Historic Medfield
Medfield was established in 1649 and incorporated as a town in 1651 by 13 settlers from Dedham. The town was the site of a major battle in King Philip's War, during which 32, or half, of the town's homes were burned.About The Society
Established in 1891, our historical society is one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. We are a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing Medfield's history.
The Medfield Museum and Historical Society building is located at 6 Pleasant Street, Medfield, MA 02052. It is open Saturdays from 10AM to 12 Noon and at other times by appointment for researchers and other visitors. Call 508-359-4773 and leave a message, or e-mail medfieldhistoricalsociety at gmail.com.
The Society also owns the historic Peak House. The house is a rare example of Elizabethan architecture and construction, dating to the late 1600's, and is one of the oldest wooden structures in the United States.
We encourage everyone with an interest in Medfield history to join the society. Dues are modest. We need active involvement from the community if we are to grow and thrive. We welcome your questions and program ideas. We also welcome donations of historical materials, artifacts, and information...and of course, funding from memberships as well as contributions.
Programs and Events
We have informative public programs five times each year - the first Monday evening of October, November, February, March, and April - usually at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, a National Register property, at 26 North Street, plus other members-only social events.
Spring 2012
Medfield Historical Society Programs 2011-2012
Spring 2012 Programs
May 3, 2012 5pm – 8 pm Medfield Historical Society Museum, 6 Pleasant Street
First Thursday at Historical Society: House Histories Research your own house or any historic house in town. Discover the wealth of information contained inside the Historical Society Museum on 6 Pleasant Street on the different historic homes in Medfield.
May 10, 2012 7 pm Dwight-Derby House
"Antiques 101" Lecture and Q&A Have you ever wondered just what Grandma’s doll or Uncle Harry’s antique watch might be worth? Is that old painting that has been hanging around for years or the collection of photos in the trunk in the attic of any value other than sentimental?
On Thursday, May 10, you have the opportunity to learn about what makes an item interesting, collectible and valuable when Paul Royka, a nationally-known expert, author and appraiser who has appeared on PBS’s Antiques Road Show lectures and answers your questions on valuing antiques and collectibles. If you love antiques or are just interested in learning more about them, join us.
This entertaining and educational program is a great precursor to ‘Appraisal Day,’ which will be held in early June.
Admission is free and open to the public, although donations are always appreciated.
June 2, 2012 10 am – 2 pm Medfield Historical Society Museum
Appraisal Day As a follow-on to his ‘Antiques 101’ program, Paul Royka will conduct a walk-in ‘Appraisal Day’ on Saturday, June 2, between 10 am and 2 pm at the Medfield Historical Society. Bring your treasures to learn what they might be worth! Participants meet individually with Royka and receive a verbal assessment of their material.
The event is free to historical society members and $10 for non-members. The society will waive the $10 non-member fee if you pay to join the society on the spot. The free/$10 fee entitles participants to have up to three items appraised. Additional items may be appraised for an additional fee. Event proceeds will benefit the Medfield Historical Society.
Paul Royka has expertise in the following areas:
- Art: fine art and folk paintings, pottery, ceramics, photos, prints, sculpture, oriental rugs, textiles
• Americana: furniture, clocks, decorative arts, watches, jewelry, silver
Collectibles: dolls, toys, bears, coins, early bottles, antique tools
• Antique books and manuscripts
• Ethnic: Asian antiques, Native American, Judaica
• 20th Century Design: Arts & Crafts period, modernism
• Antique autos and automobilia
June 7, 2012 7 pm Dwight-Derby House
Strawberry Social The society’s annual Strawberry Social is being held at the Dwight-Derby House on Thursday, June 7, at 7 pm. Come learn about a few of the new historical items the society has acquired this year and enjoy some homemade strawberry shortcake. This event, which is traditionally a members-only event, will be open to the public as part of Medfield Cultural District’s First Thursdays.
June 9, 2012 9 am – 3 pm Dwight-Derby House
Discover Medfield History Day
MEMO’s Discover Medfield History Day is slated for Saturday, June 9, 2012. Take the annual trolley tour conducted by town historian Richard DeSorgher and stop in for a tour of the Dwight-Derby House! Tours leave hourly from the Dwight Derby House. Trolley tours leave hourly from the Dwight Derby House from 9 AM- 2 PM. This year’s theme is “Tragedy, Sorrow, Ghosts and History; Medfield’s Oldest Houses Tell All.” Tickets are on sale at Lords and, if all seats are not sold out, at the Dwight-Derby House on the day of the tour.
Society Properties
Medfield Museum and Society Offices
The Medfield Museum and Society Office is located at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets in Medfield Center.
The building at 6 Pleasant Street is open Saturdays from 10 am to noon - please come by and see us!
Or, phone us at 508-359-4773, or e-mail: medfieldhistoricalsociety at gmail.com
The Peak House
The Peak House , located at the corner of Main and Pound streets, was deeded to the Medfield Historical Society on October 18, 1924 by its then-owners, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick M. Smith, after which it received a down-to-the-frame restoration. Originally built in 1660, it is one of the earliest surviving examples of Postmedieval English (Elizabethan) architecture in the United States.
It is open for tours from 2 - 5 pm Sunday afternoons in the Summer. In addition the Society's Annual Peak House Pantry Sale, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, showcases the Peak House and raises money for its ongoing maintenance.