Ashby Historical Society

06/23/2026

Textiles in Ashby: Necessity to Art are no longer just about warmth and necessity—today, they are a powerful medium for fine art, and Ashby women are leading the way. Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 846 Main St.

Join us for a special exhibit celebrating the extraordinary evolution of fiber arts in our town. Not only will you get to view two centuries of stunning textile artwork, but you'll also have the chance to meet and chat with contemporary Ashby fiber artists and AHS staff.
Whether you are a history buff, a fellow crafter, or just love supporting local talent, there is something beautiful for you to discover.
Photos: A. Wyman wallet, 1790; D. Berry wall hanging, 2025
We can't wait to see you there!

06/22/2026

Looking for the perfect dessert for your Independence Day weekend? Let our town's wonderful local bakers do the work for you! 🇺🇸✨
The Ashby Historical Society is now taking orders for our annual 4th of July Homemade Pie Sale. Every pie is 9" or larger, lovingly made by volunteers, and available for a $20 donation. Flavors are already starting to limit as orders roll in, so make sure to reserve yours early! BREAKING NEWS! 4 PEACH PIES JUST ADDED.
📅 Pick-up: Friday, July 3rd (10 AM - 12 PM)
🏢 Where: Old Engine House, 846 Main St. (Next to the Ashby Market)
Click the link below or call us at 386-7981 to order by phone. Thank you so much for supporting Ashby's history!
👉 https://ashbyhistorical.org/portofolio/pie-sale/

The Ashby Historical Society has been preserving Ashby's history through education and its collection for over 100 years.

06/20/2026

Have you ever seen a pillow made entirely of silk cigar ribbons? Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Old Engine House. Necessity to Art: Two Centuries of Ashby Textiles!
By 1900, mass-produced textiles were readily available, allowing women to use fabric in entirely new, unexpected, and decorative ways.
You can see this incredible piece of local history Society’s upcoming exhibit featuring historic and contemporary textiles from Ashby.
Step through time and explore how generations of local creators have utilized fabric, thread, and ingenuity. From colonial homespuns to striking modern textile art pieces created by current Ashby artists, this is an exhibit you won't want to miss.
🗓 Save the Date: Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bring a friend and uncover the unique stories stitched into Ashby's past!

06/19/2026

Pie for the 4th of July, our annual pie sale, is going on now. All pies are homemade by local bakers. They are selling fast. Some flavors have already sold out! Order your pie before it's too late. Fresh baked pies will be ready for pick up on the morning of July 3rd. To order go to:
https://ashbyhistorical.org/portofolio/pie-sale/

06/15/2026

It's the Historical Society's annual Pie for the 4th of July event.

Need a pie for the Fourth of July? We've got you covered. Local bakers from all over town and beyond are baking up a storm to have one ready for you. Four different fruit pie to choose from. But order early to get your preference. They go quickly.

Order your now and pick up your fresh baked pir on July 3rd between 10 and noon. Donatin $20. More info and to order:

https://ashbyhistorical.org/portofolio/pie-sale/

06/14/2026

🧵 From Household Necessity to Modern Art: Two Centuries of Ashby Textiles! ✨
How did textile making go from a grueling daily chore to a vibrant form of artistic expression? Find out in just two weeks!
Join the Ashby Historical Society staff and contemporary local fiber artists for a fascinating look at how fabric and community have woven together in our town from the 18th century to the 21st century.
• 1700s: See the rugged, homemade textiles crafted purely out of survival and necessity right here in Ashby.
• 1830s: Learn how the rise of the Lowell Mills shifted production and offered local young women a rare path to economic independence.
• Today: Discover how modern Ashby women are keeping the tradition alive, transforming fiber into stunning contemporary art.
🗓 When: Saturday, June 27th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Where: Ashby Historical Society
Come trace our history through the threads that bound it together!

06/12/2026

Happening TOMORROW! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind performance.
The stage is set, the scripts are ready, and the voices of 1776 are coming to the Ashby Congregational Church.
If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to live through the birth of a nation—not in Philadelphia, but right here in Ashby—this is your chance to experience it. Join your friends, neighbors, and town leaders for a moving afternoon of history, reflection, and community.
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM (Saturday, June 13)
📍 Location: 21 New Ipswich Road (Ashby Congregational Church)
💰 Admission: Completely Free
Doors open early, so come grab a seat and be a part of this special 250th-anniversary commemoration. You won't want to miss it!

06/11/2026

AshbyFest, Sat., June 13th, 9-3 pm, on the Common. Ashby Historical Society is giving away samples of George Washington's favorite food. Hoe cakes as he would have called them or johnny cakes as the were known in New England are simple to make and can be carried for sustenance on a journey or eaten warm at home with butter and syrup for a delicious breakfast. Stop by and take a bite of history.

06/08/2026

History isn't just about famous people—it’s about us. Did you know that Ashby voted on independence the day before the Continental Congress voted in Philadelphia.
Next weekend, your neighbors will step into the shoes of the past. Declaring Independence: Then & Now features local elected town officials and ordinary citizens reading the real words of the men and women who shaped our region’s and nation's history. Come hear how our community debated the ultimate question of freedom right here in our own backyard.
📅 When: Saturday, June 13th at 2:00 PM
📍 Where: Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Road
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Let’s gather to honor our local roots and reflect on what the Declaration of Independence means to us today as we approach the 250th anniversary. See you there!
#1776

06/06/2026

The Ashby Historical Society will be giving away samples of foods from Revolutionary War times at AshbyFest, Sat., June 13th, 9-3 pm on the Common. Sample Joe Froggers named for Joe Brown of Marblehead and warm Johnny Cakes, reported to be George Washington's favorite food. AHS books, maps, hats and challenge goins will be on sale.