Society Programs
Become a member to receive our newsletter with program information and to volunteer.
Many of our programs are open to the public and nonmembers.
Education Week – 18th Century Days
Each year since 1972, the Society has hosted Education Week, also known as 18th Century Days, for Holliston’s third graders. More than three hundred children spend a day in the spring at the Asa Whiting House. Society members and HEPTSA volunteers teach them traditional crafts and skills such as open hearth cooking, candle making, herbs, cross-stitch, and stenciling.
Parent volunteers make a commitment to present one workshop topic to four groups of children during the course of a morning or afternoon. During Orientation Night, which is held one or two weeks prior to that year’s 18th Century Days, volunteers receive instruction on the topic they will teach as well as tips on presenting the material. In addition, for those who want to “dress the part” (it is not required but a lot of fun!), hints on dressing in 18th century style will be shown. The Society has a collection of reproduction clothing that volunteers may wear for their scheduled day.
Annual Society Fundraisers
Father’s Day Breakfast Cruise
Every June, hot rods, mods, and antique cars gather at the Society to show off and compete for judges’ trophies. A full hot breakfast (scrambled eggs, fresh sausage, buttermilk pancakes, choice of beverage, donuts, “chef’s special”) and snacks are available.
Harvest Fair
Our annual Harvest Fair takes place in September on the grounds of the Asa Whiting House and features handmade New England crafts, antiques dealers, a silent auction table, food for sale in the barn (including our popular homemade pies), special activities for children, tours of our historic house, and more. Our silent auction table features many goods from participating crafters as well as services by area businesses. Click HERE to learn more!
Oktoberfest
The Society celebrates this German tradition with an authentic menu, singing (in English), and a 13-piece band. Click HERE to learn more!
Lecture Series
Our annual lecture series brings historians from the surrounding area to Holliston to speak on a wide range of topics from Holliston in the Civil War and Civil War medicine, to the history of women in Holliston, to baseball in Holliston, and historic ironwork and wallpapers.
Community Sings
Throughout the year, the Society hosts Community Sings! Community Sings are a great tradition in the United States and around the world. They’re not concerts—everyone shares in the music-making and no experience or special talent is required! We hope many of the tunes will be familiar (patriotic, summertime, country, kids, and folk are some of the types we have in mind), and we plan to have the lyrics available. From sea shanties to folk to popular music, check out our News & Events page for updates!
Revised 01/16/2022