April 2011 marks the centennial of the founding of the Andover Historical Society and the entire organization is looking forward to celebrating. The coming months will bring a busy schedule of events from birthday parties to outdoor picnics, hikes, dances and much more.

February 12, 2012: Presidents Who Came Our Way

Did you know that Presidents Washington, Jackson, and Roosevelt all visited Andover? They are just three of the six presidents who visited Andover. Each president will be portrayed by local talent as we follow their history in the fun and informative presentation. Meet George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Franklin Pierce, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and George H.W. Bush.

March, 2012: 1911 Fashion Show

The elaborate fashions of the nineteen-teens were a highlight of the hit movie “Titanic.” In March 2012, we’ll host a fashion show featuring women’s and men’s clothing from the Titanic era. All of the clothing worn in the show will be reproductions or original clothing from private collections. Come see the height of fashion 100 years ago.

Watch this space and our event calendar for the latest news about these and other events happening during our celebratory year.

PAST EVENTS

April 2-3, 2011: Celebrating the Society’s birthday

In addition to launching our Centennial Brick Walkway Campaign, we’ll be hosting a Photo Sharing Party to kick-off the year on Saturday, April 2 (1-4pm) and Sunday, April 3rd (12-5pm). Saturday’s event is reserved for members and Sunday’s event is open to the public.

Your childhood photo will serve as your admission ticket! Birthday cake, tea & coffee will be served. Enjoy live jazz music and period displays from every decade since 1911

Search your photo albums, scrapbooks, attics, and computer files and bring in a favorite snapshot of you or a family member at age ten or younger – even if you weren’t living in Andover at the time! Your pictures and their stories will help grow the Society’s collection of 20th century images. Your photo will be scanned by AHS staff and volunteers, allowing you to keep your original. Come join the party! Please RSVP by March 30 to Carrie Midura at cmidura@andoverhistorical.org or 978.475.2236

June 3, 2011: Dancing Under the Stars

Join us as we celebrate an all-but-forgotten Andover institution: weekly dances at the Balmoral Spa. We’ll host a dancing extravaganza “Dancing Under the Stars” on the grounds of the old Balmoral Spa. You don’t have to love history to love this special opportunity to spend the evening with your favorite person and dance to your heart’s desire to Big Band music and socializing. An energetic dance band will entertain and get toes tapping. To put a “capper” on the event, a professional photographer will be at the dance to take photographs of guests. This event will be ‘THE COUPLES EVENT OF THE YEAR’ – and that may be an under-statement. It’s been a while, but dancing at the Balmoral Spa is back – for another generation (or two) to enjoy. A contemporary event, with a nod to the past. For one night only – Friday, June 3, 2011 – see you there! Purchase your tickets today!

September 24, 2011: Equinox Hike to Holt Hill

Since the town’s founding, residents have prized the view from the top of 420-foot Holt Hill, now named for its 17th century owner Nicholas Holt.  In June 1775 townspeople watched the burning of Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill from this vantage; and in 1809, a distinguished visitor was told that it was possible to count 28 steeples on a bright day. In the 20th century, owner Mabel Ward commemorated her 1911 trip to Stonehenge with the placement of a ring of “Solstice Stones” on the hill’s grassy summit.  This compass-like arrangement of geological specimens indicates the cardinal points of the compass, the points of the summer and winter solstices, and the points of the spring and autumnal equinoxes.  Free to the public. Attendees should meet at the Ward Reservation Parking Area, Prospect Road, Andover.

October 9, 2011: Family Picnic on the Shawsheen

Travel back to 1911 with us at a Family Picnic on the banks of the beautiful Shawsheen River in Ballardvale Village at Andover’s picturesque Serio’s Grove reservation. This special picnic will feature canoe rides, a ducky race, and live banjo music. Bring a picnic basket, blanket, and a healthy appetite for adventure.