Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society

Asa Waters II was born in 1769 in the section of Sutton which later became Millbury in 1813. He learned the art of gunsmithing in his father’s shop. Because of lucrative government contracts, the armory, which he and his brother founded, prospered. He was founder of the Millbury Bank and became a State Representative in 1823.
His plan to erect the stateliest residence in the country for his wife, Susan Holman Waters, was set in motion in 1824. Two years were required to gather the necessary materials for the Mansion. This period pre-dated the Blackstone Canal and the railroad. All imported goods had to be carted from the port of Boston by horse and wagon in Millbury.

History

History

History

History

General, History, Specialized

At The Sports Museum, we celebrate the character of Boston sports -- the unique brand of teamwork, determination, responsibility, courage, fairness, and other qualities of character possessed by our teams and athletes that make Boston "The Greatest Sports City in America." Equally important, we use this distinctly rich heritage to help build character in kids so that they can stand strong in the face of drugs, violence, and other dangers.

History, Library, Specialized

The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods collects research materials relating to Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), his historical context, and his contemporary relevance to environmental and human-rights issues. It provides the most comprehensive body of Thoreau-related material available in one place, consisting of 8,000 books and over 50,000 items, including manuscripts, clippings, articles, correspondence of Thoreau scholars, photographs, maps and surveys, personal histories, slides, scrapbooks, ephemera, and realia. While not a lending library, its collections are available for use by appointment by any qualified individual. The Curator will also provide limited reference services.

History, Historic House, Historical Society

The Topsfield Historical Society preserves and maintains the 1683 Parson Capen House, one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in America, the 1710 Captain Joseph Gould Barn, a variety of artifacts, and an extensive records collection. The Society also sponsors a wide variety of events and programs throughout the year.

History

History

History, Historical Society

Culture, History, Library

Explore the extraordinary life and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy, who defied conventional 19th-century thinking to become an influential religious leader, publisher, teacher, and businesswoman. The museum also houses the famous Mapparium®, an achievement in art and architecture.

History

History, Historic House, Library

For over 100 years, the Sargent House Museum was the home of sea merchants, patriots and community leaders. A fine example of high-style Georgian domestic architecture, the house was built in 1782 for Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820), a philosopher, writer and an early advocate of social justice.
Visitors to the Sargent House Museum learn about the early history of Gloucester from its beginnings as a farming and lumbering outpost to its evolution into the country’s premier seaport. Visitors will also see a collection of original works by the great portrait painter John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) who traces his roots back to Judith Sargent Murray and Colonial Gloucester.

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

Several prominent Waltham businessmen gathered together in 1913 and founded an historical society to preserve and promote the history of their City. The dozen or so Charter Members have grown to over 300 in the intervening years. The predominantly Yankee Society has expanded to include every ethnic group which settled in the City, and welcomes recent immigrants to learn about their new home. Currently the Waltham Historical Society presents a lecture every other month on either an aspect of Waltham history, or how Waltham fits into the Nation’s history. Through the generosity of Mr. Fred Kimberk, office space at 760 Main Street has allowed us to open an exhibit area to display photos and artifacts from our collection.

History

History