In its earliest years, Society members met in two rented rooms at 71 Main Street. In 1929 Miss Caroline Underhill donated the Amos Blanchard House to the Society for its headquarters. Miss Underhill retained life rights to live in the house, which she did until she passed away in 1956. While in residence, Miss Underhill gave tours, cataloged collections, and conducted research. From 1911 until World War II, the Society’s activities consisted of plays, musicals, pageants, historical lectures, loan exhibits, whist tournaments, and Washington’s Birthday Balls.
Activity at the Historical Society faded during World War II. Board minutes of the time reflect the universal anxiety about the war. Washington’s Birthday Balls gave way to simple open houses. Communications from the Committee on Preserving Valuable Historical Articles warned about the impact of bombing on historic sites. The Blanchard House closed during the winter months due to fuel shortages. The Board discussed maintaining a list of active servicemen and voted to purchase a $500 war bond.