Framingham History Center

06/03/2026

Have you heard of Buffy Dunker? Born and raised in Framingham, Elizabeth “Buffy” Dennison Dunker (1906 – 1993) was the second daughter of Henry S. Dennison, President of the Dennison Manufacturing Company (1917-1952). Buffy trained as a feminist therapist and appeared on national talk shows to promote gay rights. She also participated in a National Walk on Washington for Le***an and Gay Rights in 1987.

We highlighted the history of Buffy Dunker during Framingham’s Annual Pride Ceremony and Festival on Sunday. Thank you to the City of Framingham City of Framingham , OUTMetroWest OUT MetroWest , and Gem's at the Arts for kicking off Pride Month; we were so happy to join with many of our neighbors and community organizations!

Table photo courtesy of FHC Intern Emma Tessitore.

05/27/2026

Thank you so much, City of Framingham and Framingham Veteran Services for sharing these wonderful photos from Memorial Day this week.

05/26/2026

Yesterday, the Framingham History Center (FHC) was honored to take part in the City of Framingham’s Memorial Day gathering, alongside community members, veterans, city leaders, and neighbors who came together to remember those who gave their lives in service.

The FHC provided a pop-up history exhibition from our archives and permanent collections that highlighted two Framingham residents whose stories help us remember the human lives behind this solemn day.

James McGrath was born and raised in Saxonville, worked at Dennison Manufacturing Company, and enlisted less than two weeks after the United States entered World War I. He was killed in action on May 31, 1918, at age 25, while trying to warn others of incoming German shells. He was the first Saxonville resident killed in World War I, and Liberty Square was later renamed McGrath Square in his honor. On view were McGrath’s photograph and records from Dennison, listing him as “Killed in Action.”

Alessandro “Sandy” Falconi immigrated to the United States from Italy as a child and grew up in the Coburnville-Tripoli area. In July 1944, he sent his sister a letter and a photograph identifying the crew of his B-24 bomber. Less than a month later, Falconi and his crew were shot down during a run to Mannheim, Germany. He was later declared killed in action. Both the letter to his sister and the photograph were on view at Nevins Hall.

We are deeply grateful to the of Framingham and Veteran Services for bringing the community together.

These are two stories among many. On Memorial Day, we remember their names, their lives, their sacrifices, and their hope for our community’s future.

05/22/2026

Join us for the 3rd Annual FHC Trivia Championship on Thursday, June 18 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM for a night of competition, laughs, and bragging rights.

Bring your smartest friends and test your knowledge in pop culture, music, history, TV, film, and Framingham trivia with hosts Jeff and Kevin Convery. Teams of up to six players can compete for great prizes, including Jack’s Abby gift cards for the top three teams.

First Prize: $250 Jack’s Abby Gift Card
Second Prize: $150 Jack’s Abby Gift Card
Third Prize: $100 Jack’s Abby Gift Card

Cash bar and snack concessions available onsite.

All proceeds benefit the Framingham History Center. Special thanks to Jack's Abby Craft Lagers for sponsoring this event.

Tickets available here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/framinghamhistorycenter/event/3rdannualtrivia/

05/21/2026

What a day in Framingham!

The 2026 Framingham House Tour was a huge success, and it truly took a village to make it happen. With seven incredible locations open to the public, more than 80 dedicated volunteers supporting every step of the way, and hundreds of visitors coming through the doors, our community showed up in the best way possible.

Each home told its own story, and together they brought local history to life in a powerful way. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and to everyone who came out to explore, learn, and celebrate with us.

What was your favorite stop?

Images courtesy of © Jason Baker Photography

05/17/2026

What an incredible 2026 Framingham House Tour! Thank you to the hundreds who came out to celebrate the history, the community, and the great weather we all shared today.

We want to extend a special thank you to the 80+ volunteers, the gracious homeowners, our community partners and sponsors, and the entire FHC community. We could not do this without you!

Excited to see you for the 2027 Framingham House Tour (and before then, too!).

Photo: © Damianos Photography (detail for social media)

05/17/2026

What a GORGEOUS day for a Framingham House Tour! Tickets available for purchase at the door today, Sunday, May 17th from 12-4 p.m. at the FHC Village Hall on the Common (2 Oak Street, Framingham).

More info: https://framinghamhistory.org/events/2026-fhc-house-tour/

Looking forward to seeing you for this fun annual tradition! Photo © Damianos Photography.

05/16/2026

Tomorrow, May 17th, join us for the 22nd annual Framingham House Tour!

Tickets on sale: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/framinghamhistorycenter/event/2026housetour/

Featuring historical and renovated homes and civic buildings, this tour is a can't miss for anyone curious about Framingham's history. Meet your neighbors and bring your friends! Excited to see you there!

05/15/2026

the Community Choral Society of Framingham held their 1955 annual concert. Framingham has long been home to music and choral performance groups, and we pay homage to the same spirit of shared creativity! Were you there?

PS - If you love music AND Framingham, keep your eye out for our "Art of History in Framingham," opening August 2026! Details coming soon!

Image: Community Choral Society of Framingham concert program, May 1955. FHC Collections, 2018.4.5

05/12/2026

Step inside Pike Haven House, a must-visit stop on the Framingham History Center House Tour this Sunday, May 17.

Take an exclusive look inside this stunning property in our newest video, created in collaboration with Access Framingham. A special thank you to Access Framingham for featuring Pike Haven House and helping showcase this gem of a house for our community.

From distinctive architectural details to beautiful design inspiration, Pike Haven House, one of the oldest houses in Framingham is just one of the incredible homes you’ll experience on this year’s FHC House Tour.

Tickets are on sale now, join us! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/framinghamhistorycenter/event/2026housetour/

This house is older than Framingham itself. Each year, the Framingham History Center takes guests into various homes of historic relevance as part of their H...