Open House
2024-07-07 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Our Open Houses are the first Sunday of every month from 1:00–3:30 during the season. They are free and open to the public.

Peter J. Newland Trio
2024-07-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The Keep Homestead Museum is excited to present the Peter J. Newland Trio on Sunday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m. The concert will be held on the side lawn of the museum, located at 35 Ely Road in Monson, weather permitting. Please bring a chair or a blanket.
Although singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Peter still performs with FAT and his quintet, RadioX, he is seen most regularly with his sophisticated Peter J. Newland Trio. Peter is joined in the trio by Mark Pappas, guitar journeyman, and Ralph Whittle, keyboards.
An afternoon with the energetic trio combines Peter’s original compositions along with their unique interpretations of rock, pop and blues standards from the 50s to the present and a sampling of the American songbook in the Sinatra style.
FREE POPCORN (while supplies last) compliments of Squier Lumber & Hardware.
The museum will be open from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. for touring. Admission is free. Donations are always welcome.

This performance is generously sponsored by Monson Savings Bank.

Friends of Keep Homestead Museum Meeting
2024-07-07 15:30 - 17:00
The meeting will be held at the museum after the close of the open house, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Ice Cream Social
2024-08-04 13:00 - 15:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Visit the Keep Homestead Museum on August 4 from 1–3:30 pm for our Ice Cream Social. Make your own sundae with Alvin Rondeau’s Dairy Bar ice cream and various toppings.
While enjoying your sundae creation, Frozenred will play traditional folk music for your musical entertainment. The band features Rose Higgins, Fred Higgins, Finlay Higgins (guitar) and Camille Collins Lovell (fiddle).
Be sure to tour the museum to view our new exhibits. All are welcome to this free event. Donations are welcome.

Museum Open House
2024-08-04 13:00 - 15:30, 2024-09-01 13:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-06 13:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-03 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-06 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-05-04 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-01 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-06 13:00 - 15:30 and 3 more dates | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States

Money, Money, Money
2024-09-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The Keep Homestead Museum welcomes Russell Bressette Sunday, September 1 at 1:30 pm when he shares his lifelong adventures of collecting coins and paper money.

Russell began his collection about age 9 and in the 1960s he seriously began going to auctions and tag sales to add to it. His earliest money is from the 1800s and includes paper money that was issued by banks that include Monson Savings Bank. Coins and paper money from his collection will be on display in the barn for this free program which is open to the public. Donations are welcomed.
The museum will be open from 1–3:30 pm to view new displays, enjoy refreshments, and visit the gift shop where new handmade note cards featuring buttons are for sale.

Button Appraisal Day at the Keep
2024-10-06 13:00 - 15:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Do you have your grandmother’s button box? Would you like to learn some of the stories about the buttons? Or do you have a favorite button that you would like to know more about? Does it have some monetary value? A button appraisal might give you some answers.
Our Button Appraisal Day will be held on Sunday, October 6 at the Keep Homestead Museum on 35 Ely Road in Monson from 1–3:30 pm with button expert and dealer Betty Korostynski. She is well-versed in the identification and current pricing of buttons and has been a button dealer for 35 years selling in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. She is presently writing a book on hard white pewter buttons from 1800–1830.
There is no cost for the appraisals, however donations will be accepted. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum and enjoy light refreshments. New notecards featuring buttons will be available in the gift shop.

Birds of Prey with Tom Ricardi
2024-11-03 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Have you ever wondered what happens to the injured bird laying on the side of the road? Well, often Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway is called. Mr. Ricardi cares for dozens of falcons, owls, eagles and other raptors that have been injured in some way.
He does a lot of work with local animal control and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. He rescues an average of 125–150 birds a year. A bird that recovers is rehabilitated and, if able to fly, is released back into the wild. Those that are permanently disabled remain at the center for the rest of their lives. Some of these birds are a part of his raptors and rehabilitation with Tom Ricardi traveling educational programs.
Meet Tom Ricardi and his birds on Sunday, November 3 at 1:30 pm at the Keep Homestead Museum on 35 Ely Road in Monson. All are welcome. There is no admission fee, donations are always accepted.

Friends of Keep Homestead Museum Meeting
2024-11-03 15:30 - 16:00 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The meeting will be held at the museum after the close of the open house, at approximately 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Museum Open House
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Please note, this particular Open House will take place on the second Sunday of December from 1:00–3:30. The event is free and open to the public.

How Santa Claus Came to Town
2024-12-08 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Have you ever wondered about the history of Santa Claus in America?
Plan to visit the Keep Homestead Museum at 35 Ely Road in Monson when Lorraine German presents “How Santa Claus Came to Town” on Sunday, December 8 at 1:30 pm.
Lorraine is the owner of Mad River Antiques in North Granby, Connecticut. She will share information about New Amsterdam’s St. Nicholas, the marketing strategy used by members of the New York Historical Society, and finally the jolly old elf we grew up with.
This performance starts at 1:30 pm in the festive house and is open to the public free of charge though donations are welcome. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum from 1:00–3:30 pm to view new Christmas button displays courtesy of the Monson Button Club and to enjoy light refreshments. Handmade note cards featuring buttons are for sale in the museum gift shop.
Join us outside for hot roasted chestnuts compliments of the Replanting Monson Tree Committee and students from the Tantasqua Chestnut Club.

