Clayton Rose takes the helm of Bedford town’s history

By ALIANA MEDIRATTA

Clayton Rose

Clayton Rose is stepping into the lead role at the Bedford Historical Society, where he will direct efforts to maintain the town’s character and historic charm.

Living with his family in Bedford’s Historic District for the past two decades has shown Rose how charming living in a historic property can be — even if it comes with a few maintenance struggles along the way. 

“There’s a lot to appreciate about historic homes, there’s also a lot to maintain and preserve,” said Rose, the historical society’s new executive director. “I think I’ve gotten a little trial by fire with regards to owning an historic property.” 

A love of historic buildings and the character of Bedford led him to become the chair of the Bedford Village Historic District Review Commission, which has shown him how different the town would look without preservation efforts that connect today’s residents with local history. 

The Bedford Historical Society was founded in 1916 when townspeople wanted to save what is now Historical Hall. Today, the organization maintains 10 historic buildings, operates a museum and provides community programming. 

Rose pointed to the Court House, the School House, the post office and the library as examples of buildings with “incredibly unique” character worth preserving. 

“There are assets within this organization that really took vision from the founders of this community and my goal is to build on that vision,” Rose said. “The historical society is in an excellent spot right now, and I am excited about continuing that and growing that into areas that the board, the community, and everybody can get behind.” 

One of the areas he hopes to see growth in is educational initiatives. The Historical Society leads programs and walking tours, including visits for children in local Bedford schools.

“We try to start young and with the appreciation of Bedford’s historic unique character, and allow folks to grow up within this community with an appreciation for that character,” he said. “Fourth graders going and seeing a jail cell from 1787, that’s kinda cool. It’s not just dusty history books that we’re talking about here.” 

Prior Executive Directors Lynn Ryan and Liz Hallock serve as a source of inspiration for Rose, who applauded Ryan’s efforts to digitize records to avoid losing crucial documents — which happened in a fire at Historical Hall in 1976 — and Hallock’s ability to lead with goodwill and connection. 

Picking a favorite historical property would be like picking a favorite child, Rose joked, but he shared his love for the Bedford Oak as one property that the Historical Society maintains.

“That wonderful historical tree symbolizes Bedford,” he said. “You can go through any of these buildings and they all have a story to tell.”