History
Put our past in your future by planning a trip to a MetroWest historic venue or exhibit.
Collings Foundation
137 Barton Road, Stow 01775
978-562-9182
Offers three major living history events annually, utilizing their collection of 75
vintage automobiles, military vehicles, racecars, aircraft, and the world’s largest collection of WWII tanks. Tours and events May 1-October 31.
Concord Museum
Lexington Road, Concord 01742
978-369-9763
The museum houses one of the oldest and most treasured collections of Americana in the country. It’s the gateway to Concord’s remarkable revolutionary and literary history, from the first shots in the battle for American independence to the legacy of Emerson and Thoreau.
Dedham Historical Society & Museum
612 High Street, Dedham MA 02027
781-326-1385
Showcasing Dedham Pottery, historic furniture, silver, portraits, and other decorative arts. The library/archives include over 10,000 volumes and photographs supporting a local history/genealogical collection.
Dwight-Derby House
7 Frairy Street, Medfield 02052
508-359-6565
The Dwight-Derby House is a wonderful example of a mid-century 1700s home, nestled in a setting that has not changed much over time. The clock has almost stood still to create this scene from the 1700s.
Fairbanks House, The
511 East Street, Dedham 02026
781-326-1170
The Fairbanks House, c 1637, is the oldest timber-frame house in North America. It is operated as a historic house museum and is open May 1– Oct. 31.
Framingham History Center
16 Vernon Street, Framingham 01701
508-872-3780
Our rich offerings of programs, exhibitions, and community celebrations build excitement for local history, citizenship, and pride of place now and for generations to come.
Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin 02038
Displays include locally discovered Native American arrowheads and stone implements, antique tools from Franklin’s industrial-age past, and an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts.
Gropius House and Codman Estate,Historic New England
68 Baker Bridge Road and 34 Codman Road, Lincoln 01773
781-259-8098
International Museum of World War II
Off Route 9, Natick 01760
508-651-1944
This is the most comprehensive collection of original artifacts in the world. Over 7,000 pieces, uniquely showing the human story interwoven with the military and political. Scheduled visits only, Tuesday to Saturday.
Marlborough Historical Society & Peter Rice Homestead
377 Elm Street, Marlborough 01752
The Marlborough Historical Society is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and celebration in Marlborough. Free monthly meetings and the city’s historical archives are held in the Peter Rice Homestead and Museum.
Medfield Historical Society
6 Pleasant Street, Medfield 02052
508-359-4773
At the Medfield Historical Society, history comes alive! We are an enthusiastic nonprofit membership organization working to preserve and share Medfield’s history. Our library, archives, museum, programs and exhibitions are accessible to all.
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge 01566
800-733-1830
Visit Old Sturbridge Village and discover New England’s premier living history museum. Tour a working 1830s town with authentically costumed citizens. History will amaze and inspire your entire family!
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The Grout-Heard House (The Wayland Historical Society)
12 Cochituate Road, Wayland 01778
508-358-7959
The History List
Visit our site to see a list of history-related events, museums, and exhibits in the state.
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture - deCordova
Arts & Culture - Re-enactors
Community Spotlight: Ashland
The Town of Ashland bustles year ‘round, but spring is an especially energetic season as the town’s cultural and business initiatives roll out. Although primarily residential, the town integrates small businesses as well as cutting-edge tech corporations into its community initiatives.
New England History
Centuries ago, Ashland was a stopping point on a major Indian trail which later became known as the Bay Path, connecting Cambridge and Connecticut. It was here that a community of Natick Indians was established as the Village of Magunkaquog in about 1659. The town is also known as the site of Henry Warren's invention of the electric clock, later manufactured here under the Telechron name. Today, the high school’s teams are the Clockers.
Corner Spot
Indicative of the energetic business community emerging in this town, the Corner Spot was developed in early 2017--through individual donations—as a place for new businesses to debut for one to six weeks. Opening in June of 2017, this innovative example of community placemaking will offer a rotation of new enterprises, as well as a restful spot for simply hanging out.
Farmers Market
One of the region’s most robust farmers’ markets offers special themes—such as Dog Day --each Saturday morning (June 10-October 7) as well as live music, non-food vendors, and family activities in the park at 125 Front Street. On special weekends throughout the rest of the year, the Farmers Market pops up indoors to offer Pre-Thanksgiving and Mid-Winter Markets.
Special community events
Long a home to annual community events and festivals, such as Ashland Day in September, the town now offers more programming 
through Arts!Ashland Alliance. Through arts and culture programming, the group also works to cultivate the economic vitality of the community. Its signature event is the Dragon Fly Festival, held mid-August. Other cultural offerings come from the Friends of the Ashland Library, which offers speakers and documentary film evenings.
Dining
Pockets of great cuisine are spread throughout this community of 18,000, including along Routes 126 and 135, as well as downtown sidestreets. The gourmet Oregon Club, a former speakeasy, is tucked among residences in east Ashland. In downtown, Stone’s Public House (circa 1832) boasts a ghostly history and modern hearty pub fare. New Mexican and Asian eateries have debuted in recent years as well.
Recreation & Sports
To commemorate the site of the original Boston Marathon Start Line, Ashland now boasts Marathon Park., which is now the site of the start line of the semi-annual Marathon Park Prep, a half-marathon favored by runners eager to experience a large portion of the Boston Marathon’s April route.
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There’s plenty of recreation for those inclined to relax. The 470-acre Ashland State Park offers swimming, picnic areas, boating, fishing, and hiking/biking trails. The Bay Circuit Trail connects Ashland to 34 other communities. The public schools’ new turf fields are the site of regional sports competitions.
