Fitchburg Historical Society

Fitchburg Historical Society We give you the resources to find answers to your questions about Fitchburg history. @781 Main Street Francis, as wasthe old location on Grove Street.

With a tradition of excellence in education and historical research the Fitchburg Historical Society connects the city's citizens to its industrial, commercial and cultural history. Fitchburg has an illustrious history that includes some of America's first textile mills, the nation's second-oldest newspaper and important inventions that shaped the Industrial Revolution in America. The Historical S

ociety connects today's residents with this community legacy with a library, exhibitions and free programs in its downtown headquarters. The Fitchburg Historical Society is an independent, non-profit organization that functions as both a museum and an educational resource. Since December of 2012, the Society has operated from its new location on 781 Main Street.The new location, the Phoenix Building, is a historic building designed by Fitchburg architect H.M. The first floor, or basement, is an archive containing biography files, photographic files, manuscripts and other documents available for research. The second floor, at street level, is currently the primary exhibit hall, accessible from Main Street. Named for the Wallace family, this exhibit hall is home to display cases of Fitchburg memorabilia and changing exhibits. It also serves as the venue for public functions held at the society, many of which are free to attend. The third floor is the library and main office of the Society. Here, one can find directories of Fitchburg and surrounding towns, a local history section, and archival boxes. Besides being a free community resource, the society is also a great place to volunteer.

I went to Foresta Lumina in Quebec, and it was really cool. Now, here's Akadi Lumina, for the Acadians among us.
06/09/2026

I went to Foresta Lumina in Quebec, and it was really cool. Now, here's Akadi Lumina, for the Acadians among us.

Because Family rhymes so well with Acadie đź’›

If you haven't read the Declaration of Independence in a long time...or ever...this Saturday's program is the perfect in...
06/09/2026

If you haven't read the Declaration of Independence in a long time...or ever...this Saturday's program is the perfect introduction: an explanation and discussion of what it says, and a group of locals reading it. Declaring Independence Then and Now gives you a chance to understand it, feel its power through the years, and talk about what it means for us today!

Exciting new series, of course including some research from Fitchburg Historical Society!
06/08/2026

Exciting new series, of course including some research from Fitchburg Historical Society!

We’re excited to share a new series of short historical documentaries highlighting the rich history of Fitchburg - Fitchburg Rewind!

Over the past several months, Fitchburg State University intern Aiden Truehart edited 14 short documentaries exploring stories, places, and moments that helped shape Fitchburg’s community. From local landmarks to overlooked pieces of local history, each film offers a unique glimpse into Fitchburg’s past.

Special thanks to Peter Capodagli and the Fitchburg Historical Society for their written content, support and historical insight. This series helps preserve and share the stories of our community, using our past to help guide our future.

Over the next several months, we’ll be highlighting each of these short documentaries, sharing the stories, people, and places behind them one film at a time.

Explore the full collection here:

https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/yycCAZPb0NN3zj2o5qio-YFMNC43NjCG/playlists/11813/media/1024109?showtabssearch=true&fullscreen=false

Congratulations to Aiden on an incredible body of work!

Will include discussion of the historical cemetery programs presented recently by Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries. Sally...
06/05/2026

Will include discussion of the historical cemetery programs presented recently by Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries. Sally Cragin will be one of the speakers! A week from today...

Join Elizabeth C. Dearden and Sally Cragin for their session "Cemetery Research & the Revolution: In Practice & Best Practices" at the Mass History Conference.

Part I of the session will be presented by Elizabeth C. Dearden who will share her research on the use of funerary iconography as political propaganda during the American War for Independence. In Part II, Sally Cragin will lead a discussion of historical interpretation and innovative theatre events in collaboration with Stratton Players produced on an ongoing basis in Fitchburg's historical cemeteries. These build an ever-expanding audience of all ages.

Join this session at the 2026 MHA conference, "Revolutionizing History: Small but Mighty."

Conference registration is open now. Register today!
https://masshistoryalliance.org/2026-mass-history.../



Pictured are Friends of the Fitchburg Cemeteries at the Laurel Hill Cemetery

06/05/2026

The American Association of State and Local History is having their fall conference not too far away! Providence, RI:

He really is a wonderful public historian! Looking forward to seeing him honored and hearing what he has to say.
06/04/2026

He really is a wonderful public historian! Looking forward to seeing him honored and hearing what he has to say.

The Bay State Legacy Award is given to an individual who has made long-term, outstanding contributions to the interpretation and presentation of Massachusetts history or to the local history field in Massachusetts. The recipient of the 2026 Bay State Legacy Award is Kennith C. Turino, former Manager of Exhibitions and Community Engagement at Historic New England. Turino is recognized for exhibitions including Yankee Remix (in collaboration with Mass MoCA), The Importance of Being Furnished, and At the River’s Edge. He is also revered for his written works, including “Reinventing the Historic House Museum” and “Interpreting Christmas at Historic Sites and Museums.” These works have helped guide institutions nationwide toward more inclusive and imaginative practices. His nominator notes, “Turino has made an outstanding contribution to the interpretation and presentation of Massachusetts history through his innovative, inclusive, and community-centered approach to public history.”

Celebrate Turino and the other MHA award recipients at the 2026 Mass History Conference next Friday, June 12th!

Address

P. O. Box 953, 781 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA
01420

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+19783451157

Website

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