Hingham Historical Society

The Hingham Historical Society was established in 1914 to collect, preserve, and promote Hingham’s historic heritage. The Society maintains the 1686 Old Ordinary, an enchanting house museum chronicling early life and history in Hingham, and the 1818 Hingham Heritage Museum in the Old Derby Academy building, once home of the original Derby School, the country’s oldest co-educational school. Renovated and reopened in 2017, the Hingham Heritage Museum houses the Society’s archives, the Gillis Reading Room, exhibit galleries, Museum Shop and Visitors Center.

Our community programs include museum tours, an annual tour of historic homes, exhibits, lectures and other special events and programs. We present annual special achievement awards to high school students and to individuals who achieve distinction in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings in Hingham.

The Hingham Historical Society is a non-profit membership corporation. All of our activities and the continued operation of the Society depend on the support of its members. Become a member today and enjoy the benefits of membership, including early access to event tickets, monthly communications, free admission to the museums, a discount in the Museum Shop and knowledge that you help preserve Hingham history.

2023 Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11-3 and the Third Thursday of each month 4-7pm and by appointment.