The Needham History Center is committed to two basic principles – ONE, that all history is local, and large national events are rooted in the affairs and actions of our small towns; and TWO, that an appreciation of the town’s past fosters civic engagement in its present. We preserve the treasures and teach the stories of Needham’s past. The Upper Falls School (1842) and Matthias Mills House (1834) feature our museum exhibits and collections, and are the locations for our events. A busy calendar of public lectures, workshops, events, and exhibits celebrates Needham’s unique accomplishments, and the influence that these accomplishments have had outside of Needham. Our Gazette newsletter and town-wide Weekly History Lesson share these stories with a broader audience. Programs such as the History Walk, Pansy Day, kids’ Story Hour, and the History Book Group engage the whole community. Frameworks-based programs enhance the grade school curriculum, and our archives and resources enrich the middle and high school history courses. We work with municipal offices on preservation projects. Partner projects with community organizations benefit and engage both memberships.
1147 Central Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 455-8860