HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEEKING MEMENTOS OF DEDHAM’S THREE BUSINESS DISTRICTS FOR NEW EXHIBIT OPENING IN FALL
The Dedham Historical Society is seeking artifacts from Dedham’s three main business districts for its museum exhibition opening in the fall.
The exhibit, titled “Take a Walk through Dedham’s Historic Squares“ will focus on businesses in Dedham Square, East Dedham Square, and Oakdale Square. Through the decades, these three squares have hosted businesses ranging from food markets and department stores, to pharmacies, barber shops, candy stores, and auto dealers and repair shops.
For display in the exhibit, the Society is looking for signs, advertisements, packaging, and promotional items from the 19th century to today. Of special interest are mementos from once-familiar business establishments that were displaced by 20th century redevelopment.
The Society plans to exhibit many items from its own collection, including postcards, photos, and newspaper articles about the three squares. Prominently featured will be one of most unusual artifacts a Guild’s Jewelry wooden outdoor sign in the shape of a pocket watch.
Anyone with historical items relating to any of the three business districts should contact the Dedham Historical Society, 781-326-1385 or email: [email protected].
“This exhibit will have something for everyone,” said Vicky L. Kruckeberg, executive director of the Dedham Historical Society. “I’m sure many people have kept mementos of these business districts, and we welcome all inquiries and contributions to the exhibit.”
The museum’s current exhibit, “150 Years of the Dedham Historical Society,” will close in September. Commemorating the Society’s 150th Anniversary in 2009, the exhibit features a variety of historical artifacts from the Society’s collection, from a Civil War drum to a Dehamopoly game.
The museum in Dedham Square is open Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon – 4 pm, and even dated Saturdays, 1–4 pm. Admission is free for DHS members: non-members — $2 for adults, $1 for children. For more information, contact the Dedham Historical Society, 781-326-1385.