An independent nonprofit 501c3 history center.
Funded by the generosity of people like you.
A Brief History of Andover
A Brief History of Andover
1873 Memorial Hall Library
While traveling abroad, Andover resident John Smith, founder of the Smith & Dove Manufacturing Company was impressed by the public library in Dresden, Germany. Smith wrote to his son back in Andover proposing a reading room and public library to honor the Andover men who died in the Civil War.
Smith donated $25,000 and asked that the town match his gift. His business partners contributed $15,000. Efforts to raise the remaining matching funds were slow to come, until a resident reminded the town that they had set aside $4,500 to build a Civil War memorial. Eventually $63,000 was pledged, most of which was used to purchase books.
Memorial Hall on the second floor contains marble slabs with the names of the 52 soldiers who died while serving.
Reference: Juliet Haines Mofford, Andover Massachusetts: Historical Selections from Four Centuries
Memorial Hall Library. The words "Lest We Forget" are inscribed over the front door.
Memorial Hall Library. The words "Lest We Forget" are inscribed over the front door.
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
Connecting with our community
Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
