This summer, residents may notice new signs appearing at some of Upton's oldest homes. The signs read, "This Home Was Here in 1776" and identify houses that stood during the American Revolution and witnessed the birth of the nation.

The signs are part of the Upton Historical Society's new Witness House Project, an effort to recognize and celebrate the town's Revolutionary-era homes as America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Research conducted by the Historical Society has identified 27 homes in Upton that were built before the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, including 19 homes that were already standing when independence was declared in 1776. While generations of families have passed through their doors, these homes remain tangible reminders of the people who lived through one of the most important periods in American history.

"These homes were here when our nation was founded," said Barry Lynn of the Upton Historical Society. "Many were occupied by families who supported the Revolutionary cause, served in the militia, held town offices, or participated in events that helped shape both Upton and the new United States."

Among the homes receiving recognition is the Captain John Sadler House on Mendon Street, built in 1723 and believed to be the oldest surviving house in Upton. The home hosted Upton's first town meeting in 1735 and was associated with numerous members of the Sadler family who served during the Revolutionary War. The future Revolutionary War General Rufus Putnam, known as the "Father of the Northwest Territory," also spent part of his youth there.

Another notable Witness House is the former Abiel Sadler Tavern on Elm Street. Located along the historic Connecticut Path, the tavern served travelers and stagecoaches and is believed to have housed the town's armory during the Revolutionary era. Abiel Sadler served on the Committee on Intelligence and Safety, which coordinated local militia activities during the war.

Other recognized homes belonged to Revolutionary War veterans and civic leaders including Lieutenant William Fisk, Captain Elijah Nelson, Ephraim Whitney Jr., and members of the Child, Warren, Aldrich, and Whitney families. Together, these homes tell the story of a rural Massachusetts community whose residents contributed to the struggle for independence and the development of the young republic.

The Witness House Project is intended not only to recognize historic buildings but also to encourage residents to learn more about the people who lived in them. Many of the homes remain private residences, continuing a tradition of occupancy that spans more than two centuries.

The locations of Upton's Witness Houses can be found on the Upton Historical Society's website and Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to discover the stories behind these remarkable homes and the families who helped shape the town's history.

The Witness House Project is one of several initiatives the Upton Historical Society is undertaking as part of the nation's America 250 commemoration. The Society will also host Upton Heritage Day on Sat., Sept. 26, a community-wide celebration featuring historical narrated bus tour, demonstrations, local organizations, artisans, music, and family activities that highlight Upton's rich heritage.

As Americans commemorate 250 years of independence, Upton's Witness Houses stand as enduring reminders that the nation's history was not only made in Philadelphia, Lexington, and Concord, but also in the homes, farms, taverns, and villages of communities like Upton.

For more information, visit the Upton Historical Society website at uptonmahistory.org or follow the Society on Facebook.

Submitted by the Upton Historical Society