Local History Resources

Cultural Heritage in Canton

Canton Historical Society

The Canton Historical Society has been collecting Canton's History since 1898. Their collections begin with artifacts from the late 1600's through today. Highlights of their collection include a strong understanding of industry, military conflicts and daily life in Canton, Massachusetts.

Museum of American Bird Art, Mass Audubon

The Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon (MABA) is a professional art museum and wildlife sanctuary that seeks to connect people with the nature around them through art. The museum was made possible by Canton artist, filmmaker, conservationist and philanthropist Mildred Morse Allen. Mildred’s 100 oil and watercolor bird paintings belong to the MA Audubon Society and hang in her former home at the Mildred Morse Allen Wildlife Sanctuary and Visual Arts Center and at the MABA.

Paul Revere Heritage Site

The Paul Revere Museum of Discovery & Innovation will be a unique forum for history, technology, and learning.  The Museum is currently under development on the grounds of the Paul Revere Heritage Site – nine acres of parkland along the Neponset River.  The site features waterfalls, a mill pond, walkways with interpretive signage and two 19th century buildings – the Copper Rolling Mill and the Historic Horse Barn, built by Paul Revere’s son.  The property is currently owned by the Town of Canton.

Online Resources

Canton Historical Wiki

Canton Local History Blog

Started by former Canton Local History Librarian Patty Ryburn, the Canton Local History Blog periodically shares research into town history, library history, and genealogy.

Centennial celebration at Canton, Mass. : historical address by Charles Endicott (1876)

Made digitally available by the Library of Congress. Print copy also available in the Edward Bolster Local History Room.

A History of Canton Junction by Edward D. Galvin (1987)

A history of the railroad in Canton, Massachusetts, this book traces the railroad from its construction in the eariy 1830’s to the present day. The railroad's impact on the community, its industries and inhabitants is measured and detailed.

History of the Town of Canton by Daniel T. V. Huntoon (1893)

Written by the founding member and first president of the Canton Historical Society.

History of the Redman Farm by Ellis Ames (1870)

Made digitally available by the Library of Congress. Print copy also available in the Edward Bolster Local History Room.

MACRIS: Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System

MACRIS data is compiled from a variety of records and files maintained by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), including but not limited to, the Inventory of Historic Assets of the Commonwealth, National Register of Historic Places nominations, State Register of Historic Places listings, and local historic district study reports.

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Records Database

Registry land records going back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793 are available for online viewing. The Registry's online index is available from 1793 forward. You may also search by name and check the original grantor/grantee index pages in the Registry records which are available under "Scanned Index" from 1793 through 1955. Land Court records from the inception of the Land Court system in 1900 are available online. The Land Court online owner's index is complete and its grantor/grantee index is available from 1973 to the present.

Report of the Committee on Town Seal, and report of the Committee on Naming the Streets of Canton (1881)

Made digitally available by the Library of Congress. Print copy also available in the Edward Bolster Local History Room.

Rules of the School committee and regulations for the schools of the town of Canton (1869)

Made digitally available by the Library of Congress. Print copy also available in the Edward Bolster Local History Room.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Canton

Sanborn maps were created for fire insurance companies to assess liability in urban areas. For researchers, they can provide valuable insight into changes in the built environment (especially helpful for house research!). The Library of Congress has digitally available Sanborn maps for Canton for the years 1885, 1891, 1896, 1906, 1911, and 1919.

Town of Canton Public Document Viewer

This application will allow you to search annual reports, posted minutes, and other related information.