Barre Grange was one of the first granges organized in Massachusetts and played a key role in organizing the Massachusetts State Grange. Unfortunately, Barre Grange closed its doors in 1986. Today, we are working to bring the Grange back to Barre. The Grange's roots in agriculture and the community make it a perfect fit for our town; the Grange's history of non-partisan involvement in grassroots l
egislative action make it a perfect voice for small-town America. Throughout its 145-year history, the National Grange has been a champion for rural America. Formed in the years following the Civil War, the Grange worked to heal the wounds inflicted on the nation by the devastating conflict. From busting railroad monopolies and enacting rural free delivery, the National Grange has always been, and continues to be, a voice for farmers and small-town life. The Massachusetts State Grange actively supports Heifer Project International, FFA, and 4-H. Through the efforts of its members, the Massachusetts State Grange has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Heifer Project to help rural America. The Massachusetts State Grange's sponsorship of FFA and 4-H help young people to develop the skills they need to succeed in farming and in life. Each year, Grange members, led by our youth, raise hundreds of dollars in gift cards for foster children in need. Local granges in Massachusetts sponsor agricultural and craft fairs, farmers' markets, homesteading workshops, and rabies clinics. Grange members actively support our troops overseas by collecting, donating, packaging, and shipping needed goods to our men and women in uniform. Local granges, with the help of the Massachusetts State Grange, have supported right-to-farm bylaw an ordinances in communities throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, the Grange offers many benefits to its members. Besides personal growth through leadership development and community involvement, members are often eligible for scholarships form both local and state granges. The friendships and fellowship gained through the Grange are priceless with the Grange often becoming an extended family for many of its members. Craft, baking, and talent contests offer Grange members the opportunity to share their skills, talents, and knowledge with others and be recognized for their abilities. The Grange truly is a family organization with membership open to women and men aged 14 or older. From its beginnings, the Grange has offered the full rights, responsibilities, and privileges of membership to both sexes. Even the youngest members enjoy full membership privileges as soon as they join. Special programs offer young members the chance to develop public speaking and leadership skills and network with other youth from around their states and regions and throughout the country. Granges often have several generations of the same family leading the Grange and helping to decide its direction. The Grange also offers membership for 5-14 year-olds in the Junior Grange, where members run their own meetings, with adult guidance, making their own decisions, and begin developing leadership skills early on. The Junior Grange merit badge program also offers juniors the chance to explore a variety of interests and hobbies. What Barre Grange does is completely up to its members. What do you want do with your Grange? For more information or to join Barre Grange, please contact us by phone or email, or just leave a message on our wall.
