Most Vermont and New Hampshire towns established poor farms or houses, often dating as far back as colonial times. Come Come hear STEVE TAYLOR, historian, farmer, journalist, raconteur, and longtime Commissioner of Agriculture in New Hampshire, who will be examining the treatment of the poor over three centuries in his presentation POOR HOUSES AND TOWN FARMS: THE HARD ROW FOR PAUPERS. He will be speaking in the West Newbury Congregational Church on Sunday, September 11th at 2:00 PM, explaining how towns like Newbury came to establish Town Farms for the poor and the factors leading to their disappearance. He will give evidence to suggest that in many cases Town Farms were not noble homes of charity but rather institutions of peonage. This is the third and final summer program sponsored by the Newbury Historical Society. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served following the program.

Feb 22, 2025, 9:30 AM to 12 PM

Feb 22, 2025, 9:30 AM to 1 PM

Feb 23, 2025, 4 to 6 PM