We are a 400 member all volunteer historical society formed in 1894 to preserve, study and communicate the history of Topsfield. We own and maintain the nationally registered 1683 Parson Capen House, a rare survivor of early Elizabethian architecture. The house and Gould Barn (a circa 1710 structure) are open for visitors during the summer and on Thanksgiving morning as well as on special occasions. We host meetings with speakers and events during the year related to historical themes, most of which are open to the public. Usually at least one overnight trip is planned to a more remote location having some historical connotation.