The mission of MHSM is to collect, preserve, and promote an inclusive understanding of Medford’s history, offering educational lectures and programs to the general public. Join us in building a shared sense of Medford’s history and rich diversity.
April 28, 2024
- We are open 1:00-4:00 PM every Sunday. Come by to see our new exhibits and chat with volunteers who can help with research.
- The Lydia Maria Child talk by Prof. Lydia Moland on 9/14 was recorded by C-Span. See it here.
- Check out our ongoing searchable Medford Street Names Project. If you have documents pertaining to Medford Street names, let us know via our contact page.
- Our Medford Municipal Records Collection is now available and digitized and continues to be updated by our awesome volunteer Will Tenney.
- House Histories and Fascinating Finds: View a video of the lecture on house histories here. Download a copy of the accompanying handout in PDF format here.
- Learn about our Historical Marker Program here.
- Check out our Books and Resources page? Many reference questions can be answered by our ever-growing digitized resources. All back issues of our newsletters can be found here.
- Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
- Make a donation to MHSM via Paypal.
UPCOMING:
Meet “Kaiser” the WWI Carrier Pigeon! – a program for kids!
Speakers: Sunday MHSM Volunteers
Sunday, May 5, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Medford Historical Society & Museum, 10 Governors Ave.
Join us on this special Sunday afternoon MHSM program for kids and families to see and learn about the museum’s taxidermied carrier pigeon, “Kaiser.” The program will share information about carrier pigeons—how they were trained, how they carried information, and how they were an important part of the communication internet in the past. “Kaiser” served in WWI and eventually found its way to Medford, where he became a local celebrity. The program will be specially designed for children and families. The information will be geared toward a young audience from preschool through elementary school (plus any others who are interested!). It will include a craft project with craft paper and supplies that lets kids make their own paper carrier pigeon with flappable wings and attach a handwritten message for their bird to carry. Snacks and bird-shaped cookies will be provided. The event is free, and open to the public!
Thanks to the Medford Arts Council for its continued support
These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Medford Arts Council, a local commission that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Medford.
The Power of Truth: Early Diversity in a Medford Neighborhood, February 2024
Murder at the Harvard Medical School, April 2023
Black Heritage Trail Virtual Tour, February 2022
Our Medford,” written by Medford teacher Michael Coates is for kids and anyone interested in an illustrated introduction to Medford History.
The book began to be used in the Medford grade 3 classrooms in fall 2016.
Click here to view the book online. Printed copies are available for $20 at MHSM. All proceeds benefit MHSM’s educational programs.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Medford Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.