Founded in 1894, the Groton Historical Society preserves archival materials, artifacts, photographs, maps, and stories connected to the history of Groton. Headquartered in the historic Boutwell House, the Center serves as a museum, research resource, and gathering place for anyone interested in the town’s past.
Explore history, exhibits, events, and many other topics that highlight Groton’s cultural, political, social, and community history.
Browse documents, ledgers, photographs, postcards, ephemera, maps, and other archival materials that help tell Groton’s story.
The Groton Historical Society is a repository for archival material and artifacts related to the history of Groton. The Society is headquartered at the former home of the 1851-53 Massachusetts Governor, George Boutwell.
The Groton Historical Society was founded in 1894 as a repository for archival material
and artifacts related to the history of Groton. Boutwell House serves as the headquarters of the Society.
Constructed in 1851, when George Boutwell was the Governor of Massachusetts, the residence continued as a family home while Boutwell’s political career took him to Washington, D. C. and afterward he lived here until his death in 1905. His daughter, Georgianna, continued to live here until her death in 1933. She bequeathed the house to the Groton Historical Society who renovated the building as its headquarters, installed two rental apartments to offset the cost of operations, and opened the building as a museum to the public in 1939.
The Society uses the house as a museum to display artifacts relating to Groton and the
Boutwell family. These objects, documents, photographs, et cetera date from the earliest days of Groton to the present.
The collections and archives in the Boutwell House are valuable resources for those doing school projects, genealogical and local history research, and anyone looking for answers about the town’s history, early families or architecture. The Society has a solid base of local support. After more than one hundred years, the Society remains an important institution in town for tourism and background information on the region. It has a dedicated membership which is open to anyone and has a volunteer corps who staff and operate the House.
Old and Rare Books with Brattle Book Shop’s Ken Gloss Sunday, October 4, 2:00—4:00 PM Sibley Hall Groton Public Library 99 Main St., Groton, MA, 01450 FREE REGISTRATION: https://gpl.assabetinteractive.com/…/hold-for-ken…/ Join us for a special presentation by Ken Gloss, second-generation proprietor of Boston’s famed Brattle Book
Event Date: Thursday October 15, 2026, 7 PM Event Location: 163 West Main Street, Groton Additional Information on Facebook Additional Events
For this “What is it? Wednesday,” we have this object featured right here. Any guesses on what this object is or how it was used? We cant know for sure but our educated guess is……that this object is an 18th century
Mouse-trap. This primitive trap is constructed from
wood and wrought iron. It was probably handcrafted for use in a rural household or farm. The trap’s iron mechanism was designed to catch rodents entering the
wooden enclosure, reflecting the practical ingenuity of everyday life in early New England. #grotonhistory #localhistoy #mousetrap ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Here are some moments from Saturday’s ‘George and Georgie’ at Home. We had such a good time with everyone that stopped by. Huge thanks to George and Georgianna for bringing the Boutwell House to life! Photo credit: Steve Lieman. #georgeboutwell #localhistory #grotonhistory ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Old & Rare Books with Ken Gloss is this Sunday October 4th at the Groton Public Library. Apologies for the incorrect date originally listed. Co-sponsored with the Groton Public Library MA ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Enjoy this “dramatic” reading of some letters between George and Georgianna. You can see these original letters and talk to George and Georgianna themselves, as we have two costumed interpreters at the Boutwell house tomorrow 11am-2pm! Swing by for some shelter from the rain☔️
#boutwellhouse #groton #letterreading #localhistory ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
What better way to spend a rainy day than at the warm and cozy Boutwell House? Come by tomorrow between 11 and 2 to hear conversations between George & Georgie Boutwell about what was going on in 1885. ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
We have an open house coming up!!! Come by the Boutwell House on Saturday to talk to our wonderful historical reenactors portraying George and Gerogianna Boutwell. They will be around the house telling tales and answering questions! We look forward to seeing you there. #grotonhistory #localhistory #historicalreenactment ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook