This marker at the Musquash Road Conservation Area (adjacent to Musquash Brook) was placed here in 1934 by the Bicentennial Committee chaired by Dr. H. O. Smith. It was placed near the No 1 schoolhouse, still standing in 1933, which was also the general location of the first meetinghouse for the town of Nottingham, MA. When you are in the area and look closely behind the marker you will find remnants of the foundation stones of the No 1 school.
Nottingham, Mass was granted a charter, separating it from Dunstable, in 1733. The town was required to establish a meetinghouse and establish a minister within three years. Settlements within the town of Nottingham were primarily along the river; but they extended for the full length of the town to Litchfield on the north and included much of Tyngsboro at the south. In 1734 it was voted to build the house on this site . About one year later citizens voted to add a pulpit and seats in the meeting house.
The Historical Society will be hosting Paul Wainwright from NH Humanities on September 17th at 7 PM to discuss meetinghouses during colonial times and the importance they played in towns throughout New England.
Details to follow, stay tuned!