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Dorchester Historical Society facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
William Clapp House, Dorchester MA
The William Clapp House is the main office for the Dorchester Historical Society.

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? The Dorchester Historical Society helps you do just that! It's a group dedicated to preserving and sharing the amazing history of Dorchester, Massachusetts, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the United States. Dorchester was founded way back in 1630, and this society makes sure its stories are never forgotten.

The society itself has a long history. It was started by people who loved Dorchester's past in 1843 and officially became an organization in 1891. Its main job is to collect artifacts, documents, and stories from Dorchester's long history.

Explore Historic Homes

One of the best ways the society shares history is by taking care of several very old houses. You can even visit them! These homes are like time capsules that show what life was like hundreds of years ago. The society's main office is in one of these historic buildings, the William Clapp House.

They also manage other important historic sites that are open for tours. You can visit these amazing places on the third Sunday of every month, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The James Blake House

Built around 1661, the James Blake House is one of the oldest houses in Boston. It was built by a family who came from England. Visiting this house gives you a peek into what life was like for the early settlers in America.

The Captain Lemuel Clap House

This house, also known as one of the Clapp Houses, was built in 1767 for Captain Lemuel Clap. He was a farmer and a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. The house shows how life changed in Dorchester over the centuries.

See also

  • List of historical societies in Massachusetts
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