Historical Highlights of Hingham, Massachusetts, Incorporated 1635
Hingham's roots go back to the earliest days of European settlement in the new world. The first Europeans arrived in 1633, calling the area Bare Cove. Here they found the Massachusetts Indians, a tribal branch of the Algonquin Nation. Relations between the indigenous people and the settlers were friendly with the Native Americans providing food and teaching the settlers how to grow corn.

The first significant European settlement was established in 1635, when the Reverend Peter Hobart arrived with his followers from Hingham, England. In that same year, they renamed the town "Hingham," and it was incorporated as the 12th town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By 1665, the Massachusetts Indians, weakened by plague and attacks by the Abanaki Tribe, granted the land "from the beginning of the world" to the settlers. This deed, bearing the mark of the Sachem Wompatuck, hangs in the Hingham Town Hall today.

In 1681, Hingham's 140 families raised the money to construct the Old Ship Meeting House. Still in active use, it is recognized as the oldest wooden church structure and the oldest church building in continuous use in America. During the American Revolution the population had reached 2000. Approximately 600 men from Hingham served in that war. The period following the war was a tranquil one in which the economy flourished. Fishing, farming, shipping and milling were the primary occupations. In 1784 the Derby School, later Derby Academy, was established as the first co-educational school in the nation. The Academy has moved to new quarters, but the original building now serves as the headquarters of the Hingham Historical Society and is used for meetings and social function.

Why Live in Hingham?

Hingham’s waterfront, parks, good schools, abundance of youth sports, and well-run library make it a good place to live.

The town has 21 miles of shoreline dotted with beaches, two marinas, and a public boat launch, giving residents easy access to the water.  You won’t have to go far to shop. There are plenty of stores downtown, at Derby Street Shops, and The Shops at Hingham Shipyard and the quaint downtown filled with unique storefronts

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My Favorite Restaurant picks for Hingham

Tosca located near the water if you are looking for an amazing Italian restaurant

Square Cafe is a top choice for boutique style American Cuizine

Alma Nove founded by executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, offers modern interpretations of European, Asian and American Classics.

If you are considering buying a home in Hingham, MA, please feel free to contact Realtor Deborah Grigas at Coldwell Banker Realty at 978-407-0993 or by email at Deborah.grigas@cbrealty.com.