Our three buildings are located in the heart of rural central Massachusetts. Our main building, a 1836 Greek Revival overlooks Barre's picturesque common. Our Coach House is aptly named for the fully conserved 1859 Concord Coach that is part of our collection. Our third building, The Heritage Center (formally The Tatman House) is our newest brick and mortar addition-- here we hope to expand out exhibits and offer room for research, meetings and community programming.
COVID-19 NOTICE: The Barre Historical Society will stay closed to the public unless by appointment. All programs have been postponed until further notice. Please feel free to contact us regarding inquires that we may be able to help you with virtually.
Remembering Lester Paqiin
Lester W. Paquin, 63
BARRE - Lester W. Paquin, 63, a lifelong resident of Barre, noted town historian and zealous advocate for Veterans' causes, died suddenly on March 11, 2021.
He was a 1975 graduate of Quabbin Regional High School and Mount Wachusett Community College. Lester was dedicated to many causes including honoring and assisting Veterans. He worked to bring Veterans memorials to Washington D.C. and Worcester and wrote a play, "Memorial: David's Peace," which depicts loved ones of a soldier killed in 1968 as they meet at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and recall their memories of him. For many years, Lester offered detailed programs about the "Titanic," "Lusitania" and "Andrea Dorea." He also offered presentations about the Lipizzaner Stallions, Seven Houses of God in Barre, the Naramore family tragedy, and portraits of local Civil War figures.
Lester served as a member of the Barre Historical Commission, Historical Society, Library Association and Library Trustees, holding offices for some of the organizations. He served as Secretary of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Board of Directors, was a longtime director of the Barre Senior Center and was active for many years with the Barre Players. He worked as an editor and writer at Worcester Publishing and penned a book about the city. He was employed by AIDS Project Worcester at the time of his death.
Among his loved ones, Lester leaves his mother, Jacqueline Paquin, to whom he was devoted, his partner John Tambeau, his brothers Sheldon and John (Cassandra), his niece Amanda and nephew Zachary. He was predeceased by his father, Charles L. Paquin Jr. He also leaves his two beloved dogs.