This mid-19th century view of Elm Square showing EA Edwards Hairdressing and Barbershop is one of the earliest photographs in the collection.
One of the best resources owned by the Historical Society is our collection of over 15,000 historic photographs of Andover. For the past few years, a small group of dedicated volunteers has been scanning and cataloging the photographs. Once scanned, the original photographs are stored in the Society’s Archives to protect them from damage caused by handling. Printed copies of the scanned photographs are available for researchers in the Library.
.
The printed copies are a short-term solution. In time we will have more computer research stations in the Library and researchers will be able to search the collection more efficiently using our computer database.
.
To let readers know the scope of the Society’s historic photograph collection, we will post a photograph a week. Researchers have access to the photograph collection during open Library hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
The Historical Society’s archive holds earlier and later photographs of the west side of Main Street, such as the early 20th century photograph shown here. But none date from 1930-1950. We have no photographs of the Andover Lunch or the Andover Cafeteria, but we would love to add to our collection. Do you have any photographs of the outside or inside of the Andover Lunch? If you do, please leave a comment or send an email to 
Skinner appraiser and Antiques Roadshow favorite Stuart Whitehurst will be our appraiser for the evening. The open format appraisal event has become increasingly popular, as appraisers have found that guests are just as curious about their neighbor’s objects as they are about their own. After registering their item, guests take their seat in the hall and enjoy the show as Whitehurst examines and discusses each item brought for appraisal. An entertaining speaker, Whitehurst’s goal is to teach the audience something new with each item he examines. Coins, stamps, jewelry and musical instruments will not be appraised at this event.
Images of America: Andover is now in-print and available for sale at the Andover Historical Society! Using the extensive photographic archives and records of the Andover Historical Society, curator Andrew Grilz has created an entertaining and informative glimpse into Andover’s past. Norma Gammon, a longtime Andover resident, former town selectman, and society board member, contributed the foreword. Books are $21.99 each and are available for purchase at the Society’s office or by calling 978.475.2236.
