Acushnet

Originally an agricultural community embracing the headwaters of the Acushnet River, the residential Town of Acushnet has retained its rural atmosphere. Through the 1800’s the town was the site of water-powered factories and boat yards. It is the original home of the Titleist golf ball. Acushnet is a quiet friendly community of approximately 10,000 with many miles of winding, country roads. Residents take great pride in the town’s schools, openness and feeling of family. Each fall, during the well known Apple/Peach Festival, Acushnet’s growers, artisans and The Historical Society welcome visitors from far and wide.

The town boasts several historic sties and buildings including “The Free Public Library of Acushnet” first opened in 1896 in the Old Town Hall. It is now housed at 88 Main Street in the classical building constructed from stones gathered from fields and farms in Acushnet. The Town’s two principal historical treasures, located in the far north end of town in what was once the rural village of Long Plain, are the Long Plain Museum and the Long Plain Friends Meetinghouse and Museum.

The Long Plain Museum, in the former Long Plain Schoolhouse (1875), is a fascinating local history museum with an 1875 schoolroom kept just as it looked over 125 years ago. The Meetinghouse (1759), the oldest Friends (Quaker) house of worship in the SouthCoast, is listed on the national Register of Historic Places.

Visitors come to Acushnet to escape and unwind, as do potential residents. This small town is a laid-back, slow-paced, beautiful place to call home. The town is indeed eclectic. Many homes were custom built when Acushnet was first discovered by urbanites years ago.

The Town is made up of rolling green hills, wooded areas, small ponds and streams. Building is not overwhelming the landscape, thanks to the efforts of residents and town fathers. In December 2001, the Fairhaven-Acushnet Land Preservation Trust purchased a total of 50 acres of land bordering the Acushnet River. But while new homes are not abundant, and building is not rampant, Acushnet had still contended with growth. Recent upgrades have been made to many town buildings and schools.

Acushnet is a family friendly town. Currently, students attend elementary and junior high school in Acushnet before choosing to attend one of the high schools in New Bedford, Fairhaven or Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester. There are no shortages of activity for every age. Parents can take a swing at the Acushnet River Valley Golf course while there are several town-sponsored sports leagues for youth. New Bedford and Fairhaven are only minutes away, each providing more recreational and entertainment options.