RESEARCH

EXHIBITS

EVENTS

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We need your membership support now more than ever.

One by one the three Lathrop brothers from Dedham enlisted to fight for the Union after the Civil War broke out in 1861. During the next four years, John, Julius, and Joseph Lathrop wrote more than 100 letters home to their mother and three sisters.

More than 150 years later, the Lathrop letters come to life in the new book, My Dear Mother: Civil War Letters to Dedham from the Lathrop Brothers. The letters tell of the fierce battles, long marches, camp life, and the brothers’ dedication to the Union cause. The letters are published as written, without corrections or sanitation, but transcribed using the language of their time.

Click here to learn more, hear readings of select letters, and to place an order.

Featured in the Boston Globe

Featured in Antiques & the Arts Weekly

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: March 18, 2021 7:00 p.m.

This webinar, presented by Jack Hoell, will discuss the construction of what is now St. Mary’s Church, the struggles of the parishioners to earn acceptance, and how other residents of Dedham bonded together to build a monument to the beliefs of the Catholic community in town.  Click here to learn more and to register. 

To watch the video of February’s webinar  Black History in Dedham, and other webinars offered by DHSM, click here. 

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 and Black Lives Matter Stories

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 and Black Lives Matter protests and movement. 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

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Visit our membership page to learn how.

Temporary Closure    

Though the staff is working at the museum and remotely, the Dedham Historical Society & Museum will remain TEMPORARILY CLOSED to the public due to COVID-19 until further notice. The board does not feel the DHSM can 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:

Temporarily Closed to the public.
Research queries may be sent to
Kathryn Ostrofsky, Archivist
library@dedhamhistorical.org.  

Research is available by the DHSM for $25/hour
For details, visit the Research page of this website.

Gift Shop

Temporarily Closed
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.

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.