The Dedham Historical Society, founded in 1859, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a special exhibit including some of its most important and rarely seen items. The new exhibit remain on view for the remainder of 2009.
In 1888, the society constructed its museum and library after collecting so many artifacts and documents that it needed a place for them. It has continued to collect to the present day
Ron Frazier, the society’s executive director and chief executive officer, noted that it owns thousands of artifacts and regularly exhibits many, including paintings by well-known artists, such as Gilbert Stuart, John Constable, Lilian and Philip Hale, Alvan Fisher and many others. It has one of only two astronomical shelf clocks by Simon Willard with the dial by Paul Revere.
A collection of Revere silver, as well as silver by Potwine, Burt, Foster, Homes and others has been placed on exhibit for the 150th anniversary. Other artifacts in the special exhibit include items from ancient Egypt to the Twentieth Century.
Other items exhibited include a Civil War drum and fife, pistol and dolls, a canopic jar and crocodile mummies, samplers and mourning needlework, jewelry, a rare Sixteenth Century coffer and what has been described as the best Eighteenth Century mother-of-pearl tea-chest from China, a Nineteenth Century mouse guillotine, Native American tools, plates to print money by the Dedham National Bank, a slave neck chain, a document signed by George Washington, the original Indian deed to the town of Dedham and more. In addition, a photograph and biographical sketch of every historical society president from 1859 to the present is exhibited.
In addition to its historical artifacts, the society has in its collections more than 10,000 books, thousands of images and maps and even more unpublished manuscript and documents, representing US presidents, national and local dignitaries and early settlers to present day officials and ordinary citizens. It is especially known for its extensive genealogical holdings.
Other items on permanent exhibit include Dedham and Chelsea Keramic Art Pottery, paintings, Sixteenth through Nineteenth Century furniture, silver by Katharine Pratt and other Dedham silversmiths, clocks, a Paul Revere bell and more.
The Dedham Historical Society is at 612 High Street. For information, 781-326-1385 or www.dedhamhistorical.org .
