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.
November 8, 2026
- We are open 1-4 PM on Sundays or by appointment. Contact us here.
- Our current exhibit “1776 and Beyond” can be viewed during open hours on Sundays 1-4 PM. See more below.
- See notes from the MHSM Historical Book Group on Bound for Gold on 10/15 Here.
- We are sad to announce the passing of our board member, Will Tenney, on 9/7/26. We have Will to thank for his talk on House Histories and Fascinating Finds that assisted many people to learn how to do their own research in this video lecture here. Download the accompanying handout in PDF format here.
- MHSM has become a member of NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association). Become an MHSM Member here!
- Check out Somerville Museum’s Interactive Map for the 250th celebration of the American Revolution. MHSM helped with the Medford sites.
- Have you seen our ongoing searchable Medford Street Names Project. If you have information or documents pertaining to Medford Street names, let us know via our contact page.
- Learn about our Historical Marker Program here.
- Use our Books and Resources page for your reference questions. You can also see all back issues of our newsletters can be found here.
- Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
UPCOMING:
Click here for full information and registration info our Fall Programs.
NOVEMBER
Lincoln, Life, Law and Leadership
Speaker: Hon. Dennis J. Curran, Justice, Massachusetts Superior Court (Ret.)
Thursday, November 12, 7:00 PM
Charlotte and William Bloomberg Medford Public Library
Where have all the great leaders gone? In today’s sharply polarized America, we can take comfort in looking at Abraham Lincoln, a man who left an enduring legacy of leadership. We will examine how, as a politician, Lincoln mastered the art of communication and compromise; and as a leader, envisioned a goal and attained it by tempering responsibility and determination with compassion and hope. At moments of great challenge, Lincoln was able to summon his “better angels” to enlarge the opportunities and lives of others. The test of a true leader can be found in a man who continues to inspire a country long after his own
voice has faded to the echoes of time. This is Lincoln. Register here.
> Sponsored by Tisha Shaughnessy Sullivan and Shamrock Sign & Lettering Co.
Exhibit Open:
1776 AND BEYOND celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by focusing on the Declaration of Independence in Medford in 1776 and then showing how its basic principles have reverberated from the 18th century to the present in important social justice movements. From abolition and woman suffrage in the 19th century, to labor unionism and Civil Rights in the 20th C, to No Kings! and LGBTQ today, Medford residents have continued to stand up for the Declaration’s core principle “that all men are created equal” and have an “unalienable” right to “liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” A flier about the exhibit can be found here and you can visit the exhibit in person through February 2027.
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.