The Dorchester Historical Society was founded in 1843 and incorporated in 1891. DHS collects, preserves, and shares knowledge of the history of the Town of Dorchester (founded 1630) which was annexed to the City of Boston in 1870.
The Dorchester Historical Society celebrates four centuries of Dorchester MA life through its collections and programs. Dorchester was first settled by immigrants from the West Country of England in 1630. Their ship, the Mary and John, left Plymouth on March 20th and arrived off Nantasket in late May or early June 1630.
These hardy families made their way north along the shore in search of a suitable place to live and made their homes in Dorchester- the first settlement in the area, preceding even Boston. Ever since, new immigrants have found their way to Dorchester to become part of its history whether they have come from other parts of Boston or from foreign countries. The Dorchester Historical Society honors everyone's story.
The Society has been volunteer-run for over a hundred years. Founded in 1843 and incorporated in 1891, the Society presents regular monthly programs and publishes monographs relating to Dorchester history. The Society owns and cares for three historic houses including the oldest in the city of Boston the James Blake House (1661) on Columbia Road near Massachusetts Ave, the Lemuel Clap House (1765) and the William Clapp House (1806) both within walking distance on Boston Street at Enterprise Street. The William Clapp House also serves as DHS headquarters.
The Society has collections of written and printed materials relating to Dorchester history as well as collections of artifacts that relate to Dorchester. Looked upon as the natural custodian and repository of material pertaining to Dorchester's past, donations of archives, documents, records, pictures or other memorabilia relating to Dorchester history are always appreciated, as are monetary donations to support the Society's activities.
For additional information about Dorchester's history - its people, its architecture, its businesses, its institutions - visit the DorchesterAtheneum.org web site.
If you are descended from a Dorchester family, whether from 1630 or from last year, please check out the Dorchester Descendants project on Facebook!
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