LibGuides: Local History & Genealogy: Local History Resources

Cultural Heritage in Canton

Canton Historical Society
The Society has been collecting Canton's History since 1898. Our collections begin with artifacts from the late 1600's through today. Highlights of our collection include a strong understanding of industry, military conflicts and daily life in Canton, Massachusetts. We are a non-profit museum and educational institution dedicated to preserving our history and place.
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.
Tilden House
Located in Canton's only National Historic District, the Tilden House is the oldest contributing building, and one of the first surviving houses built in what is now Canton. Preservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve this unique American home.

Town History - Online Resources

150 years of yesterday : dedicated to Canton's tomorrows, Canton, Massachusetts 1947
Made digitally available through Digital Commonwealth. Print copy also available in the Edward Bolster Local History Room.
Annual report of the trustees of the public library including the reports of the treasurer and librarian (1903-1921)
Made digitally available by the University of Illinois.
The Canton-Sharon magazine (1927)
Made digitally available by the Sharon Public Library.
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 early 1830’s to the present day. The railroad's impact on the community, its industries and inhabitants is measured and detailed. Print copy also available in the Library.
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.
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. Print copies also available in the Library.
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.
School Committee, Annual Reports (1846-1886)
Annual Reports for the School Committee of the Town of Canton, 1846-1849, 1851-1881, 1886.
Canton Historical Wiki

Maps

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.
Historic Map Works
Historic Map Works formed to create a historic digital map database of North America and the world. Available digital maps for Canton include the 1876 Norfolk County Atlas (W. A. Sherman), the 1888 Norfolk County Atlas (E. Robinson), and the 1918 Bird's Eye View (Hughes and Bailey).
Map of the town of Canton, Norfolk County (H. F. Walling, 1855)
Shows buildings with names of property owners and town district lines. "Entered according to Act of Congress by H.F. Walling in the Clerks Office of the District Court of Massachusetts A.D. 1855."
Made digitally available by Harvard Geospatial Library.
View of Canton, Mass : 1878
Drawn & published by O.H. Bailey & J.C. Hazen. Indexed for points of interest. Bird's-eye view.
Made digitally available through Digital Commonwealth.

Newspapers

Canton Newspapers Available at the Library

Canton Citizen

Microfilm: 1987 - Present

Canton Courier

Microfilm: 1959, 1981 - 1983

Canton Journal

Microfilm: 1876 - 2019

Canton Mirror

Microfilm: June 1925 - September 1926
Print: June 1925 - September 1926

Canton Register

Microfilm: August 1982 - December 1982
Print: November 1994, Mar 15 - May 31 1995, August 16 - 30 1995, September 13 - October 18 1995, November 1 - 22 1995, April 24 1996

Canton Reporter

Print: June 22? 1967, June 29 1967, & October 16 1969
Microfilm: June 29 1967 - November 4 1971 (inclusive)

Canton Tribune & Canton Press

Microfilm: September - November 1960

Massapoag Journal

Microfilm: December 1854 - October 1857