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.
Saturday December 5, 11 AM to 2 PM Join the party at the historic Boutwell House at 172 Main Street, and launch the spirit of the solstice season on Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy holiday décor, hot cider, and sweet
Today, on Veterans Day, the Groton History Center extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans of Groton and to all those across the United States who have served our country. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and dedication, and remember the generations who have helped shape our nation’s history.
In recognition of the day, we are sharing a photograph from our collection depicting nine members of Groton’s Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) post, an organization of Union veterans who served during the American Civil War. A handwritten note preserved on the back identifies the men, reading from left to right: Warner Souther, Bradford Harrington, Charles Berry, Bowman Gale, Henry Shattuck, Thomas Wilson, John Condon, Dr. David Steele and Lyman Mason. The gentleman on the far right is Hon. Burton W. Potter of Worcester, the Orator of the Day. This photograph offers a glimpse into Groton’s veteran community and the men who carried the legacy of their Civil War service into the following generations.
Today, we remember and thank all who have served. ...
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A look back at Groton through historic photographs of Main Street! How many of these places can you recognize? Take a guess in the comments and let us know where you think each photograph was taken.
#grotonma #grotonhistory #grotonthenandnow #localhistory #MassachusettsHistory GrotonHistoryCenter ...
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She is an appreciated member of our team… even when she gets in the way. #grotonhistory #localhistory #haunteddoll #grotonma ...
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Mark your calendars for Saturday December 5th for our annual holiday open house. Footwork and Frolick will be joining us again for dance demos and games. We’ll see you there! #grotonhistory #grotonma #holidays #historicholidays The Footwork and Frolick Society ...
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It’s November…do you have turkey on the brain yet? Among other endeavors, Leonard Dodge raised White Holland turkeys at his farm on Broadmeadow. #grotonma #grotonhistory #thanksgivingturkey ...
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