Maynard Historical Commission

05/28/2026

The Original Bucky Lew - Breaking Basketball's Color Barrier and Maynard's Role In Integrating Pro Sports!
Saturday, May 30 at 1pm
Please register here: https://maynardpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-original-bucky-lew-breaking-basketballs-color-barrier/

In 1902, 18 year old Bucky Lew made history in nearby Marlboro when he took the court with Lowell’s Pawtucketville Athletic Club of the New England Basketball League, becoming the first Black professional player in the country.

Maynard star Jack Punch was his first opponent. Over the years, they would face off numerous times, both in the New England League and then when they played for independent teams after it folded. While some objected to Lew playing, Punch was one of the majority of players who supported his right to do so.

Join author Chris Boucher as he shares pictures and stories about Lew’s career and old-time basketball in general. Copies of Chris' book will be available for purchase and signing.

05/05/2026

In case you missed our presentation at the library on Saturday, here are some clips with some fantastic stories. Thank you to Andy Mitzcavitch, Paul LeSage and Jeremy Robichaud for making this presentation possible.

05/02/2026

Today's the day! Come see us at the library at 1pm. Its a great day to hear some amazing stories.

Andy Mitzacavitch, long time resident of Maynard, has done extensive research on Maynard's participation in the Second world war. Come hear the history of the men from Maynard who made sacrifices to our country in service of the war and the many stories that accompany their lives.…Learn More . Reg...

04/29/2026

Maynard's Service in World War II: On Saturday, May 2, from 1:00 to 2:30. Andy Mitzacavitch, long time resident of Maynard, has done extensive research on Maynard's participation in the Second world war. Come hear the history of the men from Maynard who made sacrifices to our country in service of the war and the many stories that accompany their lives.

The event will be held in the Roosevelt Room in the Maynard Public Library. You can register for the event here: https://maynardpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/maynard-s-service-in-world-war-ii/

Presented in collaboration with the Maynard Historical Commission.

Andy Mitzacavitch, long time resident of Maynard, has done extensive research on Maynard's participation in the Second world war. Come hear the history of the men from Maynard who made sacrifices to our country in service of the war and the many stories that accompany their lives.…Learn More . Reg...

04/15/2026

Did you know? Sunday, April 19, marks 155 years since Maynard was incorporated as a new town in Massachusetts? An interesting article regarding the petition to create the Town can be found here:

A document has come to light which for Maynard is the equivalent of discovering a long-lost draft of the Declaration of Independence. It b...

03/18/2026

Don't miss this amazing presentation Maynard Public Library. Register here:

https://maynardpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-original-bucky-lew-breaking-basketballs-color-barrier/

In 1902, 18 year old Bucky Lew made history in nearby Marlboro when he took the court with Lowell’s Pawtucketville Athletic Club of the New England Basketball League, becoming the first Black professional player in the country.

Maynard star Jack Punch was his first opponent. Over the years, they would face off numerous times, both in the New England League and then when they played for independent teams after it folded. While some objected to Lew playing, Punch was one of the majority of players who supported his right to do so.

Beyond that first game, Lew continued in the pro game for 25 years. He further became the first Black coach, manager, referee, and team owner in integrated pro hoops. Lew's teams frequently played in Maynard and throughout New England. He became the first Black coach of an integrated college basketball team at Lowell Textile Institute, now UMass Lowell.

While Lew's achievements are largely forgotten today, they were well documented in the newspapers of his day, and the digitization of those papers is bringing his fame back to light. Although the full integration of sports didn't happen until a generation after his retirement, evidence suggests some of the key players involved in that effort were likely inspired by Lew's incredible success.

Join author Chris Boucher as he shares pictures and stories about Lew’s career and old-time basketball in general. Copies of Chris' book will be available for purchase and signing.

03/06/2026

Maynard Fine Arts is looking for people who have wonderful memories of the theater and would be willing to speak for 2-3 minutes for a recording they are going to show at a special event they are hosting. Please message us or post below if you're interested

02/07/2026

A bridge crossing on Main Street has existed since 1849. The original crossing was replaced in 1872 with a steel bridge. The 1872 bridge was replaced in 1922, with rebar reinforced concrete, and is still in use.

The current, 104-year-old bridge is currently rated poor and structurally deficient. A project to replace the bridge by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is expected to start in 2028. Demolition, removal, and replacement of the existing bridge will be completed in stages to allow two lanes of opposing traffic and pedestrian access at all times. Funding for the new bridge will be via the 2028 Transportation Improvement Program for the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization. Federal funding for the project amounts to $6.7 million, with an additional $1.7 million provided by the State, bringing the total replacement cost to $8.4 million.

02/01/2026

What's more appropriate than having our local historian live in a historical home? David and Jean live in the Charles Brooks house on Maple Street, one of the older homes in Maynard.

Want a plaque for your home? It's as easy as filling out this form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1j2Kujs9eigYLwKecdyKHWSIJkJe3VNBrNmCtwSohWGg/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawPsEHhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWQW15YkZKV1htNzN2S0Vmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoYBPxM7JCNSdCQoOwXuuJt9tYdGauf4B9A8obXTgTpCtxYnMUpkqM26wSoF_aem_wiTPolJ-IcjDEVNZf4Ujuw

01/27/2026

Join us! Now with a new spring date.

Register at www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/calendar