Stories From the Quarry
2025-04-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Did you ever wonder why so many buildings and house foundations in Monson are made of granite? Memorial Hall, Monson Free Library, Unitarian-Universalist Church, and St. Patrick’s Church all showcase Monson’s beautiful granite from Flynt Quarry.
Join us on Sunday, April 6, 2025 for our season opener event and learn more about the workings of the Flynt Quarry.
Several generations of the Pascale family will share stories of the work in the quarry. They will demonstrate the techniques involved in stone cutting and carving using the original tools of master stone mason Ezio DeSantis.
This program starts at 1:30 pm and is open to the public free of charge though donations are welcome. The museum is open for viewing of new displays from 1–3:30 pm.

Friends of the Keep Homestead Museum Meeting
2025-04-06 15:30 - 16:00, 2025-07-06 15:30 - 16:00 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The meeting will take place at the close of the Open House event.

I Dissent: The Inspiring Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2025-05-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The Keep Homestead Museum is excited to welcome back talented actress Sheryl Faye as she portrays Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 pm during our open house.
This immersive multi-media one woman performance is the inspiring story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life as a lawyer, professor, judge, and Supreme Court justice. She was a leading voice for gender equality, women’s interests, and civil rights.
Sheryl, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Emerson College in Boston, presents live historical performances that help audiences understand the positive impact women have made in history. She portrays women whom she admires because of their courage, determination, strength, and caring.
This event is funded by a grant from the Monson Cultural Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. There is no admission fee; donations are always welcome. The museum will be open from 1:00–3:30 pm with light refreshments.
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Wildlife on Wheels from Forest Park
2025-06-01 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Forest Park’s Wildlife on Wheels program is coming back to the Keep Homestead Museum on Sunday, June 1, at 1:30 pm.
This is a FREE educational outreach program that will bring five ambassador animals to the museum. The selection of animals varies and may include mammals, birds, reptiles, or invertebrates. Information will be provided on each animal’s special adaptions, habitat, behavior, diet, and status in the wild. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
The program will be held on the lawn, weather permitting. Bring a blanket or chair for viewing. If there is inclement weather, it will take place in the barn.
Admission is free, though donations are welcome. The museum is open from 1–3:30 pm with light refreshments.
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Ice Cream Social with Music by Frozen Red
2025-07-06 13:00 - 15:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Visit the Keep Homestead Museum on July 6 from 1 – 3:30 pm for the Ice Cream Social. Come and enjoy making a sundae with Rondeau’s ice cream and various toppings.
While enjoying your sundae creation, enjoy the musical entertainment featuring Frozen Red – Rose Higgins, Fred Higgins, Finlay Higgins (guitar) and Camille Collins Lovell (fiddle). They will be playing traditional folk music.
Then tour the museum to view new exhibits. Plan to visit the gift shop where handmade note cards featuring buttons are for sale.
All are welcome to this FREE event though donations are welcome. A fun way to end your Independence Day celebration!
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Merrick, Fay & Co. Straw Works Hat Factory
2025-08-03 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
Rear view of Merrick & Fay Hat Shop | Courtesy of the Monson Historical Society, Inc. | photographer unknown
If you have an interest in Monson history, plan to visit the Keep on August 3 at 1:30 pm to hear Bill Dominick share information on the Merrick, Fay, & Co. Straw Works Hat Factory.
Bill, a board member of the Monson Historical Society, will present a program explaining the straw hat factory’s history from 1830–1927. At one time it employed 2,000 people on its Main St. site where the present town offices are located.
He will also share information about the two families who owned the factory and will have historical photos to view.
All are welcome to this free event in the barn and donations are appreciated. The museum will be open for viewing from 1–3:30 pm with light refreshments.
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Old Medical Practices
2025-09-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
We are pleased to present surgeon and best-selling author Dr. Andrew Lam on Sunday, September 7 at 1:30 pm for an entertaining and informative talk.
Dr. Lam will share riveting stories from his latest book The Masters of Medicine where he discusses the mavericks, moments, and mistakes that sparked some of medicines greatest breakthroughs that defined and continue to shape modern medicine. He will also talk about his career balancing medicine and literature.
Andrew Lam, MD is a retina surgeon and Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is the author of The Masters of Medicine along with his prior books Saving Sight, Two Sons of China, and Repentance. Copies of his books will be available for purchase.
All are welcome to this free event in the barn, and donations are appreciated. The museum is open for viewing from 1–3:30 pm with light refreshments. Click here for more information about the museum.
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Antique Sewing Machines
2025-10-05 13:30 - 14:30 | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
We are pleased to host the Vintage Sewing Machine Enthusiasts of Pioneer Valley on Sunday, October 5 starting at 1:30 pm.
The group of vintage sewing machine enthusiasts was founded in 2023 by Danielle McCauley and Mary Gelezunas and is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and celebration of vintage sewing machines. It is an effort to revive the art of sewing and connect people to craftsmanship and heritage.
At 1:30 pm Sue Cluff will share the development of the home sewing machine from the treadle to power. Then various models of machines will be on display, and their owners will share the history and operation of the Singers, Wheeler and Wilsons, and Montgomery Wards they have collected.
This program is open to the public free of charge though donations are appreciated. The museum is open from 1–3:30 pm with light refreshments. Click here for more information about the museum.
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