Research at the WHS
The Archives at the Wellesley Historical Society have a variety of resources available to scholars, students, genealogists and general researchers. Research using the Wellesley Historical Society’s archives may be done by appointment only. Members may use the Wellesley Historical Society’s archives free of charge, non-members are charged a $20 fee, per person, per day.
Appointments are generally available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-1:30; please call Kathleen Fahey, Curator, at 781-235-6690 to make an appointment.
Research Your Home at the WHS
- Photo Archives, 1881-present. Images of residences are arranged by street and may contain a photo of your home.
- Wellesley Historic District Commission Files, c.1981. Homes belonging to the designated Historic District may have an individual file and photo including form XX.
- Wellesley Town Directories, 1883-present. Similar to phone books today, historic directories provide a list of residents; however, early directories are organized alphabetically by street. Some directories also list the age and occupation of residents.
- List of Residents, Town of Wellesley, 1902-present. Contains information on residents who paid taxes property taxes, including valuation of real estate as well as name, age and occupation. Listed by street or precinct.
- Assessor’s List of Real and Personal Property, 1941-1967. Listed alphabetically by name, this report provides information on a buildings value and square footage as well as information on a resident’s personal property including livestock and machinery.
- Annual Reports, Town of Wellesley, 1881-2002. Contains information on residents who paid taxes property taxes, including valuation of real estate as well as name, age and occupation. Listed by street or precinct.
- Map and Plans Collection. Town atlases provide a birds-eye view of entire neighborhoods and often include resident names and building information including size, location and materials. Individual architectural plans may exist for some houses. Collection is unprocessed, limited access available.
- Notable Wellesley Residents Files. Information on homes can sometimes be found relating to previous, notable residents.
- Historic Homes Binder, c.1965. Information compiled about a limited number of historic homes by previous WHS volunteers.
- Albion Clapp Collection. Personal and professional papers of Albion Clapp, developer of the Cliff Estates. Collection is unprocessed, limited access available.
Genealogical Research at the WHS
- Notable Wellesley Residents Files. Secondary resources such as obituaries, newspaper clippings, prior research, etc. may be available.
- Individual and Family Archives. Primary resources such as personal correspondence, ledgers, diaries, etc. may be available. Collection is largely unprocessed, limited access available.
- Annual Reports, Town of Wellesley, 1881-2002. List of births, deaths and marriages listed by month. Also contains information on residents who paid taxes property taxes, including valuation of real estate as well as name, age and occupation. Listed by street or precinct.
- Photo Archives, 1881-present. Individual and family photos, occasionally with additional information written on the reverse.
- Wellesley Town Directories, 1883-present. Similar to phone books today, historic directories provide a list of residents; however, they are organized alphabetically by street. Some directories also list the age and occupation of residents.
- List of Residents, Town of Wellesley, 1902-present. Contains information on residents who paid taxes property taxes, including valuation of real estate as well as name, age and occupation. Listed by street or precinct.
- Library Collection. Including self-published genealogies and general Wellesley history books.
Individual and Family Archives at the WHS
- Aiken, Charles Avery
- Alexander, Margaret Wilson
- Bates, Katherine Lee
- Baker, William Emerson
- Bradford
- Bronson, Katherine
- Bunker
- Chadbourne
- Clapp, Albion
- DeFazio
- Denton
- Dillaway
- Early
- Fiske
- Flagg
- Fuller
- Hollis, William H.
- Gaubault, Gaston
- Gebelein, George C.
- Gleason
- Goddard
- Heckle
- Haynes
- Hazelton
- Hunter, Ethel Ambler
- Kilborn
- Lewis
- Little, Warren D.
- Morton, William Thomas G.
- Oldham
- Perrin, Marshall Livingston
- Rice
- Rollins
- Ryan, John T.
- Sprague, Isaac IV
- Urann, Margaret
- White, Henry D.
- White, Mary
Business, Organization and Club Archives at the WHS
- Boy Scouts of America, Wellesley
- F. Diehl & Son
- Church Women United
- Clement Drug Company
- Junior Reading Club
- Hathaway House
- Maugus Club
- Newcomer’s Club of Wellesley
- Soldiers Club of Needham
- Wellesley Arts and Crafts Guild
- Wellesley Assemblies
- Wellesley Club Papers
- Wellesley Historical Commission
- Wellesley Farms Neighborhood Club
- Wellesley Hills Unitarian Church
- Wellesley Hills Women’s Club
- Wellesley Hospital Fund
- Wellesley Players
- Wellesley Village Improvement Society
Research Inquiries
The part-time staff at the Wellesley Historical Society has a limited amount of time
to devote to research inquiries each week. Research inquiries are free for the first
10 minutes of research time. Please make your request as specific as possible,
your inquiry will be answered within 2 weeks. Research inquiries can be sent to
info@wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.
