RESEARCH
EXHIBITS
EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP
SAVING HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE
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.
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.
Programs, Events & Lectures
Please visit the Current Events page for more information on programs, events, exhibits, and our speaker series.
Third Thursdays
Webinar Series
Next webinar: February 17th, 7:00 p.m.
The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves
DHSM Receives SHARP Grant
DHSM 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.
DHSM 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!
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.
DHSM 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.
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.
SUPPORT DHSM
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!
Reopening Status
Interested in using the Archive for research?
The Archive is open
by appointment. Masks are required.
Click here for more details.
The Gift Shop is open Tuesday-Friday, 11:00-6:00 p.m. The museum, however, remains closed to the public due to COVID-19 until further notice, though we hope to reopen by the end of the year.
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:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Appointments and research queries may be sent to
Nicole McAllister
library@dedhamhistorical.org.
For details, visit the Research page of this website. Please note that masks are required.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is open for purchases. Please call in advance to confirm.
Masks are required if picking up items inside the museum. Thank you.
Please visit our Gift Shop, where you will find items ranging from Potting Shed “Dedham Pottery”; puzzles, ornaments, the Dedham Pottery cotton throw, and more. 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.
Feature Items For Sale
in our Gift Shop
In addition to offering reproduction Dedham Pottery from The Potting Shed, we have released several new additions to our gift shop―an adorable “Parade of Elephants” ornament (2.5″ diameter) and a 300-piece puzzle featuring Dedham Pottery patterns ranging from the most common crouching rabbit to the rare elephant and baby border (featured in the ornament). 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. You can purchase ornaments for $19.99 + tax (member price $17.55+tax) and puzzles for $20.95 + tax (member price $18.85+tax). Shipping not included.
Additionally, My Dear Mother: Civil War Letters to Dedham from the Lathrop Brothers is available. Click here to learn more about the publication, to hear readings of select letters, and to place an order.
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!
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.