RESEARCH
EXHIBITS
EVENTS
Please support the Dedham Historical Society & Museum as
we make history relevant and engaging for all audiences.
The DHSM does not receive town funding and we rely on gifts and donations
from valued partners like you. Your support makes a difference and thank you.
Become a member
BELONG TO SOMETHING LASTING
Join DHSM and gain access to more than 1,200 museums nationwide!
Click here for our Membership page to get started.
Thank you for your support.
We need your membership support now more than ever and we’re thanking you with a NARM membership.
New Offerings from the DHSM
A New Puzzle & Civil War letters
Left: There’s a new game in town!
We have released a new addition to our gift shop―a Dedham Pottery Puzzle. The 300-piece puzzle design includes patterns ranging from the most common crouching rabbit to the rare elephant and baby border. Some of the more unusually shaped serving pieces are also depicted.
The examples included in the puzzle are all from the DHSM’s collection of original Dedham Pottery. During its span of production, which began in 1896, the Dedham Pottery (located on Pottery Lane in East Dedham) created more than fifty patterns for dinnerware and serving pieces. The pottery ceased production in 1943.
Get reacquainted with or discover Dedham Pottery! Exercise your mind, increase your productivity, tackle alone or collaboratively. Perfect for a rainy day, sunny backyard day, or kitchen table. Since DHSM has not yet reopened, please order by telephone at 781.326.1385 for curbside pickup at 612 High Street in Dedham, next to the police station and across from the post office. Cost per puzzle is $20.95 plus $1.31 tax.
Right: My Dear Mother: Civil War Letters to Dedham from the Lathrop Brothers. Click here to learn more about the publication, to hear readings of select letters, and to place an order.
Programs, Events & Lectures
Please visit the Current Events page for more information on programs, events, exhibits, and our speaker series.
Monthly Webinar Series
Third Thursdays
Next session: September 16th, 2021 7:00 p.m.
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.
CARES Act Funds Received
In June, Mass Humanities announced that the DHSM 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 DHSM is using the funds to improve outreach and access.
DHSM Receives State Funds
In early 2020, the DHSM 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.
History in the Making
Recording the COVID-19 Pandemic
As an institution driven to preserve Dedham’s history, we are asking the residents of Dedham to share with the DHSM your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to see images that residents have shared and to learn how you can contribute materials to the archives and be a part of history.
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.
Membership News
Become a member and
Belong to Something Lasting
Interested in visiting more than 1,160 museums nationwide for free
as a member of DHSM?
Visit our membership page to learn how.
Reopening Status
As of July 1, 2021, the Archives is open
–by appointment only–on Thursdays from 11:00-4:00. Masks are required.
Click here for more details.
The museum, however, remains closed to the public due to COVID-19 until further notice as the DHSM cannot provide enough safety measures to protect our staff and visitors during the pandemic.
To contact staff members or to ask a general question, please refer to the emails below. You may also leave a phone message and it will be returned as promptly as possible.
We appreciate your understanding. Click here for the latest information from the CDC.
Museum:
Temporarily Closed to the public.
When DHSM reopens: Admission $5
Janet Haugh, Membership Officer
info@dedhamhistorical.org – 781.326.1385
Free entry to museum, library, and lectures for members, as well as discounts to programs and at the gift shop. Visit the Membership page for more details.
Archives & Library:
Open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY on Thursdays from 11:00-4:00 beginning July 1, 2021.
Appointments and research queries may be sent to Kathryn Ostrofsky, Archivist
library@dedhamhistorical.org.
For details, visit the Research page of this website. Please note that masks are required.
Gift Shop
Temporarily Closed unless picking up an order.
Masks are required if picking up items inside the museum. Thank you.
When DHSM reopens, please visit our Gift Shop, where you will find gifts for the holidays, from ornaments to decorative items and reproduction Dedham Pottery. Please 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.
Please note that we cannot welcome volunteers until after the DHSM reopens.
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.
Gift Shop
When the DHSM reopens, please visit our Gift Shop, where you will find “Dedham Pottery” from the Potting Shed, writing cards (including those featuring the historic 1828 Gragg Tavern), Dedham-themed T-shirts, and other items.