Ashby Historical Society

Reuse & Gift-Giving Party at the Library!
2025-11-30 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
We’ve received so many wonderful donated items and more are arriving every week that we’ve decided it’s time to have a party!
Everyone is welcome to stop by the library and browse for treasures things you might want to give as gifts or simply enjoy for yourself. Together, we’ll keep great items out of the landfill and a little more money in our pockets.
If you’d like to make a donation to the library, that’s always appreciated — but absolutely not required. We know this can be a tough year for many, and in the spirit of our Department of Environmental Protection Reuse Grant, we thought this would be a fun, community-minded way to share and pass along useful items.
Last year, so many beautiful and practical things found new homes throughout the season, and we can’t wait to see that happen again!
Specifics to come.

Small Business Saturday Artisan Market
2025-11-29 10:00 - 15:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Library by supporting our amazing local artisans and bakers! This year’s event will feature about 40 talented creators, several local non-profits, and even Ashby’s very own “Duckmaster Doug” — offering another chance to get your duck for the upcoming Duck Race (I already have my flock!).
All of our artisans are generously donating to the library’s food pantry, which has seen increased demand lately. Your support makes a real difference in our community.
While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by The Mercantile at 873, Kelly’s on the Common, and all the other wonderful small businesses right here in Ashby.
Let’s come together to celebrate creativity, community, and small business!

An Introduction to Grandmother Spring
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Ted Whittenkraus will be speaking upstairs
Grandmother Spring is what is commonly referred to as an Indian spring. I confess that for 42 years I looked at grandmother as a poorly constructed European water well. It is actually a very sophisticated hydrological achievement. It is also the center focus of a fascinating complex of stonework, intended to bring balance to the lives of the people who once hunted, farmed, and built wigwams in this and surrounding towns.
Speaking of balance, there would not be a grandmother if there were not a grandfather. Thirty feet to the north of grandmother spring we have grandfather spring. We’ll talk about grandfather as well.

F-Word Farm, making Sauerkraut & Kimchi
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Emily from the F Word Farm will present a workshop perfect for anyone interested in food preservation or adding healthy fermented foods to their table .At this class on food preservation, you will learn the principles of fermentation via a demonstration of how to make sauerkraut with an explanation of how you can apply these same principles to making Kimchi. This demo will include the basic principles of fermentation so you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to be able to safely ferment practically anything! We will also touch on the benefits of lacto-fermented food and how adding these foods to our diets are a benefit to our overall health

Meat Raffle, Toys for Tots Edition
2025-11-16 13:30 - 14:30 | Ashby American Legion, 35 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate and receive 3 free tickets for the raffle!
Raffle tickets are for 6 different tables of meat. Each table has different options ranging from beef, pork, chicken, sausage, and cheese!! We start small and work up to bigger better cuts!
Raffle starts promptly at 1:30, early birds welcome between 1-1:25pm for bonus tickets.

The Magic Behind The Holidays with Greg Dwyer
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Join Greg Dwyer, a master magician and mind reader, as he takes you on a captivating journey into the mystical traditions and ancient rituals that have shaped our modern-day Christmas celebrations. This is not just another holiday show; it’s an exploration of the magical forces that have enchanted hearts and minds for centuries.
Witness incredible illusions that defy logic and experience mind-reading acts that will leave you spellbound. From revealing the unseen influences that guide our holiday traditions to unlocking the hidden thoughts of audience members, Greg’s performance is a blend of wonder and revelation.
Perfect for adults and families alike, “The Magic Behind the Holidays” offers a unique perspective on Christmas, blending entertainment with a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re a believer in the magic of the season or a skeptic seeking answers, this show promises to intrigue, entertain, and inspire.

