Our Current Projects to conserve our local history
We are always up to something. Read here to find out what, and contact us if you are interested in helping!
Wilder Homestead Barn Restoration- "SAve the BARN"
|
|
The Wilder Homestead is located on a peaceful stretch of Route 112, just North of Buckland Village. The property includes 3 structures, two of which are original to the property. The structure that is not original is a cobbler shop, which was moved to the property in 1991. The first original structure is the house, built c. 1775, and is a typical Georgian colonial, two-story house, in which the rear roof extends down to the first floor in true saltbox fashion. A more recent addition creates the ell to the east of the main house. The house was built for Gardner Wilder, who had recently moved to the area and purchased this 200 acre farm plot.
|
The second original structure is the barn, which was made after the house, approximately 1798, and is a typical English-style barn so prominent in this area. It had a full-scale expansion in 1840, and another extension added in the 20th century. The oldest portion of the barn shows typical English colonial post and beam construction techniques, and its beams were axe-hewn, unlike those in the first expansion, which show definite saw marks. The equipment shed in the second extension was built using modern balloon framing methods.
The property remained in the possession of the descendants of Gardner Wilder for over 200 years, until 1978, when the homestead and 43-acres of agricultural and forest land in the Clesson Brook valley were donated to Buckland Historical Society for it's ongoing preservation. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
While Buckland Historical Society is always keeping the entire homestead under it's care, right now it is the barn that needs some help! Click here to find out where we are currently in the project.
The property remained in the possession of the descendants of Gardner Wilder for over 200 years, until 1978, when the homestead and 43-acres of agricultural and forest land in the Clesson Brook valley were donated to Buckland Historical Society for it's ongoing preservation. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
While Buckland Historical Society is always keeping the entire homestead under it's care, right now it is the barn that needs some help! Click here to find out where we are currently in the project.
Legacy Tree Project
The Buckland Historical Society’s Hilltown Legacy Tree Project (HLTP) seeks to conserve traditionally significant tree species and woody plant communities in Buckland, MA and adjacent hilltowns of Western Franklin County.
Whereas many tree species that have played a significant role in the socio-economic history of New England are in decline, threatened, or virtually extinct due to pest infestation, disease, or other causes, and traditionally scenic byways and plant communities of social, ecological, and historic significance are at risk of being lost, it is the mission of the HLTP to steward existing and future trees of such esteem so as to conserve their place in our community in order that future generations may enjoy their many benefits.
Find out more.
Whereas many tree species that have played a significant role in the socio-economic history of New England are in decline, threatened, or virtually extinct due to pest infestation, disease, or other causes, and traditionally scenic byways and plant communities of social, ecological, and historic significance are at risk of being lost, it is the mission of the HLTP to steward existing and future trees of such esteem so as to conserve their place in our community in order that future generations may enjoy their many benefits.
Find out more.
Setting up the old post office boxes
The original post office boxes were housed in the Buckland Village Post office, which is now a home. They have moved to a few different places, some of that in storage, but they are looking for a new home! They need a respectable place to be set up in all their glory. Location and display to come. They may need a little spiffing up, but great, and solid pieces. See pictures below!
Being a post-mistress must have been a fairly uneventful job. It wasn’t long before two rooms of the post office were transformed into an informal weaving center. Find out more on this story, here.
The original post office boxes were housed in the Buckland Village Post office, which is now a home. They have moved to a few different places, some of that in storage, but they are looking for a new home! They need a respectable place to be set up in all their glory. Location and display to come. They may need a little spiffing up, but great, and solid pieces. See pictures below!
Being a post-mistress must have been a fairly uneventful job. It wasn’t long before two rooms of the post office were transformed into an informal weaving center. Find out more on this story, here.
|
|
|
"Caged man of buckland" display in the BHS MuseumAre you familiar with the story of "The Caged Man of Buckland?" Whether you are or are not yet you may find this exhibit very interesting. Pending opening summer 2022. Exhibit will contain a full scale model of the cage, the timeline that led up to and after Josiah Spaulding Jr.'s incarceration, and other information and documents relating to the case. This is a must see! Peak back for more details in the future!
|
|
can you help??
|
We can't do these projects without grants, volunteers, and donations. Please consider a donation to BHS or in support of a specific project, or click here if you are interested in lending a hand!
|
Buckland Historical Society — Box 88 — Buckland, Massachusetts 01338 — (413) 625-9763 — Copyright © 2019