HISTORY
The Rochester Historical Society was formed in 1967 and incorporated in 1969 by a group of local residents who first researched their own houses and then older homes in town. The Society began as a social group meeting at members’ homes. They spent a lot of time at Town Hall studying the Proprietors’ Records and at the Registry of Deeds in Plymouth researching deeds, wills, plan books, and other documents, copying them all by hand and typing them later at home. Today, members are interested in preserving Rochester’s past for future generations, hoping to instill pride in our town and respect for its historic houses, public buildings, and rural character.
LOCATION
The Historical Museum of the Rochester Historical Society is located in the East Rochester Church at 355 County Road in Rochester. The upstairs is used as a museum, still keeping the old New England Congregational Church as it was left to the Society in 2003 by the members of the church when they could no longer afford to use it as a church. The East Rochester Church is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Anyone interested in visiting the Historical Museum can arrange an appointment by calling Sue LaFleur at 508-295-8908 or Connie Eshbach at 617-750-2818.
MEMBERSHIPS
The Rochester Historical Society, which owns and maintains its 1857 church/museum, is exclusively member-supported, with some help from Mass Cultural Council grants.
Membership forms can be found at Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library or can be mailed out to new members. For requests, contact Sue at sash48@comcast.com and 508-295-8908 or Connie at eshbach2@aol.com or 617-750-2818.
Checks can be mailed to the Rochester Historical Society, PO Box 322, Rochester, MA 02770.
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday evening of most months at 7:00 PM at the East Rochester Church at 355 County Road in Rochester.
