Ronnie Dooley

Historic Newton

Historic Newton is a public/private partnership between the Newton Historical Society and the City of Newton. Historic Newton inspires discovery and engagement by illuminating our community's stories within the context of American history. Historic Newton brings the past to bear on the present; promotes an informed, aware and engaged community; invites all people to explore history and find meaning for themselves; enriches our community's future through engagement, education and stewardship; and, is the keeper of Newton's memories. Historic Newton values scholarship, collaboration, history as a continuum, shared authority, and historical perspective. The City of Newton established the Jackson Homestead as a museum in 1950. The original mission of the museum's Board of Trustees was to restore, furnish, and repair the structure; to collect and preserve objects and documents of importance relating to Newton history; and to make the Homestead "of lasting value to the community." On the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the Mayor appointed the first full-time director in 1953. In the same year, the Friends of The Jackson Homestead, a not-for-profit membership organization, was established. In 1982, the Friends changed its name to the Newton Historical Society, and in 1984, the Mayor-appointed Board of Trustees and the Newton Historical Society began working together to oversee and fund the Jackson Homestead and Museum. In 2003, the museum changed its name to the Newton History Museum to better reflect its role in the community. In 2009, the organization adopted the umbrella name of Historic Newton to accommodate its steady growth beyond the walls of the Jackson Homestead. In 2011, Historic Newton acquired the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, which opened as a second museum in 2013. Historic Newton also oversees the Historic Burying Grounds Project and maintains an archive of documents and images and a collection of artifacts.