RESEARCH
EXHIBITS
EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP
Summer Fundraising Drive
We are still working to financially recover from being closed during March 2020 through May 2022 as a result of the pandemic. In addition, we have encountered a number of unexpected financial challenges. These include the need to add air filtration for researchers in the archive; restore proper humidification to protect the treasured collection; augment the doubling in cost of a new kiosk, plus the need for increased support for educational programmign and improving the quality and presentation of our exhibits.
Won’t you please help with our ongoing efforts to continue our mission as good stewards of the historic building and collections, and to provide quality programming and events?
Please join us in supporting our treasured Dedham Museum & Archive by making a gift. You can do so by using the donate button below and selecting the giving category of your choice, calling our office at 781.326.1385, or mailing a check to Dedham Museum & Archive, P.O. Box 215, Dedham, MA 02027. Thank you!
Dedham Historical Society & Museum
Has a New Name
The 163-year-old Dedham Historical Society & Museum (DHSM) has a new name.
In February 2022, the Board of directors voted to change the organization’s name to the Dedham Museum & Archive (DM&A) to reflect the importance of both the museum collection of objects and the archival collection of historic documents, maps, and other records.
The decision is the result of more than a year of discovery that involved group discussions with community members from across Dedham, questionnaires in local press, social media, and our website, and through a recent member survey. While there was interest in maintaining the current name, the overwhelming response was to make the change to best reflect the organization’s holdings. Click here to read more.
Our Rebranding is Getting Noticed!
WBZ Radio reporter, anchor, and producer Chris Fama read our posts on social media about the repainted galleries and rebranding of the museum and stopped by to interview Executive Director, Johanna McBrien. Click here to listen the 40 second report.
SAVING HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE
SUPPORT Dedham Museum & Archive as we make history relevant and engaging. The DM&A does not receive town funding and your support makes it possible for us to make a difference within and for the community. Please consider becoming a member to stay informed about programs and events. Belong to Something Lasting. Please also consider making a donation. Thank you!
Help us Save History for the Future
Dedham Museum & Archive is working with developers to build a new website that will be completed by the end of summer 2022.
Funds for the site were secured from Dedham Savings Community Foundation and Mass Humanities. Stay Tuned!
Programs, Events & Lectures
Please visit the Current Events page for more information on programs, events, exhibits, and our speaker series.
Tavern Night Returns!
Friday, September 16, 2022
Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets. Don’t delay, the first year sold out before the event!
Third Thursdays
Webinar Series
Mother Brook
Historic Walking Tour
Take advantage of the autumn weather and go on a self-guided walking tour along the Mother Brook. Along the way, read the Historic Markers with information about a half dozen sites that are integral to Dedham’s history.
History Tidbits
DHSM may be closed to the public, but we will continue to bring history to you. Click here to read the latest History Tidbits.
The Kenneth Burt Programs Fund
Please join others in donating to the Kenneth Burt Archives & Programs Fund. Ken was Treasurer of the Dedham Historical Society & Museum from 1994-2003 and passed away in January 2020. His widow asked friends to contribute to the museum in his memory with funds put toward educational initiatives including family research and programs. We are pleased to report that donations are currently in excess of $1,000. We hope you will consider contributing to this fund. Thank you for your support.
Museum
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00-5:00
Admission $5 (nonmembers)
Members receive free entry to museum, library, and lectures, as well as discounts to programs and at the gift shop. Visit the Membership page for more details.
Archives & Library
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00-2:00
To make an appointments or research query, please contact Nicole McAllister at
library@dedhamhistorical.org.
For details, visit the Research page of this website. Please note that masks are required.
Membership
Become a member and
Belong to Something Lasting
Interested in visiting more than 1,160 museums nationwide for free as a member of Dedham Museum & Archive? Visit our membership page to learn how.
Janet Haugh, Membership Officer
info@dedhamhistorical.org – 781.326.1385
Gift Shop
We offer a selection of Potting Shed and Nash Pottery “Dedham Pottery” ceramics, a Dedham Pottery cotton throw, puzzles, ornaments, books, and more. Stop by during the posted hours, call 781.326.1385, or email info@dedhamhistorical.org.
Office
Johanna McBrien, Executive Director
society@dedhamhistorical.org
We Welcome Volunteers
Please let us know if you would like to contribute your time assisting in the archives, museum, with educational programming, or events. Thank you in advance for your participation. Please send an email to info@dedhamhistorical.org.
SUPPORT DM&A
Are you interested in supporting a particular resource such as our educational programming, the archives, collections fund, or operating expenses?
Please help us Save History for the Future and make a donation. Click here or use the QR code below. Thank you!
Featured Items For Sale
in our Gift Shop
Historic House Plaque Program
Help promote awareness of historic preservation and learn more about your home through a historic house plaque. Click here to learn more.
Dedham Museum & Archive Receives Grant
Please join us in thanking Dedham Savings Community Foundation for a $19,418 grant to preserve, digitize, and expand accessibility to archival materials in the collection.
We are most appreciative for Dedham Savings Community Foundation’s partnership in Saving History for the Future. To learn more about how the grant funds will be used, click here.
Dedham Museum & Archive Receives SHARP Grant
Dedham Museum & Archive is excited to announce that we are among ten non-profit organizations in the Massachusetts Metro-West region to receive a #SHARP grant from Mass Humanities with funding made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan. Ninety organizations across Massachusetts received grants totaling nearly $1 million (https://bit.ly/3mGyAAH). To learn more, visit www.neh.gov.
Dedham Museum & Archive will use the funds to install a kiosk on our lawn to expand awareness of our diversity of programs and events, and for rebranding.
Stay tuned!
CARES Act Funds Received
In June, Mass Humanities announced that the Dedham Museum & Archive was one of 123 humanities organizations in the state to receive funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Click here to learn how the DM&A is using the funds to improve outreach and access.
Dedham Museum & Archive Receives State Funds
In early 2020, the Dedham Museum & Archive received State funds from the FY2019-2020 budget with the purpose of preparing two Feasibility Studies and a Strategic Plan. Learn more in the News section.
Purchasing products on Amazon? Please make your purchases count to help DHSM by buying through Amazon Smile and selecting Dedham Historical Society as your charity choice.
Click the Amazon link above or on one of the charity links below to have your purchases help DHSM. Thank you!