Groton Celebrates Founder’s Day

NOTE!! Parking on Founders’ Day

Please note: Parking will be restricted to one side only along portions of Main St. and Hollis Street in down town Groton on Saturday, May 21st between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the Founders’ Day festivities.  Additionally a portion of Station Avenue will be reserved for extra handicapped parking and as trolley and hayride loading stations.  Some of the large parking lots, such as the Groton-Dunstable Main St campus, may also have limitations during the day for their own special events.  Please observe all posted restriction notices.

Residents and visitors will find blue Lawrence Academy vans regularly running throughout the area to assist people in getting from one location to another.  Spectators may also enjoy taking narrated Trolley Talk Tours on the Lowell Regional Transit Authority trolleys for those wearing Founders’ Day buttons.  The trolleys will start at Town Hall and make one stop at Jos. Kilbridge Antiques on Main St., and another at Legion Common

Download the schedule by Location

Download the schedule by Theme

On Saturday, May 21st, the 350th Anniversary Committee will be hosting one of the major events planned for this year and we encourage everyone, young and old, to come out for this wonderful day of commemoration and celebration.  Bring your relatives and friends, too!  We are planning a rain or shine event that will be truly memorable! 

Founder’s Day will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Minuteman Common in front of the First Parish Church with a moving ceremony to officially commemorate the signing of the articles of incorporation of Groton as a plantation in May of 1655.  Setting the stage for this great celebration will be the sounds of fifes and drums of the Groton Minutemen as they escort dignitaries to the podium on Minutemen Common. State Trooper Dan Clark, official singer for the Massachusetts State House will lead several patriotic songs.  Proclamations and letters of congratulations from the President and other federal and state officials will be read, followed by a keynote speech delivered by Richard Jeffers, well-known teacher and historian at the Lawrence Academy.  The ceremony will close with a moment of silence, followed by musket fire from the Minutemen, a salute to all who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Click here to download a list of the Decendents
Hosted by the Stagecoach Inn!

At twelve noon, a Main Street Celebration will begin that honors 350 years in Groton of art and music, schools, businesses, memorable events, living history and more.  There will be a wide variety of activities to see and do for all ages that extend from Lawrence Academy all along Main Street and up to Legion Common.  Living history dramatizations will occur all afternoon and will span moments in time from the early 1700’s into the 20th century.  There will be photo displays, map displays, and military encampments to enjoy.  You can learn about some of the houses in our Historic District by following an updated map all on your own, or take guided tours on foot or by hayride.  Get a taste of life in the 1940’s & ‘50s at the Groton Public Library.  Learn what it was like to be a student in a 1700’s classroom or “meet” some of the individuals who are buried in the Old Burying Ground.  Enjoy the sounds of the Heritage String Band and Wind Chimes, or take in once again some of the movies that were filmed in part in Groton.  Feast on sumptuous offerings of our local restaurants or try an old-time tidbit or two.  You can also visit one of the many art galleries participating in the Founders Day Artwalk.  And, don’t forget to see the Groton Historical Society’s brand new display at the Boutwell House.  Then finish the day with a little contra dancing!


The Groton Grange presents Founders Day Family Contra Dance on Saturday, May 21, at 7pm, at the Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney St. Music by Groton's own Contra Banditos! Beginners welcome. All steps taught by Caller Carolyn Parrott. Free admission. Refreshments will be served. This dance is sponsored in part by the Town Of Groton's Lecture Fund and Groton's 350th Committee.

For information call Ashling 978-448 3990 or email contrabanditos@verizon.net

Buttons purchased before May 21st are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (65 +) and students.  Children age two and below are free.  Prices will rise to $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and students on the day of the event.  A $3 fee per person will be charged for all restricted events for those without buttons.

So, get your buttons now and be a part of the fun. Buttons may be purchased at the following locations:

Groton

MRM Realty – 316 Boston Rd., Groton
NOA Gallery – 113 Main St., Groton
Moison’s Ace Hardware – 143 Main St., Groton
Main Street Café – 159 Main St., Groton
Town Hall – 172 Main St., Town Clerk’s Office
Century 21, Mill Run Place, West Main St., Groton
Groton Senior Center , West Main St., Groton

WestGroton

Sherwin Brothers Market, Main St., West Groton

Ayer

Nashoba Valley Medical Center Marketing Office- 200 Groton Rd., Ayer

Dunstable


Convenient Mann, 17 Pleasant St., Dunstable

Littleton

L’il Peach – Jennifer Street, Littleton

Pepperell

McNabb’s General Store – Main St., Pepperell

Westford

Baskets, Baubles & Beans – Primrose Park, 1 Lan Drive, Westford
Roudenbush Community Center – 65 Main St., Westford

Sales Tables will also be at the following events & locations:

4/23 – 10 a.m. 1 p.m.  Groton Road Race, Groton-Dunstable Middle School, Main St., Groton

4/25 – 6:30 p.m. Town Meeting, Groton-Dunstable Middle School, Main St., Groton

5/7 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Town Hall area , Main Street, Groton

5/15 – 1:30 p.m. –Meeting of Minuteman Historical Societies, Parish Church, Groton

5/20 – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Town Hall

Come in costume if you like!  You can also make a weekend of it by enjoying some of the natural wonders to be found in and around Groton by hiking the trails, exploring the woods or paddling on the rivers on Sunday.

We look forward to seeing you there –

Sincerely,

Connie Sartini
Susan  Peyton

Founder’s Day Co-Chairs of the 350th Committee

           For information - sartini38@charter.net or (978) 448-6852