~ SAMPLE PROGRAMS ~
 

Andover at Work
This two hour hands on workshop is designed to meet the Massachusetts third grade curriculum standards. This workshop gives students a chance to travel back in time to 1830s Andover where they leave their 21st century life behind and take on the role of one of Andover’s prominent 19th entury citizens. Students learn about daily life and the varying occupations held by Andover citizens in the early 19th century. Travel though the Amos Blanchard house to see what your home may have looked like in the 1880s, stop in the kitchen to help the house keeper prepare and preserve food, gather eggs from the barn and bring them to trade at the general store, stop in and visit the print shop for the latest copy of the towns newspaper, and help the Friendly Fire Fighting Association put out a fire!

Program runs 2 hours with a maximum of 50 students. The program is free to Andover Schools and $5 per student for non-Andover schools. For more information or to sign up, please email education@andoverhistorical.org.

Family & Adult Programs

This monthly program, started in September 2009, features a diverse group of lecturers and presenters who will share fun and interesting facts with you about your town.

Upcoming topics include: Andover at Work a hands-on look at daily life in the 1820s Andover, presented by Museum Educator Sarah Sycz; Thanksgiving in Andover:  Traditions and Meals that Brought Us Together presented by Gail Ralston; and Harriet Beecher Stowe: Christmas in Andover presented by Susan Lenoe.

Generally the programs will run the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Check out the event calendar on our website for final program dates.

Lectures & Talks:
Past topics have included St. Valentine, Shaker Landscape Architecture, and Historic Remedies for Illness

Annual Andover Farmers' Market & Live Demonstrations:
Past demonstrators have included the Essex County Beekeeping Association (Beekeeping and Making Honey), Kapering Kids 4H Group (Dairy Goat Milking), and the The Green Woodshop (Traditional Furniture Making).

Changing Exhibits at the Amos Blanchard House Museum:
Past exhibits have included 'Stories from the High Street - Elm Street Triangle' and 'Highlights from Shawsheen Village,' as well as, Main Street Memories, an exhibit focusing on the history of Andover's Main Street, 1850-1950.

Holiday Events
In 2008, the Andover Historical Society participated in Holiday Happenings with the Blanchard House decorated for the Holiday season, with inspiration taken from Victorian-era objects in the collection. There was also a special Victorian Dessert Tasting and special themed teas throughout the month of December. These holiday traditions will continue in 2009 with all-new programs, exhibits and special events. Visit www.andoverhistorical.org/holiday