The Canton Historical Society is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a significant grant from Meet Boston for its groundbreaking project, "Samuel Dunbar: The Unsung 'Eldest Son of Liberty' and Cornerstone of the Patriot Cause – Conserving and Digitizing American History - the Rev. Samuel Dunbar Diary." This vital funding will support several key initiatives, including educational materials, digital archiving, conservation of primary source material, and a special exhibition.

The grant will enable the Canton Historical Society to undertake the critical work of digitizing the original Samuel Dunbar Diary, a fragile and invaluable firsthand account of the work and service of Samuel Dunbar. This crucial project will ensure the long-term protection and preservation of this irreplaceable document, create a fully accessible digital text for researchers and the public, and provide for the essential archival cleaning and stabilization of this significant archival artifact.

Rev. Samuel Dunbar, known alternately as the "Son of Thunder" and the "Son of Consolation," played a pivotal, yet often understated, role as the "eldest Son of Liberty." He was an unwavering presence throughout the extraordinary events leading to the birth of our nation, offering solace during the darkest hours and leading celebrations in times of triumph. Living to witness the victory he so tirelessly sought, Dunbar's powerful voice echoed the spirit of the Revolution when he publicly read the Declaration of Independence from the pulpit in Stoughton, the town that would become Canton. The Dunbar Diary stands as a vital, firsthand account of this transformative era, chronicling not only his life and ministry but also offering invaluable insights into the burgeoning revolutionary fervor.

“We are incredibly grateful to Meet Boston for their generous support,” said George T. Comeau, President of the Canton Historical Society. “The Rev. Samuel Dunbar Diary is a cornerstone of our collection and a critical piece of American history. This grant will allow us to bring Dunbar’s story to a wider audience, ensuring that his profound contributions to the Patriot Cause are finally recognized and understood.” The grant is part of Meet Boston’s commitment to enhancing Greater Boston organizations' capacity to showcase the region's crucial role in the American Revolution during the Nation’s 250th commemoration.

The project encompasses a comprehensive conservation plan for the Dunbar Diary and the creation of a custom archival case to protect this document. In addition to the conservation efforts, the grant will facilitate the creation of a full digital archiving of the diary. The project will culminate in a public event highlighting the project and raising awareness of Dunbar’s rich history, followed by a recognition event hosted jointly by the Canton Historical Society and the Stoughton Historical Society. A special public exhibition highlighting Samuel Dunbar's Diary and the life of this foundational patriot is also planned.
​
Comeau added that “by safeguarding and sharing the Samuel Dunbar Diary, the Canton Historical Society will illuminate the profound contributions of this foundational patriot and deepen our understanding of the local and national forces and people that forged the United States of America.”

Close to sixty attendees joined in reminiscing the events that transpired in Canton during the Blizzard of '78. It was an afternoon in which we recalled those that died during the disaster as well as those that selflessly helped both strangers and neighbors. We also got a closer understanding of how emergency planning and preparedness has changed as a result of the "storm of the century.   

Bread Pudding and hot chocolate were served and the crowd was delighted. Special thanks to Ashley Bell and Carol Munson for producing this most popular program. 

The Society held a rare presentation that featured the firearms and swords from our collection. George Wilson shared information about our revolutionary muskets and rifles. We also learned about our significant swords and other military curiosities. The Society has been collecting itesm since 1871, and the firearms collection will soon undergo a preservation plan that will help restore and preserve these unique and valuable items. 

This recent Sunday, affection filled the atmosphere at the Canton Historical Society’s enchanting “Vintage Valentines & Love Letters” affair. We united to commemorate LOVE - witnessing familiar faces and forging new friendships was truly heartening. The enchanting tunes of classic love ballads by legendary artists such as Etta James and Billie Holiday provided the perfect ambiance. Our taste buds were delighted with scrumptious, freshly baked donuts from Country Kitchen in Walpole, courtesy of George and Patti.

Individuals of all ages from the community joined in and crafted beautiful expressions of affection. We exchanged tales, discovered each other’s passions, shared laughter, and, as always, delved into the rich historical archives of Canton.

In addition to our vintage-inspired tokens of love, we had the privilege of showcasing 19th-century valentines graciously loaned to us by The Bright family, alongside two exquisite Draper portraits generously donated to the Society by Kristen Draper. The new portraits will become part of an ever burgeoning collection dedicated to the Draper Family in Canton. 

As the day came to a close, it was evident that love transcends all boundaries in Canton. We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated, and eagerly anticipate many more opportunities to gather as a community, united by love from Canton.

The Canton Historical Society in partnership with the Canton Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of the Huntoon Digital Catalog. Drawing together the work of more than ten years of cataloging thousands of items in the Society collection, Huntoon is emerging as an unparalleled resource for Canton’s history.
 
For the first time since 1871 the general public can access the digital collections of the Society. The “Histy” as it is affectionately known, has been collecting Canton's History since 1871, and was chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1893. The collection begins with artifacts from the late 1600's through today. Highlights of the collection include a strong understanding of industry, military conflicts and daily life in Canton, Massachusetts.  As a non-profit museum, archives and educational institution dedicated to preserving Canton’s history and place, the Histy is the source for so many rich parts of our story.
 
The jointly funded catalog features public access to over 7000 photographs, glass plate negatives, and slides. More than 900 detailed maps and plans as well as thousands of artifacts have been included. Most importantly there are over 8000 pages of printed records that includes family letters, diaries, public records and notes that date to as early as 1656 through today.
 
“We are proud to launch Huntoon as a way to connect the town and the community of scholars to our rich collection” said George Comeau, president of the Society. “The material that we are sharing is rich and diverse and spans over three and half centuries of our place here in the shadow of Blue Hill. More importantly, the partnership with the library will allow both institutions to draw closer as we help share and interpret this material for residents and scholars alike.”
 
Huntoon is named after one of Canton’s most pre-eminent historians, Daniel T.V. Huntoon who authored the first definitive history of the town. The public can access and browse the catalog on the web at CantonHistorical.org.

We gathered at the Annual Meeting of the Canton Historical Society on a beautiful autumn day, Slashes of sunlight cut through the windows of the Histy and people gathered as they have for more that 125 years. Today was different. Today the tone was somber as a lone Celtic violinist punctuated the room with Irish aires. George Comeau spoke, and a hush fell across the room. The Society paid homage and tribute to Paul "Mitch" Mitcheroney, our recently departed President. 

George spoke of the gifts Paul’s ancestors gave to our community (The Capen Family) some of which were – Guardian of the Ponkapoag Indians, started the Canton Lyceum – which became the Canton Public Library, Tavern Keepers, and members of the First Parish Church. As Postmaster, Nahum Capen introduced the outside letterbox collection system, the first such system in the US. Postal Service in 1857. From this true Canton family, we find Paul in line of descendants, and what Paul left behind as his legacy is a greater appreciation for history and heritage of Canton. Paul also left several gifts and one such item from his family history a chair, which was said to be from the Richard Gridley Estate as well as several family photo and albums.

Paul was a friendly and kind man who was at the center of his family. Canton lost a dear friend with his passing after a long illness. The Society was named as a memorial gift in memory of Paul, and the membership approved the creation of the Paul Mitcheroney Scholarship Fund. In passing the gifts forward, the Society hopes to support young women and men that are graduating from Canton High School and plan of pursuing college degrees in the areas of public service, political science or history. In a wonderful and lasting gesture, members of Paul's family will serve on the selection committee that will choose the worthy scholar each year. The first scholarship is expected to be awarded in 2024. 

This annual meeting also conducted the business of reorganizing the Society. The Secretary presented a proposed ballot which nominated George T. Comeau, President, Mathew Tate, Vice President, Elena Mitcheroney, Treasurer, Carol Munson, Secretary, and James Roache, Curator. Also, Sepp Bergschneider, Peter Bright, Paul Buckley, Barbara Cash, Marie Duffy, Emily Prigot, Willard Thorn and Victoria Jenkinson were all nominated and voted as board members for the next year. 

After more than 188 years, a bell cast by Joseph Warren Revere in 1834 has been returned as part of a donation to the Revere Heritage Trust. You can read the full story here. 

The Canton Corner Cemetery is a major contributing element in the Canton Corner Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2009). In May of 2015, Town Meeting approved Community Preservation Act funding for the development of design plans for restoring the large receiving tomb and adjacent vaults and for stabilizing grave sites on a nearby knoll in the Canton Corner Cemetery.

Detailed design plans and cost estimates were provided by Structures North in the Fall of 2015, and the Canton Historical Commission sought additional CPA funding to undertake a portion of the work set forth in those plans. Now, three years in the design and planning stages has yielded the ongoing work. The approved funding of $160,000 is being used to restore and preserve the Receiving Tomb which dates back to 1882 as well as the three tomb vaults which date back even further to 1837. In their current condition, the tomb and vaults pose a significant public safety hazard. This historic preservation project will ensure that these landmarks within one of the oldest sections of the cemetery will persist to be studied and enjoyed by future generations.

Several historic details are being restored as part of this project. The iron doors, small slit windows and the repointing of the entire granite structure. Also, historic Quincy Granite is being sourced to create new caps for the facade to ensure a watertight element over the east facing wall. 

This project is being managed by the Department of Public Works and the Canton Historical Commission. 

Raffle tickets are now on sale for a handmade quilt that features 24 squares depicting Canton's most historic sites. Each of the hand stitched depictions were drawn by local artist, Elaine Lowry. The quilt was made by several women who each hand-stitched designs that showcase our beloved cultural sites. Tickets are now on sale for a $5.00 donation or three for $10.00. 

Tickets can be purchased at:
Janet Pratt Real Estate - 1475 Washington Street
Helen's Hair Salon - 14 Forge Pond
Flowers by Ami - 1 Washington Street - Cobb Corner.
​Or, buy them online. Drawing held on September 9th at 2:00 pm at the Canton Historical Society.  
​