What is the Mansfield History Center

The Mansfield History Center is a part of the Mansfield Historical Society. The Society was founded in 1951 by local historian Jennie Copeland and a group of devoted charter members.  Our stated purpose is to preserve material relative to the history of Mansfield. The society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

What does the historical society do?

The historical society collects and maintains photographs, newspapers, artifacts, books, publications and miscellaneous items that pertain to local history.

Are you the Mansfield Historical Commission?

The Historical Commission is appointed by the Select Board. By state law every municipality must have an historical commission. The commission has authority to procure and expend public funds for the preservation and restoration of local history. By contrast the society is a private 501 (c)(3) organization The Society works closely with and support the commission in preserving and recording local history.
Here is a link to the commission web page.

Can anyone join the historical society?

Yes. We welcome new members and hope that you can help by volunteering at the Copeland House or serving as a  docent at the Fisher-Richardson House. All levels of interest are welcomed.  As a member you will be informed by email of upcoming meetings and will be able to participate in our annual meeting.  We appreciate your support The Mansfield Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Your membership and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Click here on how to join.

How does the society acquire its historical material?

Our collection has been acquired mostly through donations.  Some items have been preserved by members with sufficient foresight to realize that material will be historic one day.  Occasionally the society has purchased material if it is deemed sufficiently important to the history of Mansfield, such as through eBay.

Is the Copeland House open to the public?

Yes. We are open on Saturdays 10:30 AM to noon and by appointment.

Is the Historical Society membership open to the public?

We welcome new members and hope that you can help by volunteering at the Copeland House or serving as a docent at the Fisher-Richardson House.  All levels of interest are welcomed.  As a member you will be informed by email of upcoming meetings and will be able to participate in our annual meeting.  We appreciate your support The Mansfield Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) foundation. You membership and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Go to our membership page to join.

Do you have meetings?

We try to have 3 to 4 meetings per year.  Our meetings consist of an historical presentation followed by time for socializing and discussion.  Most of our meetings are held at the Mansfield Public Library.  Our annual meeting is in March at the Copeland House.  The public is invited to stop by our weekly hours at the Copeland House where the public is invited to stop by.

Have a question about Mansfield's history?

E-mail us at mansfieldhs1775@gmail.com. We will do our best to help you. We do ask for your patience as we are a small group of volunteers doing our best to respond in a timely manner.

Can the public access your holdings?

 If you have an inquiry we will guide you through our collection. We will also extend any knowledge we might have.  We are happy to work with you to the extent that we are able.  We do ask for your patience as we are a small group of volunteers doing our best to respond in a timely manner to requests.

How can I help?

We have an extensive collection of material at the Copeland House that is yet to be organized.  We are always looking for team members interested in coming to the house to lend a hand.  Please contact us if you can be of assistance!

Can you tell me about my house or my ancestors?

These are our most frequent requests.  Unfortunately they can be the most difficult to answer.  If your house or ancestor was especially prominent in Mansfield history we can likely be of more assistance.  Otherwise information can be scant.  But we will assist and guide you to the best of our ability.

What is the Fisher-Richardson House?

The  Fisher-Richardson House is located on Willow Street.  An historic Mansfield homestead dating back to 1743, the Town of Mansfield took ownership of the house in 1930.  The society works in conjunction with the Town and the Historical Commission to promote interest in local history through the museum at the Fisher-Richardson House.  There you will find an historical collection owned, displayed and maintained by the society that depicts life in early Mansfield, the colonies and early America.   Go to the house web page for more information.

Do you give group tours of the Fisher-Richardson House?

Yes. Groups must be ten people our less. E-mail us at  mansfieldhs1775@gmail.com  to arrange a tour. Tours are available between the first week in June through the last week in September. A donation would be appreciated.

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Mansfield Historical Society
dba Mansfield History Center
53 Rumford Avenues
Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048
mansfieldhs1775@gmail.com
© 2024 Mansfield Historical Society