Stimulating and deepening an appreciation of the history of the Town of Lincoln
Stimulating and deepening an appreciation of the history of the Town of Lincoln
Stimulating and deepening an appreciation of the history of the Town of Lincoln

Our Mission

The purpose of the Lincoln Historical Society is to stimulate and deepen an appreciation of the history of the Town of Lincoln.

We seek to engage fellow citizens in learning about our past through programs, publications, special events, and research projects, and we seek to discover, collect, and preserve materials that are of historical significance to the Town.

We believe history is made every day, and we all participate in its creation.

Did You Know…

More Did You Know…

Mapping the Past: Explore Lincoln’s History

Visitors to Lincoln, Massachusetts enjoy many gems off the beaten path. Among them are the town's nineteen Witness Houses.

These homes stood on April 19, 1775—the first day of the American Revolution—and remain today through generations of stewardship.

Explore our interactive map to discover the people, events, and history associated with each property.

Browse the Map

Bookstore Featured Items

Bookstore
A Rich Harvest: The History, Buildings and People of Lincoln, Massachusetts

By John C. MacClean

The definitive guide to Lincoln's history from Lincoln Town Historian, John C. MacLean. Describes in broad scope and engaging detail the unique three hundred year history of the people, farms, churches, controversies, and ideals that have given us the "rich harvest" of today's Lincoln.

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Postcard Set of Lincoln Photos by Ellen Morgan

Ellen Morgan’s postcards of Lincoln are so beautiful, you may want to get several sets—some to send and some to keep and enjoy!

Each set: a baker’s dozen! 13 different images.

Ellen is an artist and community builder who has lived in Lincoln her entire life. Whether teaching sewing at her home to Lincoln’s elementary and middle school children, knitting exquisite caps, mittens, baby sweaters, and more to sell at the Women’s Exchange that used to be at The Old Town Hall, running the Codman Farm Fair Harvest Competition for years, giving her time and attention to South Sudanese refugees who moved to Lincoln to start a new life, or taking breathtaking photos of iconic Lincoln sites that capture both the place and the atmosphere that make Lincoln so unique, Ellen’s authenticity and heart shine through in all her endeavors.

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Lincoln 1775 Historical Map Placemat

By Elizabeth Little and Kerry Glass

Bring history to your table with this beautifully detailed placemat featuring a historical map of Lincoln as it was in 1775. The result of eight years of meticulous research by Elizabeth Little and Kerry Glass, this map traces the early development of the town and its roadways. Originally created with the support of the Historical Commission in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of April 19, 1775, the full-sized map now hangs in the Lincoln Town Offices.

Many of the homes and landmarks shown on the map still stand today, offering a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln’s past. It’s the perfect keepsake for history enthusiasts, residents, and anyone who appreciates the story of this historic town.

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Explore the LHS Archive

Lincoln’s First Inhabitants

The earliest people to walk the forests and fields of Lincoln were hunters and gatherers from settlements in the Shawsheen River basin, some six to seven thousand years ago.

Read more about the original inhabitants of this region and what is known about their life in Lincoln.

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Colonial Period

The founding of Lincoln was a process marked by determination, debate, and the pursuit of independence.

Want to dive deeper into the story of Lincoln's early days? Explore archived documents and fascinating details of its founding.

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Revolutionary War

In 1775, Lincoln became a pivotal site in the opening hours of the American Revolution.

Get insight into the crucial events that unfolded in Lincoln during the Revolutionary War, and discover rare documents, maps and photos of sites. Click through for more.

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Revolutionary War to Civil War

Between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Lincoln underwent dramatic economic and social transformations.

Want to see how Lincoln navigated the road to the Civil War? Explore more of the town’s historical evolution, including samples from Lincoln’s archives.

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Civil War to 1900

The years between the Civil War and 1900 marked a period of both continuity and change for Lincoln.

Curious about how Lincoln adapted to the modern world? Explore selections from Lincoln’s archives and see how the town transformed during this exciting period.

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Early Twentieth Century

By 1900, Lincoln’s rural character was threatened by industrialization, but the town held firm, with residents protecting its land and zoning laws.

Explore how Lincoln managed to preserve its rural charm amidst rapid change.

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Mid-Twentieth Century to Present

Post-WWII, Lincoln saw a population boom, driven by new highways and suburban development, including the Brown’s Wood community.

Discover how the town has evolved while maintaining its small-town essence.

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