Friends of the Keep Homestead Museum Meeting
2026-04-12 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-07-05 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-11-01 15:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Keep Homestead Museum, 35 Ely Road, Monson, 01057, United States
The meeting will take place at the close of the Open House event.

Museum Open House
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-07 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-05 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-02 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-09-13 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-10-04 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-12-06 13:00 - 15:30
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.

Native American Tribes with Dylan Mann
2026-05-03 13:30 - 14:30
Who walked the land we call home? How did they live?
Come to the Keep Homestead Museum on Sunday, May 3, for a talk “Native American Tribes” by Dylan Mann. He will share what he has learned over many years of study about the indigenous people of our area.
The program starts at 1:30 pm in the barn and is open to the public free of charge though donations are welcome.
Visitors are also welcome to tour the museum from 1 – 3:30 pm to view new button displays celebrating the flowers and birds of spring and enjoy light refreshments.

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Music Through the Decades with David Polansky
2026-06-07 13:30 - 14:30
The Keep Homestead Museum is pleased to welcome career musician David Polansky with his program “Music Through the Decades” on Sunday, June 7 at 1:30 pm.
Using keyboard, trumpet, and vocals, David presents music inspired by the advent of the automobile, two world wars, the Roaring 20’s, the wild west, and more. He engages the audience taking questions, performing requests, and telling funny anecdotes about famous musicians as well as his own life as a musician.
The concert will be held on the side lawn so plan to bring a chair or blanket for comfort. If there is inclement weather, it will take place in the barn. There is no admission fee though donations are accepted.
This concert is funded by a grant from the Monson Cultural Council, a local agency of Massachusetts Cultural Council. The museum will be open for viewing from 1 – 3:30 pm
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Ice Cream Social with Music by Frozenred
2026-07-05 13:00 - 15:30
Visit the Keep Homestead Museum on July 5 from 1 – 3:30 pm for the Ice Cream Social.
Come and make a sundae with ice cream donated by Westview Farms Creamery!
While enjoying your sundae creation, enjoy the musical entertainment featuring Frozenred – Rosemary Higgins, Fred Higgins, and Finlay Higgins (guitar). 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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Hessians With Dennis Picard
2026-08-02 13:30 - 14:30
As a part of our programming to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Keep Homestead Museum will welcome consulting historian Dennis Picard on Sunday, August 2 as he presents his lecture “Dragoon, Musketeer, Prisoner: The Hessians of the Revolutionary War in Western Massachusetts.”
Even though there were no battles in Western Mass. during the American Revolution, there were Hessian soldiers here. Folklore says that these soldiers were mercenaries purchased by King George to fight the rebellious colonies. Hear how these men got to our area, why they were here, who they really were, and why some remained in our regions.
Dennis Picard of Westfield is a living history interpreter who has held key leadership roles at several historic sites including Sturbridge Village and Storrowton Village Museum. He continues to educate the public about history doing reenactments, lectures, and craft demonstrations.
The program starts at 1:30 pm in the barn and is open to the public free of charge though donations are welcome. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum from 1 to 3:30 pm to view new patriotic button displays and enjoy refreshments.
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Ecology With Carolina Muñoz
2026-09-13 13:30 - 14:30
If you are interested in how a healthy ecosystem functions, plan to attend the September 13 (please note new date) Open House at the Keep Homestead Museum!
Carolina Muñoz-Agudelo, Director of Public Programs and Research at Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary will present her program “Ecosystems in Action: Restoring Nature, One Watershed at a Time.”
This presentation will highlight the importance of biodiversity, the roles of native plants and animals, and how watershed restoration benefits both wildlife and local communities. It will focus on how healthy ecosystems function and what happens when they are disrupted, and practical ways to support conservation in our community.
The program starts at 1:30 pm in the barn and is open to the public free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to tour the museum from 1 – 3:30 pm to view new button displays and enjoy refreshments.
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Continental Regiment
2026-10-04 13:30 - 14:30
Check back soon for additional information and be sure to Follow us on Facebook for event reminders!

Button Appraisals
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30
Visit the Keep on November 1, 2026 for our annual appraisal event with button expert and dealer Betty Korostynski.
Betty 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 will have her new book Hard White Pewter Buttons of Naugatuck, CT available for purchase and signing.
There is no cost for the appraisals, however donations will be accepted. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum from 1–3:30pm and enjoy light refreshments.
Notecards featuring buttons will be available in the gift shop. Click here for more information about the museum.
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Wood Block Printing
2026-12-06 13:30 - 14:30
