About

Our main goal is to educate the citizens of Norton by providing an understanding of past traditions and a comprehensive history of the town.

We collect, study, and maintain photographs, newspapers, artifacts, books, publications and other miscellaneous items relating to the history of Norton. Additionally, we provide public programs, events, and a tour of the Old School House at 18 West Main St.

As a historical society we are here to assist those who are looking for information regarding the history of Norton, as well as supporting academic research.

NHS Founders Statement

The Norton Historical Society was founded in January of the year before the Town celebrated its 250th anniversary. A group of citizens met in the high school, made Joseph Yelle their Chairman, and drew up by-laws.

These articles were approved in March, 1960, and Mr. Yelle was elected the Society’s first president.

From the start, the Historical Society has endeavored to direct attention to the history of Norton, to preserve records and artifacts from the town’s past, and to draw together people with an interest in the culture of the area.

A wide range of programs has been presented to members during the past three years. There have been visits to old homes, reports on early industries in the town , histories of outstanding families in the area, and investigations of the transportation systems that have served Norton.

Some speakers have come from further afield. The range of talks extends form detailed studies of small sections of Norton’s history to the much wider subject of antique collecting.

In addition to meetings and discussions, the Society has several long-range projects. Eventually material will be gathered to continue the Rev. Mr. Clark’s History of Norton.

Tape recordings are gradually being made of the reminiscences of some of the Town’s oldest citizens.

Since 1961 the society has been busy restoring the school house on South Worcester Street. Eventually this building, owned by the Society, will serve as a meeting place and provide space to house the increasing number of items being donated by town residents who want truer old maps, records, and artifacts collected in a central place where they will be available to all those interested in Norton History.

Our Staff