The Town of Petersham, in its third century, having been incorporated in April of 1754, is located at the northeastern part of the Quabbin Reservoir.  The town, which ranks third in the Commonwealth in size, is easily reached from both Route 2 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.  

The elegant town common is the centerpiece of the Petersham Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Some 45 buildings, mostly built in the early nineteenth century are included in the district.  Many of Petersham's 1200 residents live near the village center, the remainder being scattered throughout the town in an assortment of country dwellings, new and old.  Aside from its attractiveness, Petersham is blessed with a varied population desiring both to preserve and enjoy the beauty around them.  

An outstanding feature of Petersham is its wealth of conservation land, including not only the thousands of acres of the MDC's Quabbin Reservation, but also a number of large tracts maintained by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Harvard Forest, the Audubon Society and the Trustees of Reservations.  As a result, the sighting of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons and many other forms of wildlife is common.  

Cultural and recreational facilities in Petersham are many and varied, including the Petersham Craft Center, the Historical Society with its museum, the Memorial Library, Petersham Country Club, Curling Club, the Fisher Museum at Harvard Forest, summer band concerts staged at the renovated band stand, impressive Memorial Day ceremonies, numerous hiking and skiing trails, the Petersham Gun Club, Elizabeth Carpenter Concerts, antique show and other events sponsored by the American Legion, Grange, Lions Club and the three churches.