Once a bustling fishing port, Hingham preserves its historic charm, blending heritage and progress in a community shaped by industry, education, and recreation.
When the Reverend Peter Hobart disembarked in 1635 near what is now the intersection of North and Ship streets, he knew that he had found a gem. Roughly 20 miles south of Boston, Massachusetts, Hingham has a rich history of fishing, industry and recreation.
Once the leading mackerel fishing port on the eastern seaboard, and later known as "Bucket Town" for the woodenware it produced, Hingham gradually became a bedroom community whose population works elsewhere for the most part.
The Town has fortunately preserved much of it historic character, which, in addition to its waterfront amenities, recreational facilities and outstanding educational system continue to make us an attractive and sought after place to live. Never before published photographs, along with some old favorites from various collections, help to bring Hingham's evolutionary story to life in this series and provide a window into its heritage.
Enjoy these glimpses of Hingham then and now to see for yourself that, although there are many new buildings and altered neighborhoods, many scenes from yesterday are still familiar. As former town resident Governor John D. Long once wrote—"Not all has changed."