From the Charlestown Historical Society

Charlestown Historical Society Winter 2025 As we enter our 57th year as a Charlestown non-profit, we'd like to wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year and extend our sincere gratitude to you for your support and patronage this past year. Our commitment to your society is the backbone of our mission to educate all about the amazing history of Charlestown. This past December 6th, the CHS museum welcomed visitors from our local towns during the Charlestown Holiday Ramble. A great deal of story sharing and good cheer made for a busy and magical evening. Mark your calendars for 12/25! Also this past December, the 1838 Schoolhouse underwent restoration work on its interior ceiling, which had not been addressed since it was moved to its current location on library grounds in 1972. During the project, our contractor discovered an old sign in the attic of the schoolhouse which was tucked away from yesteryear when the building was used as a 4H Club for the young children of Quonnie. Below are some photos from the 1940's of the old 1838 Schoolhouse "clubhouse" and its young members. Perhaps you may know someone? The Final Result After over half a year of research, planning and work, the CHS Cemetery Committee has neared completion of one of its most challenging projects at the Church-Perry Burying Ground, located across from the Cross Mills Library. Kudos to this dedicated group! A Walk Down Memory Lane ..... You won't want to miss this special presentation by Betty Cotter, one of Rhode Island's celebrated journalists, teachers, authors and storytellers. In this illustrated lecture, Betty (a Charlestown School graduate), will describe the history of the school from its origins as the Pawcatuck Valley School in 1918, through its 20th-century expansion. Betty will discuss the school's longtime teachers of that period and interspersed throughout her talk will be letters and documents from her mother's years of teaching there. Please share with your friends, teachers and community members who remember their ties with this wonderful part of Charlestown's history. Mark your calendars now! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For those who wish to remain after the presentation, the CHS will hold a brief meeting for its annual election of officers Light refreshments provided. See you there! Visit our website Email Us

Charlestown Historical Society | P.O. Box 100 | Charlestown, RI 02813 US