Interchangeable Art Series with Dan & Stephanie Hopkins
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Wednesdays: November 12, December 10, & January 14 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Ashby Public Library – Children’s Art Room
Stephanie Hopkins is back with another creative adventure! In this three-part Interchangeable Art Series, participants will design a personalized door hanger or shelf sitter with interchangeable inserts — perfect for updating your décor throughout the seasons.
You’ll start by crafting your base and first seasonal insert, then return to add Winter and Valentine’s Day designs.
All materials are provided free of charge, but space is limited to 12 participants, and we ask that you commit to all three sessions.
Register here: signswithshopkins978.regfox.com/interchangeable-art-projects

Caregiver Book Discussion: The Unexpected Journey
2025-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Join us for a moving and insightful discussion of The Unexpected Journey by Emma Heming Willis, featuring special guest Katie Brandt—advocate, author, and contributor to the book.
If you haven’t heard Katie speak before, you are in for a true gift. She has been a keynote speaker at conferences around the world and at major corporations, sharing her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience.
After losing her husband to Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Katie transformed her personal tragedy into a mission of hope and action—raising millions of dollars for dementia research and caregiver support.
Ashby is deeply honored to welcome Katie Brandt to our small town for what promises to be an unforgettable discussion of reflection, compassion, and inspiration.

Main Street Mercantile Holiday Open House
2025-11-08 10:00 - 2025-11-09 16:00 | Main Street Mercantile, 873 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Make this season memorable with gifts and decor that have a story.
​Our vendors have curated the best Vintage and New Items for your shopping pleasure. From antique furniture and serving dishes to unique vintage ornaments, we have what you need to create a festive, charming home for the Holidays.
​We can’t wait to share the holiday cheer!
Facebook Event

American Legion Poppy Drive
2025-11-08 08:30 - 13:00 | Main St., Ashby, 840 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Poppy drive is back! Our Sons of the legion will be hitting Main Street for our annual fundraiser.
This year’s donations will be allocated to buying new decorations for town common!

First Friday Movie
2025-11-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Join us for a fun, family-friendly movie night! We’ll be watching Free Birds — a hilarious Thanksgiving adventure for all ages. (And yes, the time really is 6:00 PM!)

The Gathering by Windmill Florist, Open House
2025-11-07 10:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00 | The Gathering by Windmill Florist, 54 Fitchburg State Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Ring in the holiday season with a trip through a magical wonderland of ornaments, trees, wreaths, and holiday gifts. Ernie Maguy and his crew have outdone themselves this year to help you with one of a kind items.

American Legion Halloween Party
2025-11-01 19:00 | Ashby American Legion, 35 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
21 and up Halloween Party!
Live Music from Rich Laurencelle 7-10:30
Costume contest with prizes:Best couple costumeFunniest costumeMost creative
Drink specials:Apple cider specialty cocktailApple Pie hole shotsPumpkin beers + hard cider

Chopin Concert with pianist Ivan Gusev
2025-11-01 15:00 - 16:30 | Ashby First Parish Church, 20 Common Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Pianist Ivan Gusev was born in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. At age four, he moved with his family to greater Moscow, where he began his piano studies at the Korolev School of the Arts at age six. He twice won the school’s competition, then the Moscow regional competition, and soon won an award in a national competition.
Between 2008 and 2015, he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees with highest honors. He won the Third Gershwin International Music Competition (NYC), the Mauro Monopoli Competition Prize (Barletta, Apulia), the Benditsky Russian Piano Competition (Saratov), the IKIF’s Dorothy MacKenzie Artist Recognition Scholarship Award (NYC), the Third International Stanislav Neuhaus Piano Competition (Russia), and the 20th-century composition performance prize of the New York Festival and Piano Competition. He also earned a Masters in piano performance at Mannes School of Music in New York City.

Refreshments will be served following the performance. RSVP is requested but not required.

ASHBYUU@gmail.com or 978-386-5660

Hosted by: Ashby First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist

Matisse Collage Art Class with Ann-Marie Labollita
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Celebrate the start of November with color and creativity! Try your hand at creating art inspired by one of the great masters, Henri Matisse. All materials provided.
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Ashby Cultural Council.
Free and open to all—but space is limited, so sign up early!

