National Register of Historic Places listings in Framingham, Massachusetts facts for kids
Framingham, Massachusetts, is a town with a rich history! It has 18 special places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government that recognizes buildings, sites, or districts that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's considered worth preserving for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots in Framingham!
Contents
Discovering Framingham's Historic Places
Historic Homes and Neighborhoods
Many of Framingham's historic places are old homes and neighborhoods that tell stories about how people lived long ago.
Concord Square Historic District
The Concord Square Historic District is a special area that includes Park, Concord, and Kendall Streets, and Union Avenue. It was added to the list in 1983. This district is important because it shows how neighborhoods were designed and built in the past.
Moses Ellis House
The Moses Ellis House at 283 Pleasant Street is an old house that became a historic place in 1983. It's a great example of the kind of homes built in Framingham many years ago.
Framingham Centre Common Historic District
The Framingham Centre Common Historic District is centered around the Framingham Centre Common. It was recognized in 1990. A "historic district" means a whole area with many old buildings that together show a piece of history. This common area has been a central part of Framingham for a very long time.
Paul Gibbs House
The Paul Gibbs House at 1147 Edmands Road was added to the list in 1983. This house is another example of the historic homes that help tell the story of Framingham's past.
Irving Square Historic District
The Irving Square Historic District includes Irving Square and parts of Waverly, South, Columbia, Irving, Gordon, and Hollis Streets. It became historic in 1982. This district shows how town squares and surrounding streets developed.
Saxonville Historic District
The Saxonville Historic District is roughly along Elm, Danforth, Central, Water, and Concord Streets. It was listed in 1992. Saxonville is a part of Framingham with a unique history, especially related to its industrial past.
Important Public Buildings
Framingham also has historic public buildings that have served the community for many years.
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church at 1013 Worcester Road was listed in 1980. Churches are often important landmarks in a community's history, not just for religious reasons but also for their architecture and role in town life.
Framingham Railroad Station
The Framingham Railroad Station at 417 Waverly Street became a historic place in 1975. Railroad stations were once very busy hubs for travel and trade, connecting towns and cities. This station played a big part in Framingham's growth.
Saint John's Episcopal Church
Saint John's Episcopal Church on Maynard Road and Church Street was listed in 1990. Today, this historic church building is known as the Ecumenical Center at Framingham State University. It shows how old buildings can find new uses while still keeping their historic importance.
Whit's Diner
Whit's Diner at 184A Fountain Street was recognized in 2003. Diners are a classic part of American culture, and this one represents a piece of that history in Framingham.
Water Supply Systems
A surprising number of Framingham's historic places are related to its water supply system, which was very important for Boston and surrounding towns. These structures show amazing engineering from the past.
Framingham Reservoir No. 1 Dam and Gatehouse
The Framingham Reservoir No. 1 Dam and Gatehouse is located at the eastern end of Framingham Reservoir No. 1. It was listed in 1990. Dams and gatehouses are structures that control the flow of water from reservoirs.
Framingham Reservoir No. 2 Dam and Gatehouse
The Framingham Reservoir No. 2 Dam and Gatehouse is between Reservoirs Nos. 1 and 2. It also became historic in 1990. These reservoirs and their structures were part of a large system built to provide clean water.
Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam and Gatehouse
The Framingham Reservoir No. 3 Dam and Gatehouse is at the southeastern end of Framingham Reservoir No. 3. It was listed in 1990. These three reservoirs and their gatehouses are important examples of early water management.
Lake Cochituate Dam
The Lake Cochituate Dam is on the northwestern side of Lake Cochituate. It was added to the list in 1990. This dam is another key part of the historic water supply infrastructure in the region.
Sudbury Aqueduct Linear District
The Sudbury Aqueduct Linear District follows the Sudbury Aqueduct from Farm Pond in Framingham all the way to Chestnut Hill Reservoir in Newton. It was listed in 1990. An aqueduct is like a long, historic pipeline that carries water from one place to another. This one extends through several towns.
Sudbury Dam Historic District
The Sudbury Dam Historic District is at the southeastern end of the Sudbury Reservoir. It was recognized in 1990. This dam is a major part of the historic water system and also extends into Southborough.
Weston Aqueduct Linear District
The Weston Aqueduct Linear District follows the Weston Aqueduct from the Sudbury Reservoir to the Weston Reservoir. It was listed in 1990. Like the Sudbury Aqueduct, this one is a long historic structure that helped bring water to communities, stretching through several towns.
These historic places in Framingham are like open-air museums, showing us how people lived, worked, and built their communities in the past. They are important reminders of the town's rich heritage!
