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.
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.
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 - Hudson
Overview
Sitting on the bank of the Assabet River, on the western edge of Middlesex County, Hudson has come to embody the quintessential “new New England town.” While maintaining its charming, traditional essence, the town’s revamped downtown area has injected an air of trendiness and excitement to go along with its serene natural beauty.
History
Previously a village of Marlborough, Hudson was incorporated as its own town in 1866. Taking full advantage of its location along the Assabet River, the town quickly became a thriving factory town and home to 17 different shoe factories, even becoming known as “Shoe Town.” The availability of work opportunities made it an ideal place for immigrants to come to work and raise a family, and the land was settled by newcomers of predominantly Irish and Portuguese descent.
Local Offerings
With an influx of younger residents, Hudson has become a trendier, contemporary town, and its culinary offerings reflect this demographic shift. For those who enjoy a local craft brew, there’s Medusa Brewing Company and Ground Effect Brewing Company, which pair perfectly with a variety of artisanal cheeses from downtown’s Mullahy’s cheese shop. For the even younger crowd, Hudson offers many ways to pass the time, including Cellucci Skate and Splash Park and Roller Kingdom. For those looking to liven up their personal style or home décor, Hudson’s downtown is home to several clothing and home goods boutiques with offerings from both local and international artisans. Although these local shops and boutiques add to the charm of Hudson, it is still home to many of the big-box stores that simply make life a little more convenient.