Ashby Halloween
2025-10-31 18:00 - 20:00 | MA
If you’re new to Ashby, you should know—Halloween is HUGE here! Main Street shuts down, and the whole town turns into a parade of costumes, laughter, and spooky fun. Kids from all over come to trick-or-treat, so the candy demand is epic!
The Library will be joining the fun with cider, doughnuts, and plenty of Halloween cheer!

Left, Right, Center Night at the Legion
2025-10-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Ashby American Legion, 35 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Join the Legion for some LRC fun while we eat some pizza! Don’t know how to play? No problem we’ll teach you!
Admission $15 per adult and includes your food. Gameplay is free, 3 rounds 4 chips a round.
Cash only bar will be open 21 + event.

Historical Society Annual Meeting
2025-10-23 08:00 - 19:00 | Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
The annual meeting will be held in the Congregational Church. Rich Foresman will be speaking on the history of the Whitney Organ Company.

Country Weaver Designs - Open Studio
2025-10-18 10:00 - 2025-10-19 16:00 | Country Weaver Designs, 863 West Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
My studio will be open for visitors from 10-4. Lots of scarves and shawls on sale, looms will be working, too!

Historical Society Open House
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Old Engine House, 846 Main St., Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
The Old Engine House will be open from 10 – 1 pm. Come see and relive Ashby’s history. Discover why the old tavern sign has the image of a British Cavalry officer on it. How the United States standardized weights and measures. How fires were fought with hand pumped fire apparatus. Something for every member of the family.

Drive Through Harvest Bakery - Order Deadline
2025-10-18 | Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Don’t miss out on these delicious treats! Call in orders only

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, $8 for 1/2 dozen.
Fresh Apple Cider Donuts, $8 for 1/2 dozen, $1.50 each.

Preorders only: call Cathy at 978-386-5502
Deadline to order: Sunday, Oct. 18th
Pickup: Saturday, Oct. 25th, 10-11 am

Fire Cider Workshop with Danielle
2025-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
We’ve had so many requests for this workshop—and here it is, just in time for cold season! Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll learn how to make your own fire cider, a traditional home remedy for what ails you.
You’ll leave with:

Your very own mason jar of fire cider
Fingers that smell like garlic and jalapeños
The skills to keep making more at home!

Trivia Night, 873 Cafe & Smith Hill Tavern
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 | 873 Cafe & Smith Hill Tavern, 873 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Trivia night begins at 7 pm.

Democratic Resilience vs. Fascist Fear
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Tom White will lead an important and thought-provoking discussion:

How did Americans confront the threat of fascism in the 1930s?
Why is antisemitism a danger to all?
What lessons from history can help us strengthen democracy today?

This program is for teens and adults—don’t miss it!

Floral Arranging Class
2025-10-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Join Forrest Farms for a hands-on floral arranging class. Attendance is limited to 15, so be sure to sign up early!
Register at the Library or email: hperry@cwmars.org /

Farmer's Market
2025-09-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Ashby Elementary School, 911 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Ashby Farmer’s Market, 10 – 1 pm at Ashby Elementary School parking lot.

Tractor Parade
2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Ashby Town Common, 825 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
The Ashby Tractor Parade takes place in conjunction with the Ashby Pumpkin Festival. It starts at Ashby Elementary School, circumnavigates the Common and returns to the school. Big tractors, little tractors, antique tractors!

Ashby Pumpkin Festival
2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Ashby Town Common, 825 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
34th annual Ashby Pumpkin Festival! Live music, kid’s games, food, animals and lots of local vendors.

Massachusetts Neighbors Day
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Ashby Free Public Library, 812 Main St, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Meet your neighbors and discover ways to get involved with local groups, boards, farms, churches, and organizations. Light refreshments will be served. This is also a great chance to learn more about volunteering with the Fire Department, the Friends of the Library, the Grange, the Council on Aging, and more. Everyone is welcome!

Power Sports Swap Meet
2025-09-20 09:00 - 14:00 | Allen Field, 530 West Rd, Ashby, MA, 01431, United States
Power Sports swap meet. Sept 20, Allen Field. Ashby, Ma

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