Parent Institution
Site Type
Supervisor Name(s)
Matt Beres
Supervisor Title(s)
Executive Director
Supervisor Email(s)
Department Address
7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Cars can park on either side of Jason Street, or in our small parking lot along side Jason Terrace.
Cars can park on either side of Jason Street, or in our small parking lot along side Jason Terrace.
ADA Compliant
Yes
Parking
Yes
Transportation
Closest bus stop is at Massachusetts Ave @ Willow Ct., Stop ID is 2285
Closest MBTA stop is at Alewife on Red Line.
Closest MBTA stop is at Alewife on Red Line.
Site Description
The Arlington Historical Society: Jason Russell House & Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing Arlington’s history and the Society’s collections so that the community may engage and interact in historical discovery, finding a sense of place.
The Jason Russell House, site of one of the bloodiest moments during the Battle of Lexington & Concord—the first battle of the American Revolutionary War— on April 19, 1775 saw the loss of Jason Russell, eleven other Provincials, and two British soldiers as fighting intensified during the British retreat from Concord to Boston.
Constructed in the 1740s by Jason Russell using salvaged materials from his grandparents' older home, this simple house underwent decorative changes around the windows and front door, and an ell was added in the 19th Century.
In 1897, George Y. Wellington initiated the society and its records collection at "Pleasant Hall." As Boston's inner suburbs underwent dramatic changes and population swelled with newcomers, longtime residents felt a pressing need to preserve local historical knowledge.
In 1923, the Society acquired and restored the c. 1745 Jason Russell House. Financial stability came with a bequest in the will of Judge James Parmenter, who had presided over the Society for 30 years, canceling the mortgage. Further support from George Abbott Smith and his daughter, Elizabeth, enabled the realization of greater visions. The Museum, completed in 1980, includes an exhibition and meeting hall, and fire-safe storage for the Society's Collections.
Today, the Society remains vibrant, dedicating its energies to discovering, interpreting, sharing, and celebrating Arlington's rich and diverse heritage. The collection has grown to encompass over 19,000 records, objects, and archival materials. We continually welcome volunteer opportunities to assist in maintaining the collection and advancing our strategics mission.
The Jason Russell House, site of one of the bloodiest moments during the Battle of Lexington & Concord—the first battle of the American Revolutionary War— on April 19, 1775 saw the loss of Jason Russell, eleven other Provincials, and two British soldiers as fighting intensified during the British retreat from Concord to Boston.
Constructed in the 1740s by Jason Russell using salvaged materials from his grandparents' older home, this simple house underwent decorative changes around the windows and front door, and an ell was added in the 19th Century.
In 1897, George Y. Wellington initiated the society and its records collection at "Pleasant Hall." As Boston's inner suburbs underwent dramatic changes and population swelled with newcomers, longtime residents felt a pressing need to preserve local historical knowledge.
In 1923, the Society acquired and restored the c. 1745 Jason Russell House. Financial stability came with a bequest in the will of Judge James Parmenter, who had presided over the Society for 30 years, canceling the mortgage. Further support from George Abbott Smith and his daughter, Elizabeth, enabled the realization of greater visions. The Museum, completed in 1980, includes an exhibition and meeting hall, and fire-safe storage for the Society's Collections.
Today, the Society remains vibrant, dedicating its energies to discovering, interpreting, sharing, and celebrating Arlington's rich and diverse heritage. The collection has grown to encompass over 19,000 records, objects, and archival materials. We continually welcome volunteer opportunities to assist in maintaining the collection and advancing our strategics mission.
Website URL
https://arlingtonhistorical.org/