Historic Medfield
Historic Medfield in the 21st Century
Medfield was established in 1649 and incorporated in 1651. It has six sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also has several groups working to bring Medfield's over 360 year history to 21st Century audiences.
History of the Town of Medfield
Founded in 1649, Medfield survived the destruction of half its homes in the King Philip War, became a major hat producer, home of a state hospital, and a 21st Century Boston suburb renowned for its school system.
The town is also home to a large collection of First Period American homes. At least three Medfield homes date, at least in part, to the middle to late 1600's: the Peak, Dwight-Derby, and Lowell Mason houses.
The complete History of The Town of Medfield is here...
Two books documenting Medfield's history:
* History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650-1886, edited by William S. Tilden
* History of the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1887-1925, edited by Richard P. DeSorgher
are available in the Medfield Public Library, or for purchase at the Medfield Historical Society's Medfield Museum.
History Focused Community Groups in Medfield
Medfield is passionate about it's 360 year history. Several grassroots community groups work to preserve and protect that history, and present it to the public. These groups maintain, and make available to the public, Medfield's renowned collection of First Period American homes; to Town records; historic artifacts, clothing, and documents; and Medfield's historic cemetery.
Medfield Historical Society
The Society's collection, housed in the Medfield Historical Society Museum, contains artifacts and documents covering Medfield's entire history. The Society is the official repository of town documents and historic newspapers.
The Society presents five programs annually on Medfield's history and an annual Medfield History Day Trolley Tour.
The Society also owns the Peak House, one of the oldest buildings in the United States. The Peak House dates to the late 1600's, shortly after the town's founding.
Visit the Society web site for more information ….
The Society's collection, housed in the Medfield Historical Society Museum, contains artifacts and documents covering Medfield's entire history. The Society is the official repository of town documents and historic newspapers.
The Society presents five programs annually on Medfield's history and an annual Medfield History Day Trolley Tour.
The Society also owns the Peak House, one of the oldest buildings in the United States. The Peak House dates to the late 1600's, shortly after the town's founding.
Visit the Society web site for more information ….
Vine Lake Preservation Trust
In 2009, Vine Lake Preservation Trust, a non-profit organization, was founded to preserve, enhance, interpret, and celebrate historic Vine Lake Cemetery. The cemetery dates to the 1660's and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Trust funds preservation projects, conducts walking tours, organizes educational programs, sponsors special events, and directs volunteer initiatives.
Visit the Vine Lake Preservation Trust web site for more information ...
In 2009, Vine Lake Preservation Trust, a non-profit organization, was founded to preserve, enhance, interpret, and celebrate historic Vine Lake Cemetery. The cemetery dates to the 1660's and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Trust funds preservation projects, conducts walking tours, organizes educational programs, sponsors special events, and directs volunteer initiatives.
Visit the Vine Lake Preservation Trust web site for more information ...
Lowell Mason Foundation
Lowell Mason, the Father of American Music Education, was born in 1792 in a Medfield home that dates to the 1600's. The Foundation saved the house from demolition and relocated it to Hinkley Park in 2011. The house is undergoing an extensive restoration and will house a Lowell Mason Museum, music performance and education space, and provide a rare example of early American architecture.
Visit the Lowell Mason Foundation web site for more information ….
Lowell Mason, the Father of American Music Education, was born in 1792 in a Medfield home that dates to the 1600's. The Foundation saved the house from demolition and relocated it to Hinkley Park in 2011. The house is undergoing an extensive restoration and will house a Lowell Mason Museum, music performance and education space, and provide a rare example of early American architecture.
Visit the Lowell Mason Foundation web site for more information ….
Friends of the Dwight-Derby House
The Dwight-Derby House, an ongoing project, is of particular significance because it is one of the oldest houses in the United States. The results of recent dendrochronology testing concluded that the original section was built in the 1690s. In 2002 it joined the Peak House, The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church and the First Baptist Church on the register of State and Federal Historic Landmarks.
Visit the Dwight-Derby House web site for more information...
The Dwight-Derby House, an ongoing project, is of particular significance because it is one of the oldest houses in the United States. The results of recent dendrochronology testing concluded that the original section was built in the 1690s. In 2002 it joined the Peak House, The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church and the First Baptist Church on the register of State and Federal Historic Landmarks.
Visit the Dwight-Derby House web site for more information...
Medfield Sites on the National Register of Historic Places
Medfield has six sites on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Peak House
- George Inness' Art Studio
- First Baptist Church
- The Meeting House, now First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
- Dwight-Derby House
- Vine Lake Cemetery
More Information on Medfield's Historic Sites
Touring Historical Medfield
Walking. Biking. Driving. You can tour Medfield's historic sites, buildings, and landscapes on foot, on a bike, or in your car.
Tour Medfield's historic Vine Lake Cemetery. See King Philip's War sites. Learn the history living in Medfield's Cultural District and historic downtown, existing within a 21st Century Boston suburb. See historic churches. See six sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Click hère to access our self-guided tours for walking, biking, or driving…
Preserving Our History
The pressures of development and 21st Century life threaten Medfield's history. Much has already been lost to development or the ravages of time. Learn how community groups, the Medfield Historic Commission, and other Town agencies works to preserve Medfield's history. And how you can help.
Click here for more...