The goals of the Shirley Historical Society are to preserve books, photos, papers, stories, and artifacts relating to the people, places, and history of Shirley, Massachusetts. The Society also works to educate the public regarding historic matters, and seeks to encourage preservation of historic sites within the town.
Shirley Historical Society Museum
at the Lucy Longley Memorial Building
For weekly announcements and illustrated posts about Shirley history, please follow the Shirley Historical Society facebook page. Click Here for the link.
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SHIRLEY SHAKER VILLAGE TOURS ARE ALL SOLD OUT FOR THIS YEAR.
Private tours may be arranged for groups of 8 on an agreed-upon Sunday afternoon.
The Shaker Village property is part of the state prison system and it can only be accessed by special arrangement. Our tour begins inside a Shaker building with a brief illustrated lecture on the history of the Shakers and the Shirley Shaker Village. Visitors go inside two other Shaker buildings and travel by prison van to various locations around the property.
Reservations must be made in advance for a cost of $20 per person, or $15 for Shirley Historical Society members.
Mail payment and contact information to Shirley Historical Society, PO Box 217, Shirley, MA 01464
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To see a list of other upcoming Shirley Events Go Here
DONATIONS are always welcomed and appreciated in order to maintain our building, collections, and programs.
They are also tax deductible. Just mail a check or click below.
Please consider remembering the Shirley Historical Society in your bequests.
Go to this link for details on Planned Giving.
MUSEUM DISPLAYS FOR 2024
Ongoing – Shirley Shaker Artifacts
January – June – Shirley’s Depot Square – Photos, diorama, and a working model railroad thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of North Central massachusetts and the Nashua Valley Railroad Association.
July – December – Handiwork of the Lawton Women – Thanks to a grant from the Anderson Foundation
DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM
From Route 2 East in Lancaster, Mass. take exit 105. Bear right onto Shirley Road and follow directions below
From Route 2 West in Lancaster, Mass. take exit 105. Merge right onto Fort Pond Road
Turn left onto Shirley Road, Lancaster (which becomes Lancaster Road in Shirley) Go 2.1 miles
After the stop sign – Go diagonally across the intersection and turn left up Center Rd. Go 2.0 miles
Arrive at 182 Center Road on your left. There is plenty of parking in our yard.
THANK YOU to these local businesses who support the work of the Shirley Historical Society.
Please support them.
Bull Run Restaurant – “Serving the thirsty traveler since 1740” – 215 Great Road, Shirley MA
Fidelity Bank – “Helping you get where you want to be.” – 21 Main St. Shirley, MA
Phoenix Park – “A great place to grow your business” – 2 Shaker Road, Shirley, MA
Shirley Fuel & Gas – “A Third Generation Business” – 1 Munson Ave. Shirley, MA
Sitka Creations – “We DESIGN ideas” – 2 Shaker Rd., D101, Shirley MA
SHIRLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 2023
President – Jackie Stanton
Vice-President – Marie Elwyn
Secretary – Ruth Rhonemus
Treasurer – Paul Przybyla
Directors at Large – Allison Hotz
William Hotz
Stephen Longley
Betsy Colburn Mirkovic
Barbara Yocum
Curator – Meredith Marcinkewicz
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION – The Shirley Historical Society is a non-profit corporation committed to the principle of equal opportunity in membership, attendance, volunteering, and employment. Shirley Historical Society does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, disability, or economic status.