- About us
- Background
- Collections
- Membership
- Contact
Historic Newton is a public/private partnership between the Newton Historical Society and the City of Newton.
What We Do:
-Operate two museums—the Jackson Homestead and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
-Maintain three historic burying grounds in the City of Newton
-Collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit historic artifacts of local significance
-Offer workshops, lectures, walking tours, discussions, and other educational programs that educate and involve the diverse population of Newton and the region
-Maintain an archive of historic documents, photographs, maps, and other materials related to the history of Newton
-Promote and celebrate historic research and preservation in and about the City of Newton
Officers and staff
Lisa Dady- Director
Mission: Historic Newton inspires discovery and engagement by illuminating our community’s stories within the context of American history.
Founded: 1950
History of the Historic Newton: The City of Newton established the Jackson Homestead as a museum in 1950. The original mission of the museum's Board of Trustees was to restore, furnish, and repair the structure; to collect and preserve objects and documents of importance relating to Newton history; and to make the Homestead "of lasting value to the community."
On the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the Mayor appointed the first full-time director in 1953. In the same year, the Friends of The Jackson Homestead, a not-for-profit membership organization, was established.
In 1982, the Friends changed its name to the Newton Historical Society, and in 1984, the Mayor-appointed Board of Trustees and the Newton Historical Society began working together to oversee and fund the Jackson Homestead and Museum. The organization operates as a public/private partnership and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2000.
In 2003, the museum changed its name to the Newton History Museum to better reflect its role in the community. In 2009, the organization adopted the umbrella name of Historic Newton to accommodate its steady growth beyond the walls of the Jackson Homestead.
In 2011, Historic Newton acquired the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, which opened as a second museum in 2013.
Historic Newton also oversees the Historic Burying Grounds Project and maintains an archive of documents and images and a collection of artifacts.
Collection overview: Historic Newton’s collecting activities support mission-based, interpretive themes that allow the staff to show that history happened and happens at the local level through the actions of ordinary citizens, and that local, Newton history is tied to “the broad context of American history.” Collecting occurs at both of our museums, the Jackson Homestead and Museum and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds.
Jackson Homestead and Museum Collecting Themes
Open Space: farms, orchards, parks, and recreation areas;
The Charles River: river-based industry and water-related recreation;
The Railroad: development of villages & businesses, suburban development;
Education: formal schools and informal organizations for both children and adults;
Communities: villages, organizations, groups, houses of worship, ethnic groups, civic life, and social life;
Commerce: businesses, the workforce, and consumerism;
Innovation: social and technological advances;
Architecture: style, materials, construction techniques, and design;
Suburban development & suburban living: proximity to Boston, transportation, the family & home, and domestic help;
Social change: civil rights, women’s rights, war demonstrations, gay rights;
The Abolition Movement: slavery, abolitionists, anti-slavery organizations, and the Underground Railroad.
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds Collecting Themes
History of the Durant, Kenrick, and Dewing families and other occupants, with a strong emphasis on their eras of tenancy;
Late colonial architecture and building practices relating to the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds;
Changes in land use and the landscape of Nonantum/Farlow Hill as emblematic of changes in land use in New England and the US;
Archaeology of museum site;
Horticultural Revolution as experienced on this site and emblematic of the times and region;
Historic Preservation movement as experienced on this site and emblematic of the times and region;
Events leading to the American Revolution in the Boston area;
Role of women as related to the inhabitants of the property;
Slavery and abolition as related to the inhabitants of the property.
Become a member: Yes. Please contact 617-641-9142 or see website.
Donate online: Donations can be made through Pay Pal.
Historic Newton
527 Washington Street
Newton, Mass. 02458
527 Washington Street
Part of: City of Newton
Website: http://www.historicnewton.org/
Phone: 617-796-1450
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