~Milford Historical Commission ~ Milford, Milford, MA 01757 (508)-473-7327

The Milford Historical Commission maintains the Museum located on the first floor of Memorial Hall which displays pictures, portraits, and memorabilia of the Civil War and the Town of Milford.  The display cases contain souvenir bottles, dishes, programs, and advertisements of former businesses.  Three new cases feature Civil War memorabilia from Milford people serving in the war.  It is one of the finest museums in the state according to the Sons of the Veterans.

The Milford Historical Commission and the Memorial Hall Cultural Center, Inc. organizations completed the Commemorative Brick Project.  Funds from the project were used to purchase a new flagpole and to install two sidewalks, one leading to the side porch and the other across the front lawn from Spruce Street.  Commemorative bricks were permanently placed around the flagpole.  Carlo Molinari carefully planned these projects to complement the historic building.

In an effort to become more involved in preserving our historical buildings, the Commission requested notification from the town before demolition of old homes is granted.  The Building Inspector will notify the Commission whenever a demolition permit of a historical home is issued.  Milford Town Planner, Larry Dunkin and Holliston historian Nancy Norris were invited to review our concerns and research our options.

The Sons of the Veterans held their Annual Encampment in Memorial Hall in April.  New England members and officers from across the country were present.  Memorial Hall is one of the finest Civil War museums in the country.  They presented the Commission with two framed pictures; one is the many faces of Abraham Lincoln and the other a map of Washington, DC in 1862.

The Historical Commission sponsored a free concert in the GAR Hall courtesy of Gail Brown.  The colonial Brass, part of the US Air Force Band of Liberty was featured this year as well as last.  They want to come back again,  they love the old building and the acoustics are wonderful in the GAR Hall.

The Commission received $5,000 from the Boston Edison settlement of $150,000 for the power station in the North Purchase.  The money will be used for structural repairs at the historic North Purchase Street School.

The decision to keep the old piano which dates back to 1880 was made and it was relocated to the vestibule upstairs when the Greater Milford Community Chorus received a baby grand piano from the library.  The Commission felt it was original to the building and should remain.

Our Annual Open House was Veterans Day, November 11 at 7pm.  The Commission gratefully acknowledged all those who had purchased commemorative bricks and welcomed them to the Museum.

The Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month Memorial Hall at 7pm.  All meetings are open to the public and new members are welcome The Museum is usually open every Thursday afternoon from 1 – 4pm and whenever there is an event in the GAR Hall.