Needham, MA
Needham was incorporated in 1711, having separated from Dedham as its North Parish. Originally a farming community along the Charles River, it later became known in the 19th century for its shoe manufacturing industry, earning a reputation as a thriving industrial town. Today, Needham blends its colonial and industrial roots with a strong sense of civic life and community continuity.
Recent Posts
Revolutionary Centennial Banner – Needham
This banner was created by the town of Needham for the centennial of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1875. Like many Massachusetts communities, Needham marked the 100th anniversary by honoring the local men who had taken part in the events of April 19, 1775. On that morning in 1775, British troops marched from Boston […]
Aly Raisman – Needham
Small towns have a way of remembering their citizens who achieve something out of the ordinary. That is certainly true for Needham, Massachusetts, and one of its more recent hometown heroes: Aly Raisman. Aly grew up in Needham and trained for years with relentless discipline before stepping onto the world stage at the 2012 Summer Olympics in […]
1680 Needham Land Deed – Needham
This 1680 Needham Land Deed marks a pivotal moment in the history of Dedham, Needham and ultimately Wellesley. Dated April 14, 1680, the document records the sale of tribal land north of the Charles River by William Nahaton (also called Neholden) and his siblings to the Town of Dedham. The land had belonged to their father and was part […]
Town Seal – Needham
Walking through my neighboring town of Needham, I encounter few plaques, statues or monuments announcing its past. I turn to the Needham’s town seal to explore this town’s history for this single emblem carries the founding story of this community. Needham did not adopt a town seal until 1891, long after its colonial beginnings. The design deliberately […]
