Welcome to the Fitchburg Historical Society

Founded in 1892, the Fitchburg Historical Society celebrates a city that has been a center of industry, culture, business, learning and innovation since it began in 1764. 

Our library and exhibition hall are open Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also call us for an appointment at other times: at 978-345-1157. We are closed most federal and state holidays. Free to visit, but donations are gladly accepted.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is open to the public, with history exhibitions in the George R. Wallace, Jr. and Alice Wallace Exhibition Hall, the Arthur Lowe Library and the Crocker Center for the Study of Fitchburg History. Located in the heart of Main Street and facing the Upper Common in the historic Phoenix Building. Our street address is 781 Main Street, Fitchburg 01420 and our mailing address is: PO Box 953, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

New Short PSA on the Vietnam War:

WAR - What Was it Good For?


by student intern, James Mahoney

Can be viewed on our YouTube Channel

Open video here
I'll guide you to amazing places
More information on Women of '76

Join us on Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m.

For the talented Rita Parisi and her new look at five women of the

American Revolution generation of 250 years ago:

The Women of '76!

Book your Spot for Women of '76

INDEFINITELY POSTPONED: Fitchburg's Civil War Bowie Knives: A Presentation on Whitman and Miles Cutting Tools by Don Anderson

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New Research identifies an Abolitionist owner and the knifemaker who becomes Fitchburg's mayor.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TALK HAS BEEN INDEFINITELY POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS

RE-VISIT SOON TO FIND OUT THE NEW DATE AND TIME



Fitchburg’s Civil War Bowie Knives:  New research identifies an Abolitionist owner, and the knifemaker who became Fitchburg’s Mayor


Presenter Don Anderson attended South Fitchburg Elementary School, Crocker School and B.F. Brown before moving to Gardner with his family. His mother’s family, the Carons, lived in Cleghorn where his grandfather Odule was the leader of the St. Joseph's Marching Band for a number of years. His mother Lorraine worked for the Fitchburg Public School system as a cafeteria manager.

Don has a BA in History from the College of William and Mary and an M. Ed. from Boston University. Since retiring from a career in workforce development, he has been an active researcher in his hobby of collecting vintage knives. He currently resides in Worcester with his wife Dee.


This event is free and open to the public.


For more about this Event

Contact persons

Portrait of Susan Navarre

Susan Navarre

Executive Director 

Executive Director

Executive Director Susan Navarre welcomes you to come explore Fitchburg's surprising history and extraordinary urban fabric. We are open all year 'round, and we welcome your calls, visits or emails, if you seek to learn more about Fitchburg's history.
More information on Membership and Research

Amy Green

President, Board of Directors

President,
Board of Directors

Councilor at Large on the Fitchburg City Council, Amy Green is a local business owner and transplant from rural Illinois. She has lived in Fitchburg for over 30 years and is a keen enthusiast for all of its history.
Our Board of Directors

Read Our Newsletters



Read our newsletters, for Local History Research

and Fitchburg Historical Events


August 2024 Newsletter Reminiscences Special Issue 2024 Women's History Newsletter 2023 Fitchburg African American History November 2024 Newsletter
Many many thanks to the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for their donation to support our Revolution 250 related program: Making and Re-Making the American Dream, which we will be presenting in a number of programs and exhibitions in 2025. They dropped by with a big check for us today! Thank you Stephen J. Adams, on right, and our board members Jessie Olson and Dr. John Bogdasarian, (far left and left)! Our director Susan is between the gentlemen.
Have a holly jolly Christmas!
Yes, you can watch our TV shows on Fitchburg history whenever you are in the mood: https://www.youtube.com/@fitchburghistoricalsociety4902
'Tis the season. Scary novel by Fitchburg author R. Patrick Gates who has been compared to Stephen King.
Raivaaija published Finnish cartoons from World War II. There's a story there! (in Finnish, of course, but the cartoons were translated into English.)
We hope you will join us next week, Saturday, October 19 at 1 p.m. for author Grant Llera discussing his research and findings on the Woollacott family of Fitchburg, for his book "Finding Fannie" https://www.facebook.com/events/1046698353552076
Raising money with the Eagles club to defeat heart disease: Leona Fleming, Agnes Rolinatis, and Edmond E. Cardinal. No name on the police department image. Anyone out there recognize them?
The Fitchburg Historical Society is reaching out to creative designers (local and beyond, professional and other) to create a sign of some sort for our back entrance, which faces the parking lot, at the rear of the historic Phoenix Building headquarters, located at 781 Main Street. Entry deadline is Halloween! October 31, 2024. The link to the online entry form and inspirational montage are available on our website homepage. Link in bio. #CallForArtists #SignDesign #FitchburgMA #HistoricBuilding #HistoricDownTown #FitchburgHistoricalSociety #WorcestetCounty #HistoricMassachusetts #HistoricNewEngland
Wow, things were certainly different in wartime in World War II. Imagine, we used phones for telephone calls!
Just learned that we have a history of Kelley Wood Products, written in 1980. Of course, they are still here!
Our most popular show on YouTube, and no one was more surprised that that entertaining Finn himself, Bill Lakso: https://youtu.be/jxSY2bbY_EA?si=eX94AZtm20oXQtjP
Happy Father's Day! Here is a heartwarming image from the collection of H.M. Francis with his son Frederick. H.M. Francis is well known for the many buildings that bear his name, which still stand in Fitchburg. He renamed his company "H. M. Francis and Sons" when his two sons, Frederick and Albert F., followed in their father's footsteps and joined the firm.
Coming up next weekend, a remembrance of those who served, with special recognition of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Orlando Boss, honored for valor at the Battle of Cold Harbor.
Seeing the Fitchburg High School Annex Building undergoing renovation, I am thrilled that this historic city building will remain with us for many more years. I was impressed when walking around the building recently and looking at the original wooden framework of the Mansard Roof. This building was built in 1869 from an H.M. Francis design and is located on a beautiful high point of land on Academy Street. This building was used as the second high school building in the city. In the early 1970s, I would start my school day by attending homeroom in the Annex Building. I reflect now on how many generations of Fitchburg students would have attended classes in this building. #PreservationMonth #SavingPlaces #ArchivalPhotos #HMFrancis #FitchburgHigh #FHS #AnnexBuilding #CommunityRevitalization @savingplaces
Happy Mother's Day! This gem was found in the historical society's archive. It is a Mother's Day card that Sgt. Philip Demmon sent to his mother, Isabel Demmon, in 1945. Inside, you see a photo of Phillip posing next to nose art featuring "Salvo Sally." #HappyMothersDay #MothersDay
Walking into B.F. Brown, a new 8th grade, I was struck by the historic interior, seemingly unchanged since its incarnation in 1922. The classical revival red brick exterior with massive concrete steps and columns may have been lost on a 13-year-old. However, looking back, I am proud to have attended such a stunning school conceived by the renowned architect Joseph Daniels Leland. Boarded up and unused for years, this beautiful building is being given a second life. The non-profit organization NewVue Communities and the @fitchburgartmuseum have partnered to provide affordable housing for artists. I can't wait to see this project completed and how it will help our community grow! Here are some wonderful photos found in the Fitchburg Historical Society collection, including a vintage postcard, a photo of the original construction featuring the large arch windows, and scanned images of past alumni. #SavingPlaces #PreservationMonth #ArchivalPhotos #ClassicalRevival #JosephDanielsLeland #CommunityRevitalization @savingplaces
Celebrate Preservation Month with the Fitchburg Historical Society and @savingplaces this May. This year's theme is "People Saving Places," which spotlights everyone doing the work of saving places—in big ways and small. We will highlight preservation projects (completed, in progress, or a pursuit) and people/organizations in our community that seek to preserve our historic city's places and buildings. The Fitchburg Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the city's vibrant history and revitalizing its historic spaces. If you enjoy our stories and our work, please consider becoming a member or donating today. #FitchburgHistoricalSociety #FitchburgMA #AerialPhotograph #HistoricPhotography
Coming up on Mothers Day. FREE. Plan to attend with a friend, or maybe a mother.
Today is Remembrance Day for the Armenian Genocide. The photo is from our collection, of an Armenian burial, of the Khachadourian family, in 1919 (taken by a Fitchburg photographer.) The text (sorry it's sideways till I edit it) identifies it, in Armenian.
Save the Date!
All dressed up for spring...
Mark your calendars for this inspiring and informative special event!
We have our own channel on YouTube. Find our videos here: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCJpMAczMMCzAuIrNUFPR6tg/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D Photo from Spring in Cogghall Park added for the algorithm benefit.
AM Radio in Fitchburg. A panel convened by the Friday Nights in Fitchburg Club in the early 2010's: https://youtu.be/RMMKn3Hrcz8?si=5YkPQtWk4Hrh-6Co
A short film on Fitchburg as the home front in World War II. Created 9 years ago by our FSU intern Becca Banta. She's out in Chicago now writing screenplays, IIRC. https://youtu.be/hKvFgcXa6Ss?si=tBeIjHpzD8NvHNIB
For Women's History Month: here's our special issue newsletter on Fitchburg Women and their history: https://cdn.website-editor.net/s/abd7943597d64f23840d65f9609fe60d/files/uploaded/FHS_WomensHistory.pdf?Expires=1712422763&Signature=JQFwnyBV1yijBMtDJHr9bIIPX1tETpU5RVqgTBB3MuC2uS2yUJ4dS0OS~omOVFtkXrchKj9aez4u-NFoHHyaFZTNmGfjDunegtXAsLG7I1dc2v3V7Ea~3FZXPVUIIbKlyYOH1hNHfWeKTV-dvypkE8Xao7b27y5qQbh5WGJrrmUzQF-6jSQkwMEIzF2wxQ16pBFSAr4Pfd-U9RpWkR9KexxUUzc~A8aGFrAvJG6FYGcpF~pHVmxHP6R0oEzj~Uqt3tOalFC5fz-3yRTFVb486txumpNV4FUuADrPT~yH54~2~KeJBm5qTWh3PkQvBS8K1g4JNREERI1xnCTSneJl9g__&Key-Pair-Id=K2NXBXLF010TJW
Who says the Finns don't know how to have fun? They celebrate a fictional saint every year on March 16! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Urho
This view of Cushing Street (post 1900, when grade changes were made, per Don Lassila) makes Fitchburg look like a Vermeer painting!
If you want to learn more about Major Taylor, the professional bike racer in the late 19th century and early 20th century, who was a spokesperson for Fitchburg's Iver Johnson bikes, there's a new documentary about him, coming up on PBS on February 26. You can stream it on YouTube or watch it on the PBS app. Eventually, it will be shown live in Worcester (his home town), too. https://indianapublicmedia.org/majortaylor/
Did you know that this is National Sauna Week? Come on Fitchburg, let's enjoy the History, Tradition, Culture and Appreciation of that Finnish treasure: the Sauna! Fitchburg had public saunas, and even manufactured sauna heating machines. Any stories to share? Thank you to Lloyd and Joyce Hannula who donated this flyer to the Historical Society.
Nashua River, flowing under the Putnam Street Bridge. (2 views: one of Putnam Street Bridge and the other of the river curving nearby.)
Our newest "I Remember When" TV show is broadcasting now: Weds. Feb. 14 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m. Mark Bodanza has found out when Abraham Lincoln spoke it Fitchburg on a "Whistle Stop Tour"!! On the Civic channel: FATV Civic Channel is Comcast Channel 1074 (HD) Verizon Channel 37 & 2137 (HD) And of course, you can stream it on "Video on Demand"
Elzo Conrad, the model neighbor, Andrienne Clark tells us (and she's her neighbor, so.....)
Civil War Exhibition, in 2018. Beautifully curated by Kathleen Flynn.
This photo from the Wallace Civic Center shows George R. Wallace and Mayor Bill Flynn to the far right. No information (yet!) on the others.
Oh, yes, the joys of school vacation week! Photo by the talented Claire Murchie, a recent gift to the Fitchburg Historical Society.
Nashua River from below Laurel Hill Cemetery. Glass slide negative in the collection of the Fitchburg Historical Society.
If you are a local history professional (or aspiring to be), here is a list of jobs in the field right now: https://jobflash.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9NDA3NTY4MCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9MzUzODc2MTc3
Toy trucks from Tonka and Aubuchon Hardware, along with Scotch kisses from Ye Olde House of Bailey's, under our tree.
When you are enjoying a festive meal (or hot toddy!) at Slattery's, please thank them for being members of the Fitchburg Historical Society. Locally owned businesses are always the best for supporting local nonprofit charities like us!
Here's a link to one of the excellent online calendars for events and activities happening in Fitchburg. This one is organized by the Fitchburg Cultural Council: https://fitchburgculturalcouncil.simple.ink/
https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/arts-and-culture/centerstage
Today is the last day for Hannaford's promotion to benefit the Fitchburg Historical Society: http://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/a4lk-2rdxvz--15dm0j-96tyrye9?fbclid=IwAR1gYp2FvQwWDFZSPATuqj0nvkZKfkNAnizWkOeWJkePVqaQdxz9oXFlHEI
This is Albert Everett Cairns, a 1927 Fitchburg High School graduate who worked as an actor throughout his life. There is an article about him in our most recent (November 2023) newsletter. Contact us if you would like a copy mailed to you. In 1936, he was working for the Federal Theatre Project in Los Angeles. The most recent Smithsonian magazine has an article about the Federal Theatre Project and its director, Dorothy Thompson: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/fascism-threatened-europe-play-warned-americans-federal-theater-project-180983051/
This is identified as "Centennial" in our records, but that does not seem right. Men are wearing summer straw boaters, and the offices in the Park Building (shown) correspond with about 1919. Se we think it is July 4th in Fitchburg, soon after the end of World War I. Now that's a city that knows how to deploy its bunting!
Lots of researchers lately
One of our members received their member newsletter and the pages were all messed up, with a couple of pages missing and some duplicated. My copy arrived out of order, but otherwise okay. We think that it was a machine error in folding to prepare for mailing. If your copy did not arrive in good shape, please let us know, so we can send you a good replacement!
More for Women's History Month! An invention by a Fitchburg woman: Spoon, 1/2 teaspoon measuring device (patent US780492). Impressed on backside of handle, "THE DE BOUTVILLE Co. FITCHBURG MASS PAT JAN 24 "'05 " Designed by "Frances Boutelle - only woman from Fitchburg to hold a utility patent in the 19th century".
Here we go! Letters from the front.
Say hi to our new employee, Maya!
Adorable little boy! He became an ambassador.
Hopkinton
And now a new show on FATV
New storage shelves! It's the simple things....
Water power, industrial revolution style. Powering the city.
We will he closed on January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Come join us on February 8th!
Just a reminder, we will be closed from December 25th to January 2nd. Though you can always try to reach us through Facebook or our website.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is one of the groups that will be participating in this Saturday's Winter Market. You'll find us at 437 Main Street from 1 to 4:30 p.m. selling "The 'Burg" t-shirts and caps (red and grey/black), Christmas ornaments, Historical Society photo note cards & refrigerator magnets... See you there!
Our Annual Holiday House Tour is arriving this Saturday! Be sure to call in or stop by to get tour tickets before the end of the week! We will be open on Saturday by 10am to sell additional tickets.
We had some Fitchburg State students come in today and interview a few of our volunteers about the Fitchburg Theater. It's great seeing younger people so interested in Fitchburg history!
Tickets for the Fitchburg Annual House Tour are now on sale! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the following locations: Fitchburg Historical Society, Shacks, The Mayors Office, Windmill Florist, Homestead Primitives, DeBonis and Davin, Mill #3, Elliot's, and Slattery's.
Pieces of the Rollstone Boulder back when it was broken apart to transport it down to the upper common. Circa 1929
A typewriter used by Raivaaja, the once local Finnish newspaper in Fitchburg, was donated to us recently. Come by to see it in our ongoing exhibition Fitchburg Immigrant experience.
We are here at the Fitchburg Community Resource Fair until 7pm! Stop by and grab a newsletter and to chat about Fitchburg's past.
A Fitchburg Orthomec. #249 and donated to us from Ken Hultgren. The only piece that's been replaced is the motor. The device itself still works when plugged in and was said to help cure polio.
An Iver Johnson racket that was donated today! Very interesting.
Did everyone get to see the eclipse today? We took a small break with our volunteers to sneak a peak.
Any of these items look familiar? They'll be on display at out Finnish Open House event this Friday! Visit the “Fitchburg Immigrant Experience” during FinnFun, in celebration of Finland’s 100th anniversary celebration of independence. Coffee and Finnish snacks will be served. The event is free & open to the public and runs from 12pm- 4pm.
The bikes are gone until next year as we get ready for our newest exhibit. Stay tuned!
Happy Fourth of July!
New shirts will be for sale with the opening of our annual​ Iver Johnson Exhibit. Limited time only at $15 a shirt. Sizes S-XXL available.
We are excited for our Fire Fighters Gala tonight! We will post some pictures throughout the night.
Just a reminder that we will be closed this upcoming Monday! Have a happy Presidents day!
We had a class come in today from Fitchburg High. Such a great group. We love seeing today's youth interested in learning about Fitchburg history.
With Easter around the corner, check out our Gift Shop for some nice gifts! Hats, magnets, cards and more are available for you or someone you know that's interested in Futchburg and its history!
Our new exhibit, "If These Walls Could Talk: The History of the Fitchburg Fire Department" is currently going on and will be running from now until June 7th.
Coming this week! Check out our collection of Fitchburg Fire Fighter items and photos on display.
Due to the weather over the past few past days, we will be pushing back the start of our Firefighters exhibit. The exhibit will officially open up on Monday, March 27th at 10am instead of March 20th. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Getting ready for our next exhibit coming on March 20th!!!
Today we have a class of FSU students here to learn about some of the theaters in Fitchburg!
Does anyone know what HSECP might have meant in a highschool pennant?
What's your favorite thing about Fitchburg? Let us know in the comments below.
Christine Tree introduces herself before talking about Industrial Families in Fitchburg!
2012: The Fitchburg Historical Society moved into our current location, The Phoenix Building! The building was originally only occupied by the Fitchburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company along with apartments on the top 3 floors. This is the end of our #125DaysofHistory social media campaign and we would like to thank all of you for your continued support! We hope you enjoyed it and if you have any questions or comments you can email us at: Welcome@fitchburghistoricalsociety.com Call 978-345-1157 Or reach us on our social media (@fitchhistsocy on Instagram and twitter) and Fitchburg Historical Society on Facebook. (The Massachusetts one)
June 13th, 2011: The Johnsonia building caught fire. The fire ended up being cause for the building to be torn down and also cancelled the Longsjo bike race due part of the race being along the same street. Image is a postcard of the Johnsonia #125DaysofHistory
June 30th, 2010 marked the building closure for 4 of Fitchburg's Catholic parishes: Immaculate Conception, St. Bernard's, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Madonna of the Holy Rosary. St. Camillus was changed, and is now known as St. Bernard's at St. Camillus, located on Mechanic Street. Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary parishes were merged into St. Joseph's. Image is of St. Bernard's Church, located on Water Street. #125DaysofHistory
2010, Erika Lawler, ice hockey player, goes to Vancouver Olympics and takes home silver medal! Image is from the historical society collection. #125DaysofHistory
September, 2000 New Fitchburg High School opens. Image is of the old Fitchburg Highschool. Circa 1900's. #125DaysofHistory
November 19th, 1995 marks the dedication of the local World War II Memorial. #125DaysofHistory
1989, A microburst damages the steeple of First Parish Church. According to our records, the steeple was replaced within the next year or so. Photo is from the historical society collection. #125daysofhistory
1972: Eleanora West became the Director of the Fitchburg Historical Society. Image is of Elanora West in the dining room of the Vickery House in 1986. #125DaysofHistory
1970: Moon rocks go on display at the Wallace Civic Center. Image is of William Flynn with a lunar sample. #125DaysofHistory #Moon #Rocks #Space #History #Fitchburg

Congratulations to our Director

Susan Navarre

2025 Boulder Award Recipient

Susan was honored with the 28 Annual

Boulder Award for Public Service

by Fitchburg Access Television on May 1, 2025

Watch the Awards Ceremony Make a donation in her honor

Explore Fitchburg history with us

"I Remember When" - Our TV show

A new series of 30-minute programs on Fitchburg history are in production now. As they are broadcast, they can be seen on FATV (Fitchburg Access TV) and also streamed online.  As of September 2020, programs are being produced. Supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities NEH Cares.
Learn more

Research in our Archives 
AT HOME

T he database can be accessed with a computer. 
Start your search here. 
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