'Built by Peter Pettengill in 1820 of bricks made by himself and his son, Abbott. Located on the old road through "Middle-of-the-town."
The Tavern as enlarged and improved by Francis and Harlan Phelps.
Mission Statement
The mission of the GHS is to perform a consequential role in advancing the historical understanding of the Town of Grafton through collecting and preserving information and materials of significance, and publicly sharing that work through outreach projects. The GHS recognizes that the past is revealed by evidence, as provided by documentation and material culture items, while history encompasses a wide range of stories, old and new, about the past. For this reason, we are dedicated to maintaining, curating, and growing the GHS collection with
intention and objectivity, while organizing outreach projects to fulfill the role of storyteller. These projects provide narratives and analyses utilizing the collections and other local resources, while
welcoming and encouraging evolving and alternative viewpoints. We are committed to fairness and diversity in our collections, projects, and activities. The GHS works to provide and expand
public accessibility to our collections through media and programming and outreach projects, and through our support of the Town of Grafton and its citizens in preserving archival materials and the historic environment of the Town.
The Historical Society does far more than run a museum: its board works on such diverse projects as presenting entertaining and educational programs, taping oral history, keeping files on historic houses, computerizing accession records, tracing genealogies, mapping cellar holes and old roads, working with teachers and elementary school students, and publishing books and pamphlets.