Dorchester Historical Society facts for kids
The Dorchester Historical Society is a special group that helps us learn about the past. It's a non-profit organization, meaning it doesn't make money for itself. Instead, it works to share the amazing history of Dorchester, Massachusetts. This town was first settled way back in 1630!
The Society was officially started in 1843. Later, in 1891, it became an "incorporated" group. This means it was recognized by law.
What Does a Historical Society Do?
A historical society is like a detective agency for the past! The Dorchester Historical Society collects and protects old stories, photos, and items from Dorchester. Their main goal is to teach people, especially young people, about how life used to be. They help us understand the important events and people who shaped Dorchester over hundreds of years.
Explore Historic Homes
The Dorchester Historical Society has its main office in a cool old building called the William Clapp House. But that's not all! They also take care of other very old houses in Dorchester. These houses are like time capsules you can visit.
One of these is the James Blake House, which was built around 1661. Imagine how old that is! Another is the Captain Lemuel Clap House. These homes are called "historic house museums." They show us what homes looked like long ago.
You can even visit these historic houses! They are open for tours on the third Sunday of every month. You can stop by between 11 AM and 3 PM to see history come alive. It's a great way to step back in time and learn about Dorchester's rich past.
