The Sudbury Historical Society is dedicated to bringing the rich history of the Sudbury Plantation into the lives and activities of the people of Sudbury. We collect, preserve and and communicate the history of Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Founded in 1956, and incorporating the earlier Goodman Society, the Society maintains its offices and collections on the second floor of Sudbury Town Hall. A non-profit organization, the society depends on donations of time, money and artifacts from its members and the citizens of Sudbury.

The Society has for sale a full range of books on the history of Sudbury, reproductions of Sudbury related artwork, and a variety of children's items. See our store for details.

Many questions about Sudbury's history can be answered by our curator and members. Whether you have questions about your neighborhood, curiosity about something you see in town, are interested in the genealogy of Sudbury families or you are pursuing academic research, please feel free to contact the Society.

Next Events

The Society's 2013-2014 program series concluded in June 2014. The 2014-2015 series will start in September. Check back in August for the coming year's schedule!

For summer events celebrating Sudbury's 375th Anniversary, see Sudbury Celebrates 375 schedule and facebook page.

You can view many of our earlier programs in our video library.

Photo Contest Sponsored by the Sudbury Historical Society

The Society is sponsoring Picturing Sudbury: A Celebration of our Town A Photo Contest.

As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The Sudbury Historical Society wants to know what you think makes Sudbury, Sudbury, through a new photo contest, “Picturing Sudbury: A Celebration of Our Town.” We want you to use a photograph to complete the sentence, “Sudbury wouldn’t be Sudbury without…” Photographs may capture Sudbury’s buildings, landscapes, monuments, streetscapes, businesses, people, or any place or activity that is quintessentially Sudbury.

The contest runs from September 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014. For information on how to enter your photographs in the contest, see Photo Contest.

Check out a selection of submissions on Flickr.

Tour the Town's History

Take a tour of 35 historic sites in Sudbury without leaving your comfy chair. Or, hop in the car and stretch your legs with the three hour long driving and walking version of the tour. See our Historic Sudbury Tour

Latest SHS Publication

Images of America: Sudbury. The Sudbury Historical Society has selected some of the best images from its extensive photographic archives to remember the past days and character of Sudbury. See Sudbury's history between 1850 and 1950 in these never before published pictures of the town's people, places, sacred spaces, agriculture, recreation, military and celebrations. Details about the book.

Our Winter Newsletter

Our latest newsletter has been sent out. The contents include an update on our search for a new home (likely just next door!), a preview of upcoming events, a decription of a hand drawn map signed by John Haynes in 1724, updates on our Photo Contest and more. You can read it here if you aren't on our mailing list or misplaced your copy.
Read our Newsletter