Sunrise at Connor's Pond, Petersham. Photo by Joe Mitko

Self-sufficient farming by courageous pioneers marked the beginning of Petersham in the mid-1700’s. The formation of the town was the result of a petition of 67 soldiers who, under the leadership of Capt. John Lovell of Dunstable and Capt. John White of Lancaster, fought in military expeditions against the French and Indians. The General Court granted their petition in 1733 and the new township was named Volunteers Town. Later, the name of a local Indian settlement, Nichewaug, was used until the town’s incorporation in 1754 as Petersham.

Town Statistics
Population:  1220 (2001) Tax Rate:  $10.32 (Fiscal Year 2006) Area:  68.8 Square Miles Median Family Income:  $45,855
Town Departments	Address	Telephone
Assessor's Office	35 Main Street	978-724-6658
Center School	Spring Street	978-724-3363
Highway Department	Main Street	978-724-3211
Selectman	Main Street	978-724-3353
Town Clerk	Main Street	978-724-6649
Fire Department
To Report A Fire		978-724-3232
General Business	16 East Street	978-724-3371
Police Department
Emergency Only		9 1 1
General Business		978-724-3330