About Us
Our Mission
As stated in its By-Laws, the mission of the Society is to
“help enrich the life of our community by promoting historical preservation and by sharing Holliston’s past and current history through research, publications, exhibits, programs, events, and education.”
The Society’s History
An invitation stating… “all persons interested in the formation of a local Historical Society are requested to meet at Selectmen’s Room in the Town House Friday, July 29, 1910, at 7:30 p.m.” was issued by John Mason Batchelder of Holliston.
A further invitation for “free discussion” was also included and an enthusiastic response resulted in approximately 38 members pledging to join together in the interest of historical preservation.
Board of Directors
Officers
President – Sheila Adams
Immediate Past President – Nancy Lamb
External Vice President – Jane Gilfoy
Internal Vice President – Richard Kattman
Secretary – Paul Saulnier
Treasurer – Don Bates
Directors-at-Large
Melissa Ford
Ben Clarkson
Pam Kyrka
Patricia Pereira
Annual Committee Chairs
Father’s Day Breakfast Cruise – Paul Saulnier
Harvest Fair – Jane Gilfoy & Victoria Shotten
Oktoberfest – Beate Hait
Permanent/Standing Committee Chairs
Collections – Nancy Lamb and Carol Kosicki
Decorations – Joanna Hilliard
Education & Programs – Judy Grosjean & Mary Curran
Finance – Nancy Lamb
Library and Archives – Joanne Hulbert & Carol Kosicki
Membership – Patricia Pereira
Nomination Committee – Nancy Lamb
Property Management – Paul Saulnier
Publicity and Publications – Pam Kyrka
Endowment Fund Chair
David Grosjean
Web Services Chair
Mary Curran
Holliston’s History
Originally part of Sherborn, the picturesque town of Holliston was incorporated on December 3, 1724 by virtue of approval by the General Court petition requesting that “the western part of Sherborn be a Town.” The name was taken in honor of Thomas Hollis, Esq. of London, England, a benefactor of Harvard College.
The Town has grown from a community of a few hundred residents setting aside ten pounds per year for public education to a community of 13,000 with an annual budget of nearly $20 million, including more than $12 million for a nationally-recognized school system. Holliston is a true community: volunteerism, community involvement, an on-call Fire Department, and highly active service and citizen organizations all attest to the sense of community that distinguishes Holliston. The Town also strives to fulfill its role in the larger community through regional initiatives in purchasing, health care and education, and programs involving arts, culture and diversity. (Based on information from Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.)
Located in Middlesex County in Eastern Massachusetts, Holliston is bordered by Medway on the south, Millis on the southeast, Sherborn on the east, Ashland on the north, Hopkinton on the west and northwest, and Milford on the southwest and west. Holliston is 24 miles west of Boston; 25 miles east of Worcester; 36 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island; and 195 miles from New York City.
Programs
Want to join in on the fun? We run many fun and educational programs throughout the year. With programs such as our Father’s Day Car Show to our Harvest Fair, everyone in your family is sure to find something they enjoy!
Past Newsletters
Read some of the Newsletters we’ve sent out to members in years past.
Revised Jan. 16, 2022