Hingham’s rich history dates back to the earliest days of European settlement in the new world. Shortly after the first Europeans arrived in 1633, a group of settlers from Hingham, England established one of the first significant European settlements in 1635 under the lead of Reverend Peter Hobart. Hingham became the 12th town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony to incorporate. In 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. By 1681, Hingham’s 140 families raised money to build the Old Ship Meeting House which still remains in active use today as the oldest wooden church structure and the oldest church building in continuous use in America.
By the time the American Revolution began, Hingham had a population of 2000. After the war, Hingham’s economy flourished. In 1784, the nation’s first co-educational school was opened in Hingham and the original site for the school now serves as the headquarters of the Hingham Historical Society. By the arrival of the 19th century, Hingham’s fishing industry peaked with 65 fishing vessels and the fourth largest mackerel fleet in the country. It was such an important port that for 45 years there was a customs house marking Hingham as an official port of entry to the U.S. By the Civil War, the population had grown to 4000, 854 of whom served in the war.
Hingham of the 20th century was greatly changed by war. In 1906 the Navy built a "Magazine" on 697 acres in North Hingham to store ammunition for the North Atlantic Fleet. In the South End, 500 sailors were stationed at "Camp Hingham". Again during WWII, Hingham was called upon by the Navy offering up seven square miles as a huge ammunition depot. Then in 1942, 150 acres at the harbor were taken for a shipyard to build convoy ships. This marked the first mass production of ships as Hingham turned out 16 at a time in a huge effort to establish themselves as the finest shipbuilders in the New World. At the height of production, 24,000 people were employed working around the clock, seven days a week.
After the war years, there was an urgent need for housing and schools to accommodate returning service men and the resulting baby boom. Housing stock boomed, but by the 1970’s the focus for acquiring land had changed from building more houses to preserving open space.
Hingham is home to a dedicated Parks and Recreation Department that serves all of its citizens' needs. From incredible athletic and aquatic programs and facilities to beautiful parks, Hingham has got you covered. The mission of the Hingham Recreation Commission is “to provide high quality, affordable recreation programs as well as maintain safe and accessible fields and facilities throughout the Hingham community”. Enjoy biking and hiking along well-kept paths or watch the kids play on one of Hingham’s safe playgrounds.
Discover a rich variety of fantastic attractions and activities that await you in Hingham and the surrounding areas. Hingham offers superb shopping, delectable restaurants and eateries, and fun to be had by all. Enjoy learning about the past, present, and future at one of the area’s fantastic museums, such as the Bare Cove Fire Museum or the Hull Lifesaving Museum. If you enjoy the arts, you’re sure to love the Hingham Civic Music Theatre or the South Shore