In 1957, inspired by the research and enthusiasm for The History of Rowe by Percy Brown several townspeople felt it was time to form a Rowe Historical Society. The first meeting was held on November 30, 1957 and the following year on July 7, 1958, the society received its Charter of Incorporation. The incorporators included the following: John H. Williams, Jr., Wendell W. Bjork, Edith M. Kloetzle, Anne G. Bond, Alice V. Truesdell, J. Henry Stanford, Dorothy Stevens, Lucy J. Avery, Arvon G. Palmer, Edward C. Henderson and Nancy N. Williams.
According to the bylaws the purposes of the Rowe Historical Society are as follows:
- To collect and preserve historical records and data of persons, places and events in and associated with Rowe, Massachusetts.
- To collect, preserve and maintain an historical library and a museum of historical relics and articles of historical interest.
- To awaken and maintain public interest in all matters relating to the history of the Town of Rowe.
- To acquire by purchase or otherwise, or lease or rent real and personal property not in excess of the amount permitted by law as may be necessary or convenient as incidental to the purposes of the corporation, and to sell and dispose of the same.
In its history RHS has had many benefactors over the years leaving a legacy of information, artifacts and real estate making the museum what it is today.
Rowe Historical Society 