Top Historic Sites Near Norwood, Massachusetts

Norwood, Massachusetts, is a place that is just dripping with history, and many of its people are dedicated to preserving that. Looking for places around the town that give you a chance to step back in time and experience the base of the current culture? Then look no further than our list below.

Norwood Historical Society

The Norwood Historical Society is a place dedicated to preserving the local history of this lovely town. This includes exhibits on the most influential families of the past. You also get the chance to witness Norwood’s vast printing history by looking at the various bookmakers, the ink manufacturer, the cloth maker, and the tanneries that provided all the base materials for the printing center of the United States. It even hosts monthly book clubs and history discussion meetings. Can’t be there in person? No problem, it still hosts via Zoom, so you have plenty of opportunities to learn.

You can also visit the Day House, which was built in 1859 and was the home of Fred Holland Day, the son of one of the two most prominent families in Norwood’s tanning industry. Day was a photographer, publisher, historian, and philanthropist, and he lived in the house until his death in 1933. The Day House has since been converted into the headquarters for the Norwood Historical Society to share Norwood’s vast history.

Blue Hills Reservation

Image by NewtonCourt Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

The Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000-acre state park up in Norfolk County. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, so you can ensure its accuracy in keeping nature clean and protected. There are a variety of trails screaming for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter. You can even head to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum to print out some maps and learn more about the local wildlife. There is also the Norman Smith Environmental Education Center located at the top of Chickatawbut Hill, which gives you breathtaking views of Boston.

Dedham Community Theatre

The Dedham Community Theatre is an independent cinema that has had the same look since its opening in 1927. It is a cultural gem that is the centerpiece of Dedham Square, and it has a large variety of art-house films, events, music, and comedy. It also offers films 365 days a year and sells classic popcorn and candy for that fully vintage feel. You can even reserve the theater for any sort of special event. This is the best place to head to for a romantic dinner for two or your next corporate event.

Fruitlands Museum

The Fruitlands Museum is one of many places regulated by the Trustees of Reservation, a group that’s dedicated to ensuring the protection of historical landmarks all around the state of Massachusetts. The museum is on 210 acres of farmland with stunning views and walking trails that encompass five different collections. Head to the Fruitlands Museum to witness the history of the indigenous peoples, a variety of rotating exhibits, contemporary art, and a combined collection of over 300 landscape paintings. You can head to the Wayside Visitor Center to access the rentable education and exhibition space.

Fairbanks House

The Fairbanks House is the oldest timber frame house in North America, built circa 1637. It was the home of eight generations of the Fairbanks family over the course of 268 years, and it has since been turned into a museum that shows a frozen piece of time now past. After taking a tour, you can head to the gift shop for many souvenirs, including notecards, postcards, posters, prints, books, and classic toys and games for children of all ages.

Museum of American Bird Art

The Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) is a part of The Massachusetts Audubon Society, or Mass Audubon, which works hard to protect over 40,000 acres of land throughout the state. This museum is located 15 miles south of Boston and offers a 121-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 2 miles of hiking trails. It also offers exhibitions that feature works by internationally recognized artists who are inspired by nature. It has a multitude of educational programs for all ages, so you can gain the opportunity to learn more about the local nature, no matter how young or old you are.

Canton Viaduct

The Canton Viaduct is under the preservation of the American Society of Civil Engineers, which promotes the history and the heritage of engineering sights all throughout the United States. At the time that the Canton Viaduct was completed, it was the longest and tallest railroad viaduct ever built. It has survived continuous service for over 170 years. It is a dominating structure in New England’s landscape, and this beautiful granite masonry bridge is a must-go for anyone interested in the history of the 1800s.

Tuckamore Aviation

Tuckamore Aviation is located 11 miles from Norwood and offers a variety of personable helicopter services. This includes Hover Boston, a helicopter tour company that provides the ultimate aerial experience. Get the chance to experience the history-rich hub of Northeast Massachusetts while hovering 1,000 feet above. You can enjoy Fenway Park, the Zakim Bridge, and Boston Common in exciting new ways and angles.

Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

The Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1916 and is the oldest wildlife sanctuary protected by Mass Audubon. It includes hiking trails, seasonal programs, a summer day camp, and a red maple swamp boardwalk, which all offer opportunities for exploration. There is even a farm nearby, which gives you the chance to enjoy organically grown, local produce by signing up for one simple 20-week program.

So, there you have it. Nucar Honda of Norwood has shown you some great historical sights around our town of Norwood, Massachusetts. Like what we have on the list? Did we miss one of your favorite places to go when you are in the mood to learn about history? Drop us a line and let us know. We will consider adding it to the list.