HomeNewsHistory

History in Hopkinton, MA

The Untold Story of Judy Hoyt, Champion of the Disabled

Judy Hoyt was a relentless advocate for people with disabilities. Her work inspired and transformed the lives of thousands of Americans.

Hopkinton Historical Society receives Grant from Mass Humanities

The Hopkinton Historical Society received a $2,000 grant for "Reading Frederick Douglass Together." This event, supported by the Mass Humanities and Mass Cultural Council, will occur on May 18, 2024, featuring volunteer readers and discussions to honor Douglass’s legacy. Volunteers can contact Anne Mattina at hissochopma@gmail.com.

Keep exploring

Celebrating 100 Starts of the Marathon in Hopkinton

Tim Kilduff, Executive Director of the 26.2 Foundation, celebrates the centennial of the Boston Marathon's start in Hopkinton by narrating its rich history and connection to Marathon, Greece. He acknowledges key figures who've shaped the renowned race's legacy. Watch his presentation: https://youtu.be/23Q-DhuOnJw

Moments in Time

A collection of old photos of Hopkinton, courtesy of our friends at the Hopkinton Historical Society.

Why Our Cops Left

In Hopkinton, amidst discussions on leadership and departmental morale, the Select Board appointed Kyle Quinzani as a new police officer. This comes at a time when the Hopkinton Police Department is experiencing notable turnover, having lost 11 officers between 2021 and 2022. The challenges facing the department are multi-faceted, involving both internal issues such as morale, affected by tragedies and limited promotion opportunities, and external pressures like financial constraints linked to historical policies. This situation paints a picture of a department in transition, grappling with both legacy issues and the need for modern solutions to retain and motivate staff. For those interested in the dynamics of local governance, public administration, and community policing, the full story behind Hopkinton's efforts to stabilize its police department offers valuable insights. Log in or subscribe for access to an in-depth exploration of how the town and our leaders are addressed this complex issue.

Essay: Frederick Douglass and the Hopkinton Antislavery Society

Hopkinton’s rich history involves pivotal moments in American social reform. The town played a prominent role in 19th-century abolition movements, with notable residents and frequent gatherings at Hayden Rowe Hall. Renowned speakers like Frederick Douglass and Lucy Stone made significant appearances, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Hopkinton's commitment to social progress continues to inspire engagement in current initiatives.

WATCH: Joseph Connects the Historical Dots

Chuck Joseph recently presented "The Story of Hopkinton: 1950 - Present" at Hopkinton High School. The narrative covered the town's historical connections, local businesses, and the influence of a WWII bombardier on its economy. Joseph, assisted by Aubrey Doyle, Jr., interviewed residents and conducted extensive research for the presentation.

The Mystery of the Jenner Property

In 2023, Hopkinton approved the purchase of a 42-acre lot, the Jenner property, for preservation and trail expansion. But a site survey revealed a discrepancy in the parcel's demarcation on different maps, triggering extensive deed history research by OSPC Chair Ed Harrow. Did a zealous cartographer in the 1980's ignore previous maps and merge one family's property with another, effectively taking it? With no transfer records, and ambiguous parcel descriptions, the town may not be able to complete the purchase of the property, and we are left with several questions about how big the lot truly is and who legally owns it. With the help of friends and local historians, HopNews dives into the complicated story of ownership for the land in question.

Chuck Joseph to Present ‘The Story of Hopkinton: 1950 – Present’

On December 13, Chuck Joseph will present the history of Hopkinton since the 1950s at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. The lecture follows the town's growth from a small farming community to a thriving suburb, and ends with a Q&A session. Sponsored by the Hopkinton Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce, the event is open to all.

WATCH: Stories from September 11, 2001

Twenty-two years ago today the United States was struck by unspeakable tragedy. It is a moment seared into our collective memory. In the days that followed there were many flags and signs that read "NEVER FORGET", but they seem superfluous now; we could never forget, even if we wanted to. In this video you'll hear stories from that day told by people from Hopkinton, the Metrowest region, and abroad. Nothing would ever be the same, and we will never forget.

Watch: Searching for History in Cedar Swamp

HopNews follows historian and author Eric Wiberg down the Sudbury River and through Cedar Swamp in search of a missing WWII airplane.

Hopkinton Man Participated in Boston Tea Party

John Dickman was a Hopkinton man that joined the activists in their rejection of British taxes, the event that led to the Revolutionary War.

Where do you live?  The Origin of Hopkinton’s Street Names, Part II

HopNews readers delivered with their extensive knowledge of Hopkinton history!

80 years ago, Fighter Planes Collide in Mid-Air, Crash at Fruit Street, Hit by Train

80 years ago, two P-47 Thunderbolt fighters collided over Hopkinton, with one landing in Cedar Swamp and the other on the train tracks near Fruit Street. Unfortunately, the engineer was not able to stop the train in time.

Latest articles

Sweatt Charged with Murder One

Ryan Sweatt has been charged with the first degree murder of Destini Decoff, who he allegedly intentionally struck with his vehicle in an apparent act of road rage. There are also new details on Hopkinton PD's response and corrections to eyewitness accounts.

Middlesex DA Arrests Four In Connection with Burglary Ring

The Middlesex DA and State Police arrested four men, implicating them in 43 burglaries targeting homes of Indian or South Asian residents across Hopkinton and 24 other Massachusetts towns from 2018 to 2024. The organized burglary ring, tied to a Providence gang, stole items worth over $4 million. The accused were indicted on 95 counts related to these crimes and operated with sophisticated methods including Wi-Fi jammers and strategic planning based on the victims' ethnic backgrounds.

Appropriation Committee Paints Dire Financial Picture for 2026 and Beyond

The Appropriation Committee's report for Hopkinton's upcoming Annual Town Meeting outlines significant financial challenges, projecting property tax increases between 10% and 22% over the next five years due to escalating capital expenditures and debt, which could reach 83% of the legal limit. Key budget priorities include sustaining core services and funding the Hopkins School addition. Rising debts and a potential operating deficit of $4 million by 2028 highlight urgent issues, compounded by costly measures to address PFAS contamination in water.

Episode 15 of The HopTake: The Housing Crisis

On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining Peter as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel.
20th Century Homes