The Hopkinton Historical Society is a non-profit organization that was established in 1951 to celebrate the history of the Town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, protect the Town's historical artifacts, explain early New England life, and educate the public about the rich history of this small and ever-changing town. We sponsor several educational, social, and fundraising events throughout the year, and the Society maintains an active archive of documents that are critical to preserving the Town's history for future generations.
The Town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts is located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, approximately 30 miles west of downtown Boston, and the Town has a current population of approximately 18,000 residents. The English settlement of Hopkinton, (called Quansigamog by the local Indians) owes its beginnings to a bequest of money made to Harvard College by an English gentleman, Edward Hopkins. College trustees invested the money by purchasing the territory and naming it for its donor - "Hopkinstown", or "Hopkinton", and leased the land to tenants for one penny an acre. Years later, with the help of the Legislature, a sum of $10,000 was paid to the Corporation of Harvard College, and the Town was incorporated December 13, 1715.
Whether you are a current resident of Hopkinton, a descendant from past generations, or simply an interested history buff, we invite you to become a member of the Hopkinton Historical Society, tour our historical archives and museum, make genealogical inquiries, and share stories and information about Hopkinton past. For information about joining the Society, click on the "membership" web page.
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Now Available!
Chaos was the order of the day in late 1919 afer Ellen Duffey, a young teacher was fired from her position at Hopkinton High School. In protest, 47 of the school's 53 students walked out. A long-simmering feud between the chairmen of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen boiled over into a very public battle over the firing and nearly every citizen in town had some interest in the matter. The State Police were called in to help back up local police in case things got out hand and several weeks later seven Hopkinton citizens, including Ellen Duffey. were put on trial in Framingham for assault and inciting assault. It was several more months before things were resolved but not before the press had a field day with the story. The Boston papers had reporters out here in the hinterlands of Hopkinton and the story went national.
So what did Ellen Duffey do that led to her being fired? How did it all end 4 months later? Were there any lasting repercussions to these events? If you'd like to find out the answers to those questions & more you may order the book for $10 + $2.50 postage & handling via Paypal or send a check for that amount to: Hopkinton Historical Society, PO Box 423, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Remember to include your full name and address if you when using Paypal. Our paypal is hopkhistsoc@hotmail.com.
Are you a Hopkinton history buff? Buy one for yourself and another few to send to your friends as holiday gifts - all proceeds go to the Historical Society.
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The Hopkinton History Center is currently closed due to Covid-19
please feel free to email us with queries
168 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-4502 email: hopkhistsoc@hotmail.com
Our collection includes records dating as early as the town's incorporation, along with photos, maps and artifacts. We welcome genealogy requests!
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Check out our latest additions to the Links Page
Lots of Hopkinton Historical References!
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