Arlington, Massachusetts

Cemetery, Historical Society, Library

The Arlington Historical Society promotes and encourages knowledge of the history of the Town of Arlington from its earliest days (1635) to modern times. We preserve, document, and share Arlington history through exhibits at the Smith Museum, through conserving and offering tours of the Jason Russell House, an eighteenth century home and Revolutionary War battle site, and by hosting a yearly lecture series, school group visits, and academic and family researchers. We recently opened an exhibition, "Family Ties: 200 Years of Arlington Town Life" to celebrate our town's 200th Anniversary.

Arlington, Massachusetts

Historic House, Historical Society, Library

The Jason Russell House, built in 1740, still bears bullet holes as the site of bloody fighting on the first day of the American Revolution. British soldiers, in retreat from Lexington and Concord, shot and bayoneted Jason Russell on his own doorstep. Eleven other area Minute Men, who had gathered in Arlington, due to its strategic location, also lost their lives here in the April 19, 1775 skirmish.

Arlington, Massachusetts

History

Arlington, Massachusetts

History

Arlington, Massachusetts

Art, Culture, History, Historic House

Cyrus Dallin set the highest standard of the most robust American Classicism to date. His historic contribution was to connect the high art of Europe with the themes of America. Patriots, Indians, American War Heroes—each was given the attention and respect of a sensitive, observant man.
After his death, his work was ignored for decades. Many works were lost, abandoned, or thrown away. But enough people enjoyed his work to preserve some portion—a photograph, a sketch, a letter, a model, and, sometimes, an actual sculpture.
History has made the first cut. Now, this is our opportunity to let future generations know what we value. We think Cyrus Dallin was a genius, and we want him to make the big leagues of Art History.

Arlington, Massachusetts

Culture, History

Visitors interested in industrial history, woodworking, mechanics -- or simply the ambiance of an ancient, working manufactory in its original historic setting -- are cordially welcomed to the Mill.

Today The Old Schwamb Mill continues to produce museum quality hand turned wooden oval and circular frames. See an interesting variety of frames and profile styles that have been produced since the Schwambs first began operations here in 1864. See the production of a frame and hear what the woodworker, who makes the frames, has to say about his work. Learn how the lathes work.

The three Mill buildings (Mill, Dryhouse, and Barn), including the woodworking shop floor in the Mill are open for tours.

Arlington, Massachusetts

Cemetery, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

The museum was completed in 1980 with funds contributed by Elizabeth Smith in memory of her father George A. Smith and her grandfather, Samuel Abbot Smith. The museum houses exhibits and the Society's collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and other Arlington memorabilia. The Smith Museum is handicapped accessible.