Peterborough Historical Society

Located in the heart of downtown, the Peterborough Historical Society offers residents and visitors an experience of our town's history and culture.

The Peterborough Museum features exhibits of early American furniture, decorative arts, pewter, and Peterborough industry. The Society also has extensive archives and research resources. The Robbe Family Kitchen: Peterborough 1785 looks at daily life in town during the early years of the new Republic. Our Peterborough Gallery, a timeline history of the town from settlement to the present, is on view in the main entry of the Historical Society.

New exhibits on various themes of local historical interest are on display year round. Concerts and other programs grace the schedule, and there are also a number of events for children and families year round.

Carlo Aonzo and Rene Izquierdo

Sun 5/27 3:00pm

Classical mandolin and guitar
.. also featuring August Watters and the Boston Mandolins

"...unforgettable versatility, sensitivity, and sublime
musicianship"
- Classical Guitar Magazine

We have the distinct pleasure to present the duo of the noted Italian mandolin virtuoso Carlo Aonzo with the brilliant young guitarist René Izquierdo in a concert of pieces from their brand new CD “Paganini” - music for mandolin and guitar by Niccolò Paganini.

Children: Seen and Heard

On view March 17- July 28, 2012

Come to the museum and explore childhood in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawing on the Historical Society’s large collection, the exhibit features photographs, drawings, stories, toys, games, clothing, and other artifacts that show what life was like for children in the past. Organized around the themes of play, work, school and home life, Children: Seen & Heard will not only show you how much childhood has changed in the last 100 years but also the many ways that the childhood experience remains the same.

A Day in Peterborough History

08/29/1862
T.K. Ames

1st Lieutenant Timothy Kneeland Ames was killed at the 2ndbattle of Bull Run.

Children and the Arts Festival

Sat 5/19 9:00am

Families and children of all ages (seniors to toddlers) are welcome to the 19th annual Children and The Arts Festival in downtown Peterborough on May 19 from 9 am to 4 pm.  This year’s theme is Flower Power and there will be hands on activities, storytelling, musical performances, dance, theatre, a community parade and much more on that day.  This free event will engage children no matter what the age.

Bass Hall at the Historical Society is a host site for performances and our Children: Seen & Heard exhibit will be open from 10-4.

This year, the Historical Society will be offering a hands-on Flower Power activity on the front lawn. Stop by to make your flowers and learn a bit about the historic language of flowers!

For more information about the Children and the Arts Festival, visit www.childrenandthearts.org.

Games Day with Mariposa Museum

Sat 6/2 10:00am

On Saturday June 2, the Historical Society is pleased to offer a family games day in collaboration with Mariposa Museum. At the Historical Society we will have a variety of historic games in Bass Hall as well as outdoor games on the grounds. Come and play stick and hoop, the game of Graces, ring toss, Old Maid, the game of the Authors and many more! At the Mariposa Museum, try games from around the world. Family Game Day is free and open to the public. Guests will also enjoy free admission to the Society's latest exhibit, Children: Seen & Heard.