Canton Historical Society

Canton Historical Society We have been collecting Canton's History since 1871. Our collections begin with artifacts from the late 1600's through today.

Open the second Sunday of each month or by appointment.

06/25/2026

These aren’t meant to be historically accurate or professional restorations, just a creative “what if?” project . Hope you enjoy seeing the old photos in a different light!

Canton Pride
06/18/2026

Canton Pride

The Canton Historical Society extends our deepest condolences to our friends and neighbors at the Sharon Historical Soci...
06/15/2026

The Canton Historical Society extends our deepest condolences to our friends and neighbors at the Sharon Historical Society on the sudden passing of Board member and current Vice President, Don Williams.

We were saddened to learn of this loss. Don’s dedication to preserving and sharing Sharon’s history, and his commitment to the work of the Society, leave a meaningful legacy. It is especially poignant to know he had been nominated to serve as the organization’s next President—a reflection of the respect and confidence his colleagues placed in him.

Organizations like ours are sustained by people who quietly give their time, care, and leadership in service to preserving community memory for future generations. Don’s contributions will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Don’s family, friends, and all those at the Sharon Historical Society during this difficult time.

With sympathy,
The Board of Directors
Canton Historical Society

The Histy is using advanced AI tools to rediscover early views of Canton. The first photo is an original from the late 1...
06/15/2026

The Histy is using advanced AI tools to rediscover early views of Canton. The first photo is an original from the late 1800’s and the second cleans and enhances for further study. Where is this photo taken from in Canton. We know! Do you?

Over fifty people gather to learn more about our indigenous history in Ponkapoag. Join our mailing list at cantonhistori...
06/03/2026

Over fifty people gather to learn more about our indigenous history in Ponkapoag. Join our mailing list at cantonhistorical.org to learn more about great local history events. Thanks to our co-sponsor Paul Revere Heritage Site for their support.

For many years, the Canton Historical Society has been fortunate to benefit from the generosity, knowledge, and enthusia...
05/30/2026

For many years, the Canton Historical Society has been fortunate to benefit from the generosity, knowledge, and enthusiasm of Nick Marathas. Earlier this week, Nick stopped by to visit, share stories, and reminisce about a lifetime spent working, living, and contributing to the Canton community he loves.

Over the years, Nick has donated numerous artifacts to our collections, helping preserve the stories of Canton and its people for future generations. During his visit, he paused for a photograph holding one of those remarkable gifts: the tin cup and plate that once belonged to Sergeant Charles E. Bootman of Canton.

Bootman was a 25-year-old shoemaker who enlisted with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War. Like more than thirty other men from Canton who answered the call to serve, he left behind family, friends, and a growing community. On June 14, 1863, during the bloody assault on the Confederate stronghold at Port Hudson, Louisiana, Sergeant Bootman was killed in action alongside fellow Canton resident Private Stephen H. Smith.

Today, these simple objects—a cup and a plate—connect us directly to a young man whose life was cut short in service to his country. They remind us that history is not merely dates and events, but the stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.

We are deeply grateful to Nick Marathas for preserving and sharing these tangible links to Canton’s past. Through donations like these, the stories of Sergeant Bootman and countless others continue to be told.

Thank you, Nick, for your friendship, stewardship, and enduring commitment to preserving Canton history.

Every object has a story. Every donor helps keep those stories alive. If you have photographs, documents, artifacts, or family heirlooms connected to Canton’s past, we invite you to consider sharing them with the Canton Historical Society. Together, we can ensure that the people, places, and moments that shaped our community are remembered for generations to come.

The Canton Historical Society mourns with Canton. We are proud to have Chief Ronayne's turnout coats and helmet in our c...
05/24/2026

The Canton Historical Society mourns with Canton. We are proud to have Chief Ronayne's turnout coats and helmet in our collection. Our thoughts are with his family.

Address

1400 Washington Street
Canton, MA
02021

Telephone

+17816159040

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