Programs & Events

Each year the Reading Antiquarian Society puts on a number of free events and lectures for the public. The purpose for these events is to educate and foster interest in the history of Reading and the role the Parker Tavern has played in that history.

We hope you will join us!

2012

May 6, 2012: Opening Day!
Tours are available each Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., May 1through October 28, 2012.

May 12: Colonial Faire Day at Parker Tavern, 10 a.m. ~ 3 p.m.
The Reading Antiquarian Society is sponsoring another Colonial Faire. Stay tuned for details!

Please click here for photographs of the 2008 Faire.

2011

April 10th: Lecture - The Octagon House, 2:30 p.m. at the Police Station Cummunity Room
The owner of the Octagon House in Reading will tell us about the architecture and history of her interesting house, including its role in the Underground Railroad. Plenty of parking behind Walgreens.
Light refreshments will be served.

May 1, 2011: Opening Day!
Tours are available each Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., May 1through October 30, 2011.

October 15: Civil War Walk at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 10 a.m. OR 2 p.m.
The Reading Antiquarian Society will lead a Civil War Walk at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Meet at the main gates on Lowell St. next to the Old South Church at either 10 a.m.or 2 p.m. Come and enjoy a leisurely walk while learning about some of those from Reading who gave their lives to help preserve the Union.

December 4th: Holiday Open House at Parker Tavern, 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.
Start your holiday season at the bi-annual Parker Tavern Holiday Open House. The tavern will be seasonally decorated by the Reading Garden Club, toys from our collection will be displayed in the Keeping Room and Reading Girl Scouts will be singing holiday songs. Seasonal refreshments will be served.

We hope you can join us for some pre-holiday cheer!

2010

May 2, 2010: Opening Day, 2:00 p.m.~ 5:00 p.m.

May 8, 2010: Colonial Faire Open House

2009

February 25, 2009: Tour The Reading Public Library Photograph Collection
Come take a tour through the newly digitized photograph collection of the Reading Public Library. Through a grant from the Celebration Trust, the Library has worked over the past year and a half to scan and catalog this collection. We have anecdotes and stories to tell, and you may too when you see the photos!Co-hosted by the Reading Antiquarian Society. Please come join us for an enjoyable evening.
Meet at the Reading Public Library Meeting Room, 7:00 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.

May 3, 2009: Opening Day!
The Friends of the Reading Public Library, in conjunction with the Reading Historical Commission, is hosting a comfortable walking tour of six gracious homes on Summer Ave. and Woburn Sts. on May 3rd from 1pm to 5pm. Entitled "A Peek Into the Past", it includes designs by Horace Wadlin, a prominent 19th century local architect, whose municipal building designs include the Highland School, Reading's current library building. While Parker Tavern is not on the actual tour, all are welcome to stop by the tavern for a tour to view some newly acquired acquisitions and enjoy some light refreshments.

December 6, 2009: Holiday Open House at Parker Tavern, 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.
Please click here for photographs from the 2009 Open House)

2008

May 2, 2008: Opening Day!

May 10, 2008: Colonial Faire Day at the Parker Tavern, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Please click here for photographs of the 2008 Faire.

October 25th, 2008: Bi-annual Business Meeting, 10:00 a.m.

2007

December 2, 2007: Holiday Open House at Parker Tavern, 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.