WHAT IS THE WHITTIER CLUB?

Formed in 1886, the Club has continued to the present as the primary local group concerned with keeping the life and work of the Poet alive for the people of this area. Two meetings, open to the public, are held each year at the Homestead – in June and December.

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HISTORY OF THE CLUB

The Haverhill Whittier Club held its initial meeting at the Summer Street Home of James R. Nichols on February 16, 1886. It was founded by a group of residents of the city of Haverhill and the town of Bradford who were admirers of the poet John Greenleaf Whittier by bringing together his friends and admirers, by promoting the further study of writings, and by collecting unpublished poems or facts about his life. Most, if not all, of the original members of the Club and others soon admitted to membership knew Whittier personally in various degrees of familiarity. As far as we know, the Club is unique in having existed for more than one hundred years as an organization dedicated to literary and custodial activities centered about one writer.

The original membership of the Club during its early days was an exclusive one whose membership roster contained the names of the most prominent citizens of Haverhill and Bradford. Today, membership in the Whittier Club is open to everyone who values the life and work of the poet.

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BOARD OF CONTROL

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