Framingham History Center

Overview: The Framingham History Center collections document the history and life of the Framingham community. Materials within the collection range from early deeds to artifacts, photographs, and records of local organizations such as the Dennison Manufacturing Company and Shoppers’ World. The History Center also maintains a small research library.

American Revolution Materials: The Framingham History Center displays a number of artifacts from the American Revolution and possesses more in storage. Such items include weapons, cartridge boxes, and powder horns. The Center also possesses a number of documents related to the war effort including commissions and military rosters. The centerpiece of the Framingham History Center’s collection is the Tune Book of fifer Thomas Nixon Jr., containing a collection of songs from the war.

Key Words: artifacts, manuscripts, pensions, soldiers/militia, songs, weapons

Collection Policies: The Framingham History Center actively receives donations and occasionally purchases relevant materials to add to its collection. The collection is currently being processed using PastPerfect software, however, there is no online access to finding aids at the present time. That being said, the contents of the fifer songbook are available online at the institution’s website. The Framingham History Center lends materials for exhibits on a case-by-case basis and hosts a permanent exhibition on the history of Framingham, as well as other periodic special exhibits.