July 21, 2026 In the summer of 1889, renowned artist Dennis Miller Bunker was summering in Medfield, painting pictures of the town’s bucolic landscapes. His painting *Roadside Cottage* memorializes the Lucy Bran House and is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection. This house has a long history, and Lucy Bran (1752–1837) […]
The Lucy Bran House – A Revolutionary War Witness House Read More »
Jun 1, 2026 Medfield is fortunate to have more than forty homes still standing that witnessed the Revolutionary War 250 years ago. Preserved through the care of generations of homeowners and a community that values its history, these “Witness Houses” offer a tangible connection to Medfield’s colonial past. Built when Medfield was a small agricultural
The Gershon Adams House Read More »
May 1, 2026 In Medfield we are fortunate to have over forty buildings still standing that witnessed the Revolutionary War 250 years ago. This collection reflects the dedication of generations of homeowners who lovingly care for and maintain them, and of townspeople who value and preserve our history. Because of that dedication, we can enjoy
Witness House Initiative: Moses Hartshorn House Read More »
July 15, 2024 A few months ago, Norma Vogel wrote an article entitled “Letter from Boston,” about Medfield’s Committee of Correspondence and its interactions with the Boston Committee. She noted that Moses Bullen (1731–1802) of Medfield was chosen to represent the town in the General Court in Salem (Tilden, p. 162). As a direct descendant
Bullen or Boleyn? A Royal Link to Medfield? Read More »
Sep 1, 2024 Upwards of one million Americans have the surname “Clark,” making it the 20-somethingth most common name in this country, and it’s almost as common in England. Clark or Clarke is an occupational name, like Baker, Cook, Cooper, or Smith, and it’s derived from the Middle Ages, when a cleric was someone with
After 373 Years, the Clark Family is Still Here. What’s Your Story? Read More »
Sep 1, 2024 Another Medfield school year is now underway marking nearly 370 years since the first schoolhouse was built on North Street in 1655 – evidenced by a historical marker where the new 21 North restaurant is now located. And while much has changed with education over time, some aspects of it have stayed
Similarities of Medfield Education Over Time Read More »
Mar 1, 2024 “Enslaved Girl”“To her private life Only a few were privy.A life lost and found.” The next time you pass by or visit a CVS, think of Nanny. Her feet trod upon the Reverend Joseph Baxter’s land as she went about her work as his enslaved servant. Almost two centuries later the minister’s
Nanny “Baxter” of Medfield Read More »
Nov 1, 2023 Today we know the area around Scarborough, Maine, as a vacation retreat. In 1677 the area was the part of Massachusetts Bay Colony known as Black Point. In those years of the King Philip War, this was the easternmost settlement in the providence of Maine. The local natives, after years of peaceful
Benjamin Rockwood, Veteran Read More »
Feb 1, 2023 On the issue of slavery in America, one usually thinks right away about the Southern States, but as William Tilden reminds us in his “History of Medfield 1650-1886,” that in Medfield’s early history, “slavery was common with most wealthy citizens.” The earliest slaves in the then Massachusetts Bay Colony were Native Americans,
When Slavery Existed in Medfield Read More »
Jan 1, 2023 Longtime Medfield resident Tom Connors sat as a judge in three Norfolk Country district courts and then moved up to spend over 16 years in the Dedham Superior Court. At the November 7 meeting of the historical society, he spoke about little-known aspects of the evolution of our court system. Much of
The Curious, Convoluted Story of Norfolk County and Its Courts Read More »