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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.

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A Time to Remember

On this Memorial Day, Anne Mattina details the rich history of Hopkinton's civil war heroes.

Did the Bear Hill School Succumb to Fire?

Did the Bear Hill Schoolhouse burn down or not? Thanks to some sleuthing by Nancy Cavanaugh-Richards we finally have the answer!

Where do you Live? The Origin of Hopkinton’s Street Names.

Do you know who (or what) your street was named after? Share your knowledge with us for a chance to win a prize!

Bathsheba Spooner: A Revolutionary Murder Conspiracy

What possessed a woman from the elite of eighteenth-century New England society to conspire...

Postcards from the Past

An exceptional collection of postcards featuring Hopkinton and Woodville, Massachusetts, courtesy of Alyssa Gamble.

A Brief Look at Hopkinton’s Irish Past

The town of Hopkinton experienced a population boom in the middle of the 19th...

It all starts… here?

This coming April 17th marks not only Patriot’s Day and, so, the 127th running of the Boston Marathon, but also 100 years since the epic race's start in… Ashland.

Early Black History in Hopkinton

As a community, we are indebted to two Hopkinton women who have spent much time and energy documenting and sharing the Black history of our town; Jazz Dottin and Linda Connelly.

An Update on the Hopkinton to Hollywood Stagecoach

In 1951, the Singing Cowboy purchased a stagecoach from Cold Spring Farms.

Buffalo Bill, Gene Autry and…Hopkinton?

Two of America's greatest cowboy entertainers have ties to Hopkinton.

New Years Eve 91 years ago, Town Hall was saved from Auction

Most people are aware that downtown Hopkinton suffered several big fires, and as a...

Hopkinton Turns 307

Three hundred seven years old and counting! Hopkinton, founded on December 13, 1715, has...

Latest articles

“Not in My Back Yard” say Voters at Town Meeting

Town Meeting voters turned down the MBTA Communities zoning changes by a very narrow margin.

LTE: Harper Steps Up as Write-In for Cemetery Commissioners

Gina Harper announces her write-in candidacy for the Board of Commissioners' 2-year seat to manage our cemeteries, emphasizing their profound significance. With a background in end-of-life care and business, she values preservation, modernization, and inclusivity. Harper aims to maintain the cemeteries as sanctuaries of heritage and serenity, urging community support in her campaign.

“Bring Brennan Back,” says Town Meeting to Select Board

During a prolonged Town Meeting, articles were approved to fund HVAC replacements and structural repairs at two fire stations. Additionally, a citizen's petition passed to advocate for the reinstatement of Sergeant Tim Brennan, who was controversially fired. Discussions also included law enforcement policy adherence, town personnel actions, and amendments concerning environmental testing. Major points included various community members vocalizing both support and opposition, leading to several democratic decisions, though not all articles were successful. The meeting highlighted robust civic engagement and varied opinions on town governance and community values.

2% of Voters Decide to Raise $171 million in Tax

At Hopkinton Middle School's Annual Town Meeting, attended by 343 of 13,076 registered voters, several significant fiscal decisions were made, totaling $171,982,393. Highlights included passing the Operating budget at $121 million, approving a salary for Town Clerk Connor Degan, and agreeing to digitize town records at a cost of $667k. Debates ensued over the Hopkins Addition project, with its $48 million need achieving the required 2/3 majority. Public works projects also received attention, with some approved and others denied. The discussion will continue in a Special Town Meeting addressing additional civic matters.