Lexington Observer speaks with Anne Lee, Executive Director of Lexington Historical Society about the organization’s history, mission, and future plans.
LexObserver: What is the role of Lexington Historical Society?
Anne Lee: The Lexington Historical Society was founded in 1886 as an independent non-profit passionate about preserving, interpreting, and sharing Lexington’s history through time. As stewards of our collective past, we hope to inspire and engage locals and visitors alike and encourage them to connect to the many ordinary people who created our town and our nation. Basically, we’re a group of history nerds!
We welcome almost 30,000 visitors every year from all over the world to our three historic house museums, where significant events of the early days of the American Revolution unfolded in Massachusetts. Together, they tell the story of April 19, 1775: from Paul Revere and William Dawes’ warning at the Hancock-Clarke House; to the gathering of the militia at Buckman Tavern before the skirmish on the Common; to Munroe Tavern, commandeered by the British Redcoat troops on their retreat to Boston.
One of the great joys of volunteering in the houses is meeting people from all over the nation, many of whom are thrilled and moved to be in Lexington, and so many of whom have their own amazing anecdotes or takes on history.
We also own a reconstruction of the Belfry that sounded the alarm. It isn’t open for tours but is visible atop Belfry Hill and still rings the alarm in the early hours of April 19th.
LO: How has Lexington Historical Society changed over time?
AL: The demographics of our town have changed dramatically – few other Massachusetts towns are experiencing this with such intensity – and so has our role and responsibility. With the transformation of our fifth property, the 1846 train depot in the center of Lexington, we will expand our story to include the history of all Lexingtonians, from the first peoples to today. Having the Depot will also give us the space to display many more of the 20,000 objects and documents in our collection and – as we have always done – enliven these stories through over 60 programs a year, including lectures, theater and music, book chats, Tavern Nights, graveyard tours, and the annual Patriots week events.
LO: How many people work at and/or volunteer the Society?
AL: For most of its existence, the Historical Society was an all-volunteer organization. In the last 25 years, it has grown significantly and now employs seven year-round staff. We also hire seasonal staff to offer guided tours of the houses, lead school group tours, assist at children’s events and summer camp, and work at the museum store at Buckman Tavern. (My son actually started as a camper, graduated to counselor, and now works part-time as a guide and educator).
Volunteers are the backbone of the Society and are invaluable; over 100 people volunteer for us, donating over 4,000 hours each year. About 45 serve as greeters, welcoming visitors to the historic houses. Dozens more assist at special events and programs. A regular group provides about 800 hours a year helping with research, scanning, and cataloging at the archives and research center. Board members and committee chairs give approximately 1,400 hours each. And we are fortunate that for many years, Lexington Field and Garden Club members have developed and cared for three historic gardens at Munroe Tavern and herb gardens at Hancock-Clarke House and Buckman Tavern.
LO: What is your role with Lexington Historical Society?
AL: I’ve been a member of the Lexington Historical Society since 2000, joined the board of directors soon after, served as committee chair, then President, and in May 2024, took on the role of Executive Director. I liken the job to juggling multiple and very different responsibilities – and expecting to be interrupted and change track often! I manage an enthusiastic and creative staff. Together we develop and run programs for all ages; care for our collections, houses, and landscapes; curate changing exhibitions; fundraise, source and create merchandise for our store; develop marketing materials and strategies…among many other things. I also serve as the primary liaison with civic and town entities and seek to develop relationships with the many organizations in town.
LO: How is the Society funded?
AL: As a non-profit, we rely on a number of different sources and need to be proactive in order to remain viable. Our board, committees, and staff all work diligently together to further our mission.
Admissions to our houses, memberships to the Society, donations to our fall and spring appeals, museum store sales, ticket sales to special events and programs, and rentals together account for just over half of our income. We also apply for grants, receive sponsorships, and have special campaigns for specific activities, initiatives, or preservation needs. We are also fortunate that through time generous donors have built an endowment fund. Every bit helps!
LO: What do you find special about the Lexington Historical Society?
AL: We’re simultaneously charged with preserving everyday objects and some of the most important testaments to our nation’s legacy. We have preserved John Hancock’s vest – complete with his underarm sweat stains – as well as the needlework of farm girls in an ordinary Massachusetts provincial town. We have a responsibility to present all of Lexington’s history in a way that resonates with both long-time residents and new arrivals.
We often discover artifacts forgotten in the vastness of our holdings, and these objects always carry a sort of magic – like time travelers. A volunteer found a letter signed by King George III a few weeks ago. A retired firefighter helping us catalog fire department items picked up a helmet-number shield, gave a start, and said, “My gosh, this was my shield!” The physical vestiges of the past are thrilling.
LO: What lies ahead for the Lexington Historical Society?
AL: Aside from the monumental (but exciting) task of preparing the Depot for its grand opening in April, the other Big Event for us is Lex250. In 2025, the semiquincentennial year of the Battle of Lexington, we will offer a varied series of events, including long-time favorites such as the Reenactment of Paul Revere’s Ride (with real horses!), as well as a new play about what happened at Hancock-Clarke House in the hours after the alarm was raised on April 18, 1775. There will be a special exhibition at Buckman Tavern, a concert of music favored by loyalists, and book chats, lectures, and more, all related to the semiquincentennial. There’s something for everyone!
LO: How can Lexingtonians help the Society?
AL: There are so many ways to get involved and help, and we welcome everyone! Love meeting people? Become a volunteer greeter at our house museums or, come April, The Lexington Depot. Want to connect with other history lovers? Become a member! Have a specific interest in collections or interpretation? Reach out to join a committee. Won the lottery? Consider a donation! Feel free to reach out to me about any of these opportunities at Director@Lexingtonhistory.org.
To learn more about Lexington Historical Society, visit https://www.lexingtonhistory.org
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