programs and changing exhibits explore many aspects of Andover's fascinating 350-year history.  For information on Museum tours and hours, click here.

The Andover Historical Society, founded in 1911, maintains the museum and operates a library, archives and research center where objects and documents of local historical significance are collected, preserved, exhibited and interpreted.  For information on the library, click here.  

Featured Items

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  Tastes & Treasures Silent Auction & Open House Thursday, November 29th through Sunday, December 2nd Excitement is growing for the Andover Historical Society’s 5th annual Tastes & Treasures auction event. We’re planning four days of holiday fun for you, our members and friends, and for the entire community. The Blanchard House will be decorated for the holiday season with festive trees and lights. We hope you’ll join us for one of these special events. Tastes & Treasures Schedule Thursday, November 29 10:00-4:00 pm -- Silent Auction & Blanchard House open Friday, November 30 10:00-4:00 pm -- Silent Auction & Blanchard House open 6:00-9:00 pm -- Open House & Dessert Reception for AHS Members and Downtown Holiday Happenings 6:00-7:30 pm -- Bring the kids! Dickens in the Parlor, readings from A Christmas Carol Saturday, December 1 10:00-2:00 pm -- Silent Auction & Blanchard House open 12:00-2:00 pm -- Bring the kids! Craft activity at the Blanchard House 6:00-9:00 pm -- Travel back in time to the 1820s to enjoy a Traditional 19th Century Dinner in the historic Amos Blanchard House. Seating will be limited to 36 people at $125 per person. For information, call the office at 978-475-2236. Sunday, December 2 2:00-4:00 pm -- Tea & final bidding! We’ll close out auction and hold the raffle drawing. Raffle: Raffle tickets are one for $10 and three for $20. Prize: Two tickets to a 2008 season World Series Winning Boston Red Sox game, plus an autographed baseball signed by Johnny Pesky, Fred Lynn, Bob Montgomery, and Jim Rice. Here are just a few of the items that will be waiting for you at the Andover Historical Society’s 5th annual Tastes & Treasures auction event: American Repertory Theatre ~ 2 tickets to any 2007/2008 show Carriage House Studio ~ $1,000 gift certificate toward portraiture Dino International Furs ~ Mink trimmed wrap Esthetiques Par Kiki ~ European Deep Cleansing Facial First Health of Andover ~ 90 minute Hot Stone Massage Handel & Haydn Society~ 2 tickets for 2007-2008 season Kaps, Inc. ~ $50 Gift certificate YMCA of Andover & North Andover ~ One-month adult membership Flowers by Steve ~ Silk floral arrangement Boston Ballet ~ 2 tickets to opening night of Swan Lake Andover Townsman~ 1 year subscription to Andover Townsman Cherry Dawson, Milliner ~ Colonial costume/tea party for 4-6 girls The Maids ~ One hour of four house cleaners Andover Historical Society~ Framed Andover Village Map East Meets West Catering ~ Gourmet Picnic Basket Peabody Essex Museum ~ 4 admission passes Plus! Golfing at the Andover Country Club Antique and vintage crystal and silver Personal tour of Massachusetts State House with lunch 5-hour sail on a private sailboat with a light lunch included Limoges bowl Vintage jewelry Handcrafted pewter goblets Gift baskets And more! For an up to date list, please call 978-475-2236.

  
  
• The Arden House Keepsake Ornament
  

  The Andover Historical Society is pleased to offer this limited edition ornament to the Andover community during the upcoming holiday season. The Arden House Keepsake Ornament is the first in a series of collectible ornaments, each featuring a historic Andover property.

  Sited on a gentle hill at the edge of a more than 60-acre estate, Arden is a beautiful example of the Gothic Revival style. The house was first built by local craftsman Jacob Chickering in 1847 as the estate of John Dove, partner in the Smith & Dove Manufacturing Company. Smith & Dove was one of the most successful businesses in Andover’s history and John Dove was well known as a generous benefactor of local schools and churches. Dove and his business partners were also instrumental in the founding of Andover’s Memorial Hall Library.

  This lovely rural estate descended in the Dove family until 1891, when it was sold to William Wood, American Woolen Company magnate. Wood updated the house with its Gothic Revival elements and named the house ‘Arden’ after the Forest of Arden setting in Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It. Wood was also the founder of Shawsheen Village, a model community of mill, housing, commercial, and recreational facilities. The Wood family still owns and occupies Arden. The Andover Historical Society is delighted to highlight this historic property.

  PRICING

  Arden House Keepsake Ornament  $16.95
  Arden House Keepsake Ornament with Stand  $19.95

  Discount available when purchasing four or more ornaments.

  Arden House Keepsake Ornaments may be purchased at the following locations:

  Shawsheen Village Liquors
  2-4 Poor Street

  Butler Bank
  16 North Main Street

  The Savings Bank
  84 Main Street

  Andover Historical Society
  97 Main Street
  

• Andover Historical Society
  Announces Its 2008 Raffle Car
  

  The Andover Historical Society is pleased to announce its 2008 Raffle Car: a 1981 Mercedez Benz Convertible. This beautiful fire engine red car is in excellent condition. Only 250 tickets at $100 will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn in June 2008. The winning ticket need not be present to win. All proceeds from the raffle support the ongoing education mission of the Andover Historical Society. Tickets can be purchased at the Andover Historical Society, 97 Main Street, Andover, MA. More information will follow! Call 978-475-2236.

  
  

• THANK YOU
  Volunteers Rally to Paint Historical Society Fence
  

  On two sunny Sunday afternoons, October 21st and 28th, members and friends of the Andover Historical Society gathered to paint the newly restored fence that graces the front of the 1820s Amos Blanchard House at 97 Main Street, home of the Andover Historical Society. Using paint generously donated by White Street Paint in Lawrence, Mass., fifteen volunteers applied two coats of white stain to the fence, which was restored earlier this year by Todd Michel Construction, Merrimac, Mass.

  Our thanks go to Building & Grounds Chair, Joe Ponti and Jim Batchelder, Leo Green, Joanne Landers, Bob Marcus, Sally Matson, Doug Mitchell, Betsy Powers, Jim Sellers, Bill Schneller, Scott Slaughter, Lynn Smiledge, Karen Wakeling, Mia Zopes, and Elena Zopes