Asa Waters Mansion

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Asa Waters Mansion Historic Georgian Colonial estate in the heart of Massachusetts. Available for private events.

The Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission lists the Asa Waters Mansion as "the finest example of Georgian Colonial style in the country." The Mansion is not only one of the most beautiful buildings in Millbury, it has a proud history –part of the "Underground Railroad" during the Civil War, it is registered on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Lovingly restored to its original splendor, the Asa Waters Mansion provides a stately setting for community gatherings, wedding, seminars, and parties.

The American Lyceum Movement - Schedule of EventsThe Massachusetts Center for Civic Education and the historic Asa Water...
10/25/2026

The American Lyceum Movement - Schedule of Events

The Massachusetts Center for Civic Education and the historic Asa Waters Mansion, both in Millbury, invite you to a weekend of events this November to learn about the history of this movement and its roots in Worcester County and take part in shaping its 21st century impact on our communities. Please join us on Saturday, November 7th, and Sunday, November 8th at Asa Waters Mansion, located at 123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA 01527.

Five scheduled events will take place at the mansion throughout the weekend. Most are free. Guests are invited to attend as many as they’d like.

The keynote speaker for these events will be Dr. Angela G. Ray, a noted lyceum scholar at Northwestern University and a published author on the American Lyceum Movement. Dr. Ray will participate in each of the weekend’s programs.

We look forward to seeing you there!

To register, please either scan the QR code, or contact Asa Waters Mansion, Executive Director, Traci Parath at 508-865-0855 or [email protected].

Did you get it right? Answer to Quiz  #6C) The American Lyceum Movement and the Agricultural FairDID YOU KNOW?The Americ...
10/23/2026

Did you get it right?

Answer to Quiz #6

C) The American Lyceum Movement and the Agricultural Fair

DID YOU KNOW?
The American Agricultural Fair traces its roots to a cattle show in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1810. Josiah Holbrook, the man who founded the American Lyceum Movement in Millbury in 1826, was both a farmer and a Yale University graduate. He thought citizens could share their farming knowledge at lyceum events and increase crop yields.

Join us November 7th & 8th for a weekend filled with exciting learning sessions at the Mansion. Many events are FREE and suitable for learners of all ages. Learn about the past lyceum history and the return of the 21st century lyceums! Pre-registration is required, head on over to our website to sign up today!

10/23/2026

What an amazing performance by Friends of Coop at our Fall Fun Day! Thank you so much for coming out and enjoying the afternoon with us!

Quiz  #6 Not many Americans had access to formal education 200 years ago, but education advocates felt that adult educat...
10/23/2026

Quiz #6

Not many Americans had access to formal education 200 years ago, but education advocates felt that adult education was nonetheless important. Two prominent social gatherings in Massachusetts blended together to allow community building and adult learning to take place simultaneously. What were these two gatherings?

A) The American Lyceum Movement and the Militia Muster
B) The American Lyceum Movement and the Town Meeting
C) The American Lyceum Movement and the Agricultural Fair
D) The American Lyceum Movement and the Temperance Movement
E) The American Lyceum Movement and the Second Great Awakening

Post your answers below! We'll reveal the answer later today!

10/22/2026

šŸ A FALL FUN DAY TO REMEMBER! šŸ

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day! It was the perfect blend of community, connection, and autumn fun at Asa Waters Mansion! From wonderful local vendors and talented live performers to families exploring, shopping, and making memories, Fall Fun Day was truly something special.

Until next time, thank you for being part of the magic at Asa Waters Mansion! 🧔

CANDLELIGHT & ABRAHAM LINCOLNStep back into the 19th century for an extraordinary evening at the historic Asa Waters Man...
10/22/2026

CANDLELIGHT & ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Step back into the 19th century for an extraordinary evening at the historic Asa Waters Mansion.

On Saturday, November 7th, join us for Candlelight & Abraham Lincoln, an interactive historical experience exploring the words, ideas, and legacy of one of America’s most influential presidents.

By the warm glow of candlelight, experience a reenactment of young Abraham Lincoln’s famous Lyceum speech, accompanied by a presentation and historical interpretation by Dr. Angela G. Ray. Together, they will bring the spirit of 19th-century American discourse to life within the walls of this remarkable historic mansion.

The evening will include a period-appropriate atmosphere, light refreshments, and a Q&A session, offering an opportunity to reflect on Lincoln’s words and their enduring relevance.

Saturday, November 7, 2026
7:00PM–9:00PM | Doors open at 6:30PM
Asa Waters Mansion | 123 Elm Street, Millbury, MA
Admission: $10 per person
Seating is limited, so reserve your place today!

šŸ‘‰ Scan the event flyer’s QR code or click the link in the comment section to register.

If you answered: E) All of the aboveYou're killing it! DID YOU KNOW?Founder Josiah Holbrook did draw blueprints for the ...
10/21/2026

If you answered:

E) All of the above

You're killing it!

DID YOU KNOW?
Founder Josiah Holbrook did draw blueprints for the ideal lyceum facility. He envisioned several classrooms, a large lecture space, a laboratory for scientific education and storage for collections of minerals and other educational materials. Towns like Salem, Concord and Providence did construct dedicated lyceum buildings.

To learn more about The American Lyceum Movement, and Josiah Holbrook join us on the weekend of November 7th & 8th here at the Mansion, for a series of engaging learning events! Pre-registration is required, and many events throughout the weekend are FREE. Suitable for learners of all ages! Visit our website to learn more!

I do, at the Mansion! Thank you to Jacquelyn Leclerc for sharing these lovely photos of your wedding here at the Asa Wat...
10/21/2026

I do, at the Mansion!

Thank you to Jacquelyn Leclerc for sharing these lovely photos of your wedding here at the Asa Waters Mansion.

At the Mansion, memories are made that last a lifetime, and we couldn’t be more grateful to be a small part of some of life’s most meaningful moments.
Your love story deserves a beautiful setting, no matter the size of your celebration.

Address

123 Elm Street
Millbury, MA
01527

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