Framingham History Center
The Framingham History Center was established in 1888 as the Framingham Natural History and Historical Society. Our mission is: To foster a sense of excitment in learning about Framingham's rich history; to create strong connections to the community and encourage pride of place now and for generations to come by collecting, preserving and sharing the story and cultural materail that illustrate this history.
Our Work
The town of Framingham is best known for its busy thoroughfares, and densely populated downtown. This image overshadows a history that is as rich as the history of its neighboring towns, where heritage is a major portion of its economic and cultural base. Framingham's history has taken a back seat to over 60 years of enormous changes that have impacted the town's sense of community. It is time to showcase Framingham's heritage and reap the rewards that benefit other neighboring towns. We do this by providing a rich offering of public events, lectures, exhibitions, celebrations, and tours, we inspire and educate the public, provide community gatherings, and share historical research resources with all. What We Do
Our Collections
The Framingham History Center's collection of over 12,000 items includes artifacts, photographs, documents and a research library. It focuses on what makes Framingham unique, and on roles that Framingham people have played in regional, national and global events. Our Collections
Our Historic Buildings
While there are many historic spaces in Framingham, the Centre Common is the focal point for the town's past. Three of the town's most historic buildings - The Village Hall (1834), the Edgell Memorial Library (1872), and the Old Academy (1837) – surround this quintessential New England Town Common. These town-owned buildings are overseen by the Framingham History Center. Not only do they house artifacts spanning four centuries of the town's history, they are symbols of Framingham's continued commitment to educational excellence, civic engagement, and community pride. Our Historic Buildings
Our Staff
The FHC is currently led by an Executive Director, Curator and Operations Manager. Part time staff includes a Membership Coordinator, Museum Assistant, and Village Hall Rental Coordinator. Volunteers who work for us at least one day a week include: Town Historian, Research Assistant, Research Librarian and several Collections Assistants.
Executive Director
Annie Murphy
Phone: 508-626-9091
Email: director@framinghamhistory.org
Curator
Dana Dauterman Ricciardi
Phone: 508-872-3780, ext. 2
Email: curator@framinghamhistory.org
Operations Manager
Michelle McElroy
Phone: 508-872-0484
Email: michelle@framinghamhistory.org
Membership Coordinator
Vanessa Prescott
Phone: 508-872-3780
Email: membership@framinghamhistory.org
Volunteer Research Librarian & Town Historian
Fred Wallace
Phone: 508-872-3780
Email: research@framinghamhistory.org
Volunteer Research Librarian
Kevin Swope
Phone: 508-872-3780
Email: research@framinghamhistory.org
