For more than 100 years, we have been dedicated to the study and preservation of the history of our town of Northborough, Massachusetts.
Around here we like our history. At the Northborough Historical Society we like history so much that not only have we been preserving Northborough’s history for more than one hundred years, but we have also been learning it, enjoying it, teaching it, and making it! When the Society was founded in 1906, Reverend Josiah C. Kent stated that "The facts of Northborough history should be collected and thus preserved from oblivion," and that is what we have been doing ever since.
Our museum and archives are open to the public, and we continue to offer free monthly programs that highlight local, regional and national history.
We hope you will consider becoming a member of the Northborough Historical Society and help us preserve and celebrate our town and its history. Find MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION HERE.
Follow the links below or explore the site further via the menu bar.
- The Hourglass is the society's newsletter. It is published eight times a year and emailed to members. An article by our Historian is a highlight of the publication. Also featured are notes from the curator and news on upcoming events. Back copies through 2011 are available on this website and are searchable thus facilitating research.
- There is an extensive Museum including clothing items from the 1800s, an 18th century Kitchen exhibit, a General Store display and many other items. There is also a working 1874 George Stevens pipe organ. Occasional organ recitals are held.
- Programs which highlight local, regional and national history, are arranged for eight months of the year (September through May). They are presented by members of the Society or a variety of outside speakers. Programs for the year ahead are listed on the web site. PDF versions of the programs schedule are also available. For a flavor of the type of programs to be expected the program titles and their associated flyers from 2014 onwards can be found on the web site..
- Extensive information on the 250th anniversary of Northborough's involvement in the War of Independence is available on the website. This information has been assembled by Norm Corbin, chair of the Northborough Revolution 250 Committee. Highlights include an exhibition of the twenty eight "Witness Houses" - those houses that were built before the War of Independence and survive to this day, a reenactment of the departure of the Northborough Minutemen on April 19, 1775, and the visit to the Society of a Marquis de Lafayette reenactor during the commemoration of the Marquis’ 1825 tour of the United States which passed through Northborough.
- Research: Extensive material is available in the Historical Society archives. Questions can be directed to our Historian. Access to the archives is available for research.
- The Historical Society meeting room and a well equipped kitchen are available for rent. Society members are eligible for discount prices.
24 April 2026, How Isaiah Thomas Brought the Revolution to Worcester
Ashley Cataldo will tell us how Isaiah Thomas, revolutionary printer and founder of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, traveled with his printing press from Boston to Worcester in April of 1775. Hear how Thomas made the journey and what he did to promote the Revolution in Worcester
Further program details here.
1 May 2026, Musicians of the Old Post Road
The Northborough Revolution 250 committee is thrilled to invite you to a very special musical event featuring the acclaimed early music ensemble Musicians of the Old Post Road with guest soprano Emily Sair.
The group will present "Ben Franklin’s Musical Curiosity", an engaging program that explores the musical world surrounding Benjamin Franklin—from colonial America to the elegant salons of Paris.
Based in Boston, Musicians of the Old Post Road< specialize in historically informed performances of Baroque and early classical music, using period instruments and storytelling to bring the past to life. Their concerts weave together music and history, often highlighting fascinating connections between composers, historical figures, and the cultural life of early America.
The concert will take place on Friday, May 1st at 7:00pm at Trinity Church, 23 Main Street, Northborough.
Tickets are free for those under 18. Northborough residents 18+ are asked to make a donation and non-resident tickets are $50.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Friends of the Northborough Library and the Northborough REV250 Committee.
Whether you enjoy classical music, early American history, or simply a memorable evening out in the community, this concert promises to be a unique and beautiful experience.
Tickets are required and should be reserved in advance at http://bit.ly/nboro250concert
We hope you’ll join us for this special evening of music and history.
Click on the poster image for further details.
Reminder: Membership payments are due every September. More info is available here and the renewal form can be found here
All of 2025 and 2026: Check out the "Rev250" menu bar item or just click here to learn about Northborough's planned activities and celebrations during this the 250 year anniversary of the American Revolution. Learn how the town was involved in the Revolution.
Check out the Northborough Historical Society Facebook page regularly. There you will find weekly updates showcasing historical homes in Northbrough as well as other postings highlighting local events.
