Dedham Historical Society Library

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Contact Information
E-mail: [mailto:library@dedhamhistorical.org library@dedhamhistorical.org]

Address:


 * 612 High St
 * Dedham, MA 02026

Telephone:781-326-1385 Fax: n/a

Hours and holidays: 

Admission $5 (There is no admission fee for DHS members) Both the library and the museum are open on even dated Saturdays from 1:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m.
 * Tuesday and Thursday:  9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
 * Saturday:  1:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m
 * It is recommended you call ahead and speak to our archivist regarding your research prior to your visit. For research questions please email: library@dedhamhistorical.org

Directions, maps, and public transportation:

Location Map: [Location Map]

FROM BOSTON – MBTA BUS

Take the 34E bus from Forest Hills Station to Dedham Center. The Society is located between the police station and post office at 612 High Street.

FROM BOSTON – ROUTE 1:

Take Route 1 (VFW Parkway) south to the intersection of Route 109. Turn right onto Route 109 (Bridge Street) and continue to the traffic lights at the intersection of Ames and Bridge Streets at the Mobile gas station. Bear left onto Ames Street and continue to the next traffic light at High Street at the courthouses. Turn left and continue onto High Street. The Historical Society will be on the right at 612 High Street, one block beyond the courthouses and across the street from the post office.

FROM THE SOUTH – ROUTE 1:

Take Route 1 (Providence Highway) north to the set of traffic lights at Elm Street. The cinema complex will be on the far right corner. Turn left onto Elm Street and proceed one block to Washington Street. At the traffic lights at Washington Street, turn right. At the next set of lights where the road forks, bear right, remaining on Washington Street into Dedham Center. At the traffic light at High Street, turn left onto High. The Historical Society will be one short block ahead on the left, across the street from the post office.

FROM THE NORTH (AND MASS PIKE) – ROUTE I-95:

Take I-95 (Route 128) south to Exit 17 to Route 135 Needham. At the foot of the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 135. Go straight through the set of traffic lights at the Dedham Common (Route 109) and a second set of lights at the courthouses at the intersection of Ames and Court Streets. The Historical Society will be on the right at 612 High Street, one block beyond the courthouses and across the street from the post office.

FROM THE SOUTH – ROUTE I-95:

Take I-95 (Route 128) north to Exit 15A, to Route 1 Dedham. At the top of the exit ramp, merge onto Route 1 north and move immediately to the left lane. You will be at the set of traffic lights at Elm Street with the cinema complex will be on the far right corner. Turn left onto Elm Street and proceed one block to Washington Street. At the traffic lights at Washington Street, turn right. At the next set of lights where the road forks, bear right, remaining on Washington Street into Dedham Center. At the traffic light at High Street, turn left onto High. The Historical Society will be one short block ahead on the left, across the street from the post office.

Internet sites and databases:


 * Repository Internet site {create a link for each bullet, and then give a line or two listing content so the reader will know if it is worthwhile to click on that link}.
 * Repository catalog online.
 * Repository database.
 * other(s).

Collection Description
{''Please briefly describe the strengths and weaknesses of each collection for genealogists (about two or three sentences for smaller collections). For example, explain the collection size, who (which ethnic, political, or religious groups) are covered, dates covered, jurisdictions covered, record types available, significant indexes, and any noteworthy record loss or gaps. ''}

Tips
{Optional}

Guides
{''Optional: Internet or guide books describing this collection for genealogists. ''}

Alternate Repositories
{'' List (link to a Wiki article for) at least one or more other repositories that collect overlapping records, or similar family history material including central repositories, affiliated or branch repositories, higher level jurisdiction repositories, parent or daughter jurisdiction repositories. Also list neighboring repositories with similar records. Please briefly explain how each substitute repository is related.''}

If you cannot visit or find a source at the , a similar source may be available at one of the following.

Overlapping Collections


 * Alternate Repository {create link for each, and give line or two describing collection}
 * such as: NARA I
 * NARA II
 * National Archives at _____
 * State Archives
 * State Library
 * State Library

Similar Collections


 * National Personnel Records Center
 * LC
 * FHL
 * LC
 * FHL

Neighboring Collections


 * County Vital Records Office
 * City Vital Records Office
 * County Archives
 * County Orphan's Court
 * County Probate Court
 * County Recorder
 * County Coroner
 * U.S. District Court
 * County and local historical societies
 * County and local genealogical societies
 * Public Libraries
 * Museums and heritage societies
 * Closest family history center has premium online services for free and offers research suggestions.
 * Repositories in surrounding counties: [Chattam], [Durham], and [Franklin]
 * State Vital Records Office
 * State Historical Society
 * State Genealogical Society
 * University Libraries
 * Church archives
 * Repositories in surrounding states (or provinces): [SC], [TN], and [VA]
 * Repositories in surrounding states (or provinces): [SC], [TN], and [VA]

{OPTIONAL: Delete this IF no similar Wikipedia article exists!}

Background
The Dedham Historical Society &amp; Museum has two distinct phases of operation: the museum and the library, which are open at different times and are in different sections of the building. For more information please call 781-326-1385 or email society@dedhamhistorical.org

Research

 * Research Services

Collections
The museum houses a distinguished collection of furnishings and artifacts ranging from pre-Columbian stone tools and the 1652 Metcalf great chair (oldest dated American-made chair) to an excellent collection of Dedham and Chelsea pottery. On exhibit are several rare and important clocks including one of only two known “astronomical shelf clocks” by Simon Willard.

There is a considerable Civil War collection, and a number of important paintings by artists including John Constable, Gilbert Stuart, Amasa Hewins, Henry Hitchings, and Alvan Fisher. A rich file of photographic materials documents life in Dedham since the 19th century, while treasured furniture and memorabilia bring the past to life. The Society also owns the largest collection of silver by Katherine Pratt, silversmith.


 * Special Collection of the Library

Other Wiki Pages

 * Massachusetts Archives and Libraries
 * United States Archives and Libraries