Studying and sharing the history of Webster and Dudley, Massachusetts
WDHS Narrative
The Webster-Dudley Historical Society seeks to instill in the local population an awareness and pride in the area’s local history. Through a series of programs presented by distinguished guests and by the WDHS’s staff, the WDHS makes available the wealth of history. For 200 years the history of Webster and Dudley has played an important role in Americana, and the WDHS programs help to bring this local history to life.
Some programs by local historians have focused on Samuel Slater, the Father of the American Industrial Revolution and founder of the town of Webster. Additional programs emphasized the importance of local railroads and trolleys and factories that helped to make Webster the area’s “big town.” The early years of baseball in Webster and local entertainment spots were also presented. But to date, the highlight programs (presented to standing room only crowds) were four virtual trolley tours of the 1890’s where the audience, through the wonders of modern technology, was able to travel through the streets of Webster and Dudley and view the streets, buildings, and sites of yesteryear. In these ways the WDHS hopes to keep alive the heritage and glory of Webster-Dudley.
From the original Articles of Organization (April 18, 1961)
“The purpose for which this corporation is formed is to cultivate social intercourse and friendship among its members, to collect and preserve data touching the early history of Webster and Dudley; to collect and preserve articles, specimens and material things illustrative or demonstrative of the customs, modes and habits of the aforesaid times in said Towns of Webster and Dudley as well as the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts; to perpetuate the memory of those who, by their labors and heroism, contributed to make the history of said communities; and in furtherance of said purpose to do all acts necessary and convenient for the promotion of the aforesaid purpose; and to exist as a social corporation under the provisions of the laws of the State of Massachusetts, covering such corporations, and not for pecuniary profit.”
We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Crawford Library in Dudley (spring & winter) and the Little Red Schoolhouse (summer & fall- weather permitting)
