The Hingham History Fund 2020

History reminds us of our resiliency. Take heart and take comfort in history. When you support the Hingham History Fund you preserve the history we are living, the history we have lived and our iconic historic structures.

Featured Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Hingham Historical Society

The Hingham Historical Society, founded in 1914, is a member-supported non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the history of the town of Hingham, Massachusetts. We offer educational programs, exhibits, and year-round activities for families, students, and all those who seek to gain a deeper appreciation of our community’s and our nation’s history.

The Hingham Historical Society is a non-profit membership corporation. All of our activities and the continued operation of the Society depend on the support of its members. Become a Member today and enjoy the benefits of membership, including free admission to the Heritage Museum and the 1688 Old Ordinary House Museum, early ticketing options for our most popular events and a discount in the Museum Shop.

Featured Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Heritage Museum and Visitor Center at Old Derby

Visit the Heritage Museum to begin learning about Hingham’s rich history. Serving as headquarters for the Society, the Museum features the Visitors Center and Museum Shop on the first floor, exhibit space including the Kelly Gallery on the second floor and Society Archives and the Gillis Reading Room on the third floor. Whether you are interested in genealogical research on Hingham families, information on historic homes and buildings or up-to-date information on all that Hingham has to offer- both old and new – the Heritage Museum and Visitors Center is staffed by knowledgeable Historical Society staff and volunteers and is open to serve you year-round.

The Hingham Heritage Visitor Center should be your first stop in exploring everything Hingham has to offer.  We’ll point you in the right direction – no matter where (or when) you want to go.

The Old Ordinary Campus: 1686 House, Annex, Old Fort & Olmsted Garden

The Old Ordinary is a remarkable example of early American architectural and cultural history, built on the main road from Boston for stagecoach travelers to stop “for an ordinary meal” and a drink in the taproom. A home and family business, the Ordinary served local travelers for over 150 years as a meeting place to exchange news, celebrate events, see friends and sample the latest batch of cider. In addition to the 1686 House Museum, the property includes the Olmsted Garden, the Old Fort and the Arts and Crafts Annex. Open for tours and special events mid-June through September and again in November for the popular Candelight Tours.

Host Your Event or Function at The Hingham Historical Society

The Hingham Heritage Museum at Old Derby, the Old Ordinary garden and the annex are available for rent to celebrate weddings, business meetings, and other special occasions. The Hingham Heritage Museum at Old Derby is an elegant example of Hingham’s Federal era architecture and sits atop a hill overlooking Hingham Square. An upstairs ballroom (handicapped accessible), with an adjacent brick terrace and garden, can accommodate seated dinners for 100 and parties for up to 300. With its arching, oversized windows, period details and portraits and clocks from our collection, the Heritage Museum adds an air of historic elegance to your special occasion. The Old Ordinary Olmsted Garden features the portico of the former Thaxter mansion and is a perfect venue for a ceremony. The Old Ordinary Annex is a rustic charming space featuring a small kitchen and restroom – perfect for a garden party or meeting of up to 75 people.