Rochester Historical Society exhibit

May 19, 2021

ROCHESTER — Track Rochester’s growth and more in a new exhibit at the Rochester Historical Society Museum.

In pictures, visitors can see the boarding house in Rochester Center that was home to out of town students attending the Rochester Academy. They can follow Rochester's growth in a series of maps beginning in 1704 which are also available for purchase. In memoirs and articles, visitors can learn that Judah Hathaway — who retired in 1868 from a life at sea and became owner of the mill at Hathaway pond — had the first bathtub in Rochester, or that bog iron was once plentiful in Rochester's watery areas and of value.

And back on the maps, you can trace road changes, such as Rochester St. becoming Hartley Rd.

The museum’s exhibit, opening on Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is made up of items donated to or collected by the Rochester Historical Society for the museum over the last 50 years.

It is supported by the Rochester Cultural Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council.

In addition to the exhibit, the historical society will be serving lunch, holding a raffle of some items donated by local businesses, selling desserts and baked goods and Rochester items.

The rain date for the exhibit is May 23.