Prior Events

Tufts House

This page lists events that have already taken place. It is here as a record for people who want to refer to events that we have sponsored in the past.

Information about upcoming events is available on our Events Page.

2011 Events

Antique Appraisal Night

January 20, 2011, 7-9 PM, Medford City Hall.

Dust off your precious objects and bring them in to be appraised by Kaminski Auctions. $10 for each item or $25 for three items (max). All proceeds will help support Medford Historical Society projects. No jewelery, coins, stamps or books. If you have large items photos are sufficient. Free admission. Appraisals will be done on a first come, first served basis.

Lecture Series: Recognizing and Restoring Architecture

Restoring Trinity Church

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 Speaker: Stefan Knust, Goody Clancy Architects Hear about the recent reconstruction work on Trinity Church in Boston, one of H.H. Richardson�s great marvels. Grace Episcopal Church, 160 High Street, 7:00 p.m.

Home Architectural Styles in Medford, 17th Century to Present

Speaker: Ryan Hayward, Medford Historic Commission

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Do you ever wonder why your home looks different to your neighbors? Learn how Architecture developed in Medford alongside the innovations of construction in northern New England.

Royall House Slave Quarters, 15 George Street. 7:00 p.m. Location on Google Maps

Doing Business in Medford Square: Before and After Rt. 93

Speakers: Dee Morris, Local Historian and Barbara Kerr, MHS Collections Curator and Assistant Director of the Medford Public Library.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Enjoy a lively talk about the way Medford Square changed after the I93 was constructed between 1956-63. See photos of the Square before the highway and hear about business that have come and gone and share your memories of your favorite shops in the "Square".

Medford Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue, 7:00 p.m., refreshments served.

Annual Members Meeting, Election of Officers and Reception

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Reception at 7:00 p.m., election will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Royall House and Slave Quarters, 15 George Street in Medford, MA. Location on Google Maps

Fells Reservation Hike - Bear Hill, Dark Hollow Pond Trail

Saturday, September 10, starts at 10 AM

Enjoy a guided walk to historic Fells locations that were documented in two publications titled Round About Middlesex Fells from 1935 and A Lecture on the Middlesex Fells from 1893. The hike will be led by Mike Ryan, Walter Kittredge and Bryan Hamlin from Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Historical and botanical discussions will take place along the way! Free to all.

Directions: Meet at Gate 21, Bear Hill parking area on Fallon Road, Stoneham (GPS: 42.4688, -71.1083). Location on Google Maps.

Historic Bicycle Tour: The Great Women of Medford

Saturday, September 24, 2011, starts at 10 AM (rain date: Sunday, September 25)

Learn about the history of Medford's famous and infamous women and explore some of the city's hidden corners. Meet at Whole Foods in Medford (2151 Mystic Valley Parkway) at 10:00 AM for refreshments. The tour itself will begin at 10:30 AM and include discussions of Amelia Earhart, Belinda Royall, Fannie Farmer, Sarah Bradlee Fulton and Judge Shirley Jackson.

We will cover about 7 miles and finish at 12:30 PM at the West Medford Community Center (111 Arlington Street) for a lunch supplied by Whole Foods. Cyclists at all levels are welcome. Helmets are required.

A suggested donation of $5 will help support Medford Historical Society's public programming.

Note: The tour is organized to join up with Moving Planet at 1:00 PM. For information, please go to the Green Medford/Moving Planet website.

Annual Fall Clean Up

Saturday, October 1, 2011 10 AM - 2:00 PM

Consider volunteering for the MHS Fall clean-up at 10 Governors Ave. Tasks include general yard and garden clean-up as we prepare for winter along with cleaning off the roof, inside painting, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, general dusting, wall cleaning or organizing the basement work room.

Poems on the River

Thursday, October 13, 2011, 7-9 PM

To celebrate the arts in Medford in October and show off the newly refurbished main hall please join us at 10 Governors Ave. for a poetry reading from 7-9 PM. Meet new people and enjoy voices from all over Medford celebrating poetry on the theme of "the river". This event is free and open to the public and is part of the Medford on the Mystic River Arts Festival. Light Refreshments provided. More information on the Medford on the Mystic River Arts Festival can be found here: www.medfordfestival.org

History of the Congregational Church of Medford

Sunday, November 6, 2011, 3:00 PM

Learn about the rich history of the Congregational Church of Medford at 400 High Street. A guided tour of the Church begins at 3:00 p.m. with reflections to follow, refreshments served afterward. Free and open to the public.

Fall Cocktail Gala Fundraiser

Saturday, November 5, 2011, 7-10 PM

Help the Medford Historical Society preserve its headquarters and ever-expanding collection of Medford's history.

Medford City Hall 7-10 PM

2010 Events

"Rum and the Mystic": A Historic Bicycle Tour of Medford

Saturday, September 25, 2010 (rain date: Saturday, October 2)

Learn about the history of Medfords rum and ship-building industries and explore some of the city's hidden corners by bike. The tour will begin at Whole Foods in Medford (2151 Mystic Valley Parkway) at 10:00 a.m. and cover about 8 miles. Helmets required, all cycling levels welcome. Suggested donation of $5 to support Medford Historical Society programming.

Fall Cocktail Gala Fundraiser

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Help the Medford Historical Society preserve its headquarters and important Civil War photograph collection. Medford City Hall 6-9 p.m. For ticket information call 781-391-8739.

History of Shiloh Church in Medford

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Speakers include Mayor Michael McGlynn, Reverend John Page and John Anderson. Learn about the rich history of Shiloh Baptist Church, one of the first black churches in Medford. A guided tour of the Church begins at 3:00 p.m., speakers begin at 4:00 p.m., refreshments served afterward. Free and open to the public. Located at the corner of Holton and Bower Streets.

2009 Events

Of The People: Faces of the Civil War

Exhibition Opening

Friday, February 27, 7:00-9:00 pm
Open Through the End of April

African-American Soldiers in the Civil War

Lecture by Michael Chesson

Friday, March 20, 7:30 pm
At the West Medford Community Center (111 Arlington Street)

Fort Warren in the Civil War

Lecture by Jay Schmidt

Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 pm
At The Royall House (15 George Street)

I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War

Lecture by Anita Silvey

Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 pm
At the Medford Public Library (111 High Street)

The Boston and Maine Railroad

Lecture by Frederick Nowell

Wednesday, May 20, 7:00 pm
At the Medford Public Library (111 High Street)

Local Roadside Memories: Diners and Other Local Favorites from Medford's Past

Lecture by Larry Cultrera of Diner Hotline

Tuesday, June 16, 7:30 pm

Presented by the Medford Public Library and the Medford Historical Society.
The MHS will hold a short business meeting at 7:00.
At the Medford Public Library (111 High Street)

Map Night

Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what Medford used to look like a hundred years ago?

Ever wondered how your neighborhood was shaped like before the houses went up? Stop by the Historical Society at 10 Governors Ave. on July 16 and take a look at Medford's past. A substantial collection of Medford maps and atlases will be available for careful viewing.

At the Medford Historical Society (10 Governors Avenue)

Tours of the Peter Tufts House

The Peter Tufts House at 300 Riverside Ave. is one of the oldest brick structures in the United States, constructed in the late 1600's. This summer, the Medford Historical Society and the Medford Public Library will sponsor group tours of the house on the following dates. Tours are limited to 10 persons.

Tuesday, June 23 at 2:00 pm.
If the 2:00 fills there will be an "overflow" tour at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday June 25 at 4:00 p.m.
If the 4:00 fills there will be an "overflow" tour at 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 18 at 2:00 p.m.
If the 2:00 fills there will be an "overflow" tour at 3:00 p.m.

To register for any of these tours please call the Library at 781-395-7950. The tours will meet at the Tufts House.

2008 Events

March, 2008

Saturday, March 1
Society open from 10:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

Monday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m.
History in Our Times Discussion Group Cafe Baccini, 394 Main St.

Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Lecture: The Reading Club of West Medford: A Presentation by Will Tenney
Medford Public Library (111 High St.)
A brief MHS business meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Medford Historical Society Board Meeting ...Members welcome.

April, 2008

Saturday, April 5
Society open from 10:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

Monday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
History in Our Times Discussion Group.
Cafe Baccini.

Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Medford Historical Society Board Meeting
Members welcome.

Monday, April 21.
The Society will participate in Medford History day.
Check this website for details as they become available.

May, 2008

Friday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Members reception

Saturday, March 3
Society open from 10:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Medford Historical Society Board Meeting
Members welcome.

Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Attack of the Gypsy Moths: A Presentation by Dee Morris
Medford Public Library (111 High St.)
The MHS Annual business meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m.

A Portrait So True: Civil War Photography

A Lecture by David L. Smith

Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Medford Public Library, 111 High St. (Rt. 60 in Medford Square)

David L. Smith has been a member of the Civil War Round Table of Boston for more than twenty years, and is currently serving as its president. Smith has presented lectures at historical societies, genealogical societies, libraries, and community organization all over Massachusetts and in several southern states.

There will be an Historical Society meeting at 7:00 and the lecture will begin at 7:30.

October 19 - Field Trip to the Old Middlesex Canal Fall Walk

Join other MHS members for a "field trip" to the Middlesex Canal Museum's 27th Annual Fall Walk on Sunday, October 19. The walk will start from the parking lot at the Woburn Cinema at 1:30pm.

If you would like to carpool from Medford, please meet at the Society Headquarters at 10 Governor�s Avenue between 12:30-12:45.

2007 Events

History Sale at the Medford Historical Society

Saturday, December 8, 10am - 2pm. Sunday, December 9, 12noon - 4pm.

Looking for gifts for Medford history lovers? You'll find a wide variety of choices at the Medford Historical Society's Holiday History sale on December 8 and 9.

On sale will be the most recent Medford publication Glimpses of Medford (History Press, 2007). Also available will be copies of Medford Then and Now, Medford in the Victorian Era, Medford on the Mystic, Old Ships and Shipbuilding Days, The Incredible Ditch, Crusader for Freedm: The Life of Lydia Maria Child, and Your House in the Streetcar Suburb.

There will also be hundreds of copies of the Medford Historical Register on sale. The Register contains a wealth of information for the Medford history buff and copies are only available at the MHS.

Also for sale will be limited edition Royall House Christmas Ornaments, and some other surprises. On December 8 the sale will run from 10-2, and on Sunday December 9 from 12-4. Order forms for historic house markers will also be available at the sale.

The Society is located at 10 Governor's Ave. Directions are on our Visitor's Guide Page. For more information please call (781) 391-8739 or use our online form to contact us.

Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Old House Ownership Seminar

Learn how to Preserve the Character and Protect the Value of Your House

Trace the History of Your Medford Home

The Medford Historical Society proudly announces the first ever Old House Ownership Seminar for local residents to be held on Saturday, September 8 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Slave Quarters of the Isaac Royall House located at 15 George Street in Medford. (Directions.)

Participants are encouraged to bring photos of their house for individual counsel on structure maintenance and historic restoration.

Friday, June 8, 2007 at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday June, 9 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m

Medford History Book Sale and Glimpses of Medford Book Signing

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

Medford Public Library located at 111 High Street in Medford

Annual meeting invitation and documents are available on our Annual Meeting Page.

After the election of MHS officers for 2007-2008 and the business portion of the meeting, our keynote speaker will be Richard A. Duffy, Historian and Author of Images of Arlington and Twentieth Century Reflections, who will speak about Medford in the Gas Light Era.

Corporate history is the backdrop for this entertaining illustrated lecture of everyday life in Medford and Arlington during the 19th century and early 20th century. The Malden & Melrose Gas Light Company embarked on a colorful promotion of an array of forgotten gas lamp fixtures and appliances that will delight history buffs. Rarely seen images of Medford during the Gas Light Era will be featured.

Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

The Clipper Ship Era and The Decline of Medford Shipbuilding. Kurt Hasselbalch, Curator, MIT Maritime Museum.

Medford was known for building exceptionally seaworthy ships during the mid to late-1800s - the era of the Clipper Ship. Kurt Hasselbalch will discuss many aspects of this fascinating maritime industry.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

The History of the Peter Tufts House. Joseph Cornish, Senior Stewardship Manager, Historic New England (SPNEA).

The Peter Tufts house, formerly known as the Cradock House, is one of the oldest brick structures in North America. Its unusual "garrison-like" architecture is thought to have been adopted due to the threat of attacks by Native Americans in the 17th century. In the 1880s, the house was saved from demolition by General Samuel Lawrence who purchased it as a wedding gift for his niece. It was subsequently owned and preserved by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) for fifty years until 1980 when the City of Medford, the Tufts family, and Medford citizens banded together under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Valeriani, former President of the Medford Historical Society, to purchase the historic structure for future generations. The Tufts House is now designated a National Historic Landmark.

2006 Events

Thursday, September 28, 2006

7:00 p.m. At the Medford Public Library at 111 High St. in Medford Square.
From Medford to World Fame: Fred Stark Pearson, Entrepreneur-Engineer (1861-1915).
A Lecture by Gil Cooke.
Co-sponsored with the Medford Public Library.
More information.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

6:30 PM at 400 High Street, The Congregational Church of West Medford -- The Annual Meeting and Election of Officers.

Sunday. May 21, 2006

2:30 PM at 10 Governors Avenue, Opening reception for the exhibit The West Medford Afro-American Remembrance Project. Refreshments will be served. Please feel free to bring a guest, help celebrate our success!

Sunday. April 2, 2006

2:30 PM at 10 Governors Avenue, The Truth About Mothers Day and Julia Ward Howe. By Jane Smith Bernhardt. A performace you will not want to miss!! More information.

Sunday, March 5. 2006

2:30 PM at 10 Governors Avenue, Medford Then and Now. Patricia Saunders will present a slide lecture on the changes that have taken place in Medford over time.

Sunday, February 12,2006

2:30 PM at 10 Governors Avenue, The West Medford Afro-American Remembrance Project a History Preserved, by Rosalind Shaw and Mark Auslander.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

12:00 PM-Noon at the West Medford Baptist Church located at the corner of Harvard and Boston Avenue, A walking tour of West Medford. A video presentation by Mark Auslander, special guests include Dorothy Elizabeth Tucker and lone Vargus.

As An all-volunteer organization, the Medford Historical Society relies on the support of its members!

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