We work to preserve the cultural artifacts of Dorchester’s past to inspire the imaginations of future generations.The purpose of the Dorchester Historical Society, founded in 1843 and incorporated in 1891, is to collect, preserve, and disseminate knowledge of the history of that section of the City of Boston which was formerly the Town of Dorchester; to hold, and aid in the preservation of, historic buildings and sites in the area; to care for, and from time to time, exhibit such articles of historic or antiquarian interest as may come into its possession.

For many years the Society has been actively interested in preserving the traditions and records of Dorchester and its people, from the earliest settlement in 1630 to the present time. The Society maintains three properties: the seventeenth-century Blake House, the eighteenth-century Captain Lemuel Clap House, and the early-nineteenth-century William Clapp House, which is also its headquarters.

Each year regular meetings of the members are held with programs of historical interest, including the Annual Meeting in May. New members and guests are always welcome. To support this voluntary work you are cordially invited to become a member of the Dorchester Historical Society. For more information, send email to our president, Earl Taylor, at Ermmwwt@aol.com.

In addition, the Society has generally been looked upon as the natural custodian and repository of material pertaining to Dorchester’s past. Documents, records, pictures or other memorabilia relating to Dorchester which you may wish to entrust to its care are always appreciated. They will significantly benefit succeeding generations through a more accurate knowledge and better understanding of the lives and times of their predecessors — which is what any history is really all about.

Read our Summer 2007 newsletter or selected past newsletters.

And note that the Society’s Architectural Preservation Committee has recently assembled a list of the top ten endangered properties in Dorchester. Visit the committee's online group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dhs_historic_preservation to take part in preserving Dorchester's architectural heritage. Most important, read about our recently approved grant and the help we need to save the Blake House.

For additional information about Dorchester’s history — its people, its architecture, its businesses, its institutions — visit The Dorchester Atheneum.

Founded in 1843 and incorporated in 1891.