Newton Free Library preserves and provides access to materials that document the history of our City in the Newton Collection. These items are accessible during the Library’s open hours, but cannot be checked out, and some rare items require an appointment to view. Need to do some research, have a quick question, or want to look for something in the library? We’re here to help.
The Local History room is located on the 3rd floor of the library. The room is locked but can be accessed upon request. Please see a staff member for assistance.
If you already know what materials you are looking for and would like to request access to specific items in the Local History & Genealogy Room please fill out the Special Collections Material Request form below.
If you require assistance with researching local history please fill out the Special Collections Reference Request form below.
Print and Microfilm Collection
Our print and microfilm collections are searchable via our catalog. We also have the Massachusetts Collection, which has materials relating to Massachusetts history.
Microfilm Machine
The Library has a microfilm machine available for public use. Our microfilm machine can be used to view microfilm and fiche in the library collection along with film negatives and slides in black and white and color. Images can be saved to a USB drive, emailed, or printed. Please fill out this form to request use of the microfilm machine. The machine can accommodate sizes up to 5″ x 8.25″.
Voice of Women
Voice of Women (VOW) was a Newton-based nuclear disarmament organization formed in 1960 which continued through the Vietnam War and beyond. Its members conducted teach-ins, sit-ins and protest demonstrations in Newton and the Boston area. It ran the Peace Boutique, which sold peace paraphernalia, then became a craft and gift shop and meeting place for peace supporters. Even after the peak of activity in the 1960s and 1970s the women continued their involvement in peace, civil rights, and protest against atmospheric nuclear testing. Around 2000 an effort was made by the Newton2000 History Committee, the City of Newton Women’s Commission and VOW members to collect oral history about the women in the organization. This collection includes videotaped interviews of members and an introductory history of the movement. It also includes papers related to the VOW Oral History Project-programs honoring VOW members, fundraising sources, publicity covering the renewed interest in Newton’s historical involvement in peace activism and the role of women.
Interviews were made with the help of oral historian and videographer Ann Smith. The collection has been digitized and interviews can be viewed as a playlist on Youtube. More information can be found in the Local History & Genealogy Room at the library.
A History of Trades and Craftspersons in Newton
This oral history project began in 1981 with the stated purpose of to recording Newton’s social history village by village by giving interviewees an occasion to relate their personal experiences. Interviews cover memories of the 1920s through 1950s in Newton. The project involved collaboration between Newton Free Library, Jackson Homestead, and Boston College throughout the eighties. Interviews were originally recorded on cassettes, and have since been digitized. Interviews can be viewed as a playlist on youtube. More information can be found in the Local History & Genealogy Room at the library. A record for each interview can be viewed in the library’s catalog.