Wellesley Historical Society
229 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02481

he Wellesley Historical Society offers visitors an introduction to Wellesley women who have made an impact on the town and the world through literature, arts, education, politics and the sciences. Individuals include poets Katharine Lee Bates (author of "America the Beautiful"), Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton; artist Mary Brewster Hazelton, activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Emily Green Balch, abolitionist Sarah Southwick, reactionary Elizabeth Foote Denton, women's education visionary Pauline Durant, and early physician Susanna Kilborn.

Directions:
The Wellesley Historical Society is located at 229 Washington Street (Route 16) in Wellesley, and is reached by a shared driveway for 219 Washington Street. Washington Street is easily accessible from Route 128/US 95, via the "16 West, Wellesley" exits. If headed south on Route 128, the exit is soon after the exit for the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90).
If headed north on 128, it is just after the exit for Route 9.

Once on Route 16 heading west, you will pass over the Newton/Wellesley border. Stay on 16/Washington Street through a business area and then a residential area into Wellesley Hills. You will see the large Wellesley Hills Congregational Church on your right and the Wellesley Hills Branch Library on your left. Move into the right-hand lane. Directly ahead is a traffic light and the junction of Routes 16 and 9; on your right you will see a driveway for 219 Washington Street (you will see a sign for the Wellesley Friendly Aid Society, the Wellesley Community Center, and the Historical Society). Turn right into this driveway, and then left into the parking lot. The Historical Society is the white house with green shutters.

Phone:
781-235-6690
send E-mail
visit Website

Contact:
Laurel Nilsen Sparks

Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday, call for hours

Admission:
Free
ounded in 1925, the Wellesley Historical Society, preserves and promotes interest in the history of Wellesley, Massachusetts. It offers changing exhibits on aspects of the town's past (from Native American to present day) and Wellesley's role in New England history. Extensive collections and archives include personal and business artifacts and records, fine arts, and photographs. Special collections include the Denton Butterfly & Moth Collection, the Oldham Lace Collection, and the Fiske Civil War Library. The Society offers a lecture program and special events throughout the year. Visitors to exhibits are welcome during open hours, and researchers by appointment. Special and group tours may be arranged by calling the society.

Funding for this website is provided by
Community Crossroads Foundation, The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities,
and the museums and historic sites of the Greater Boston History Project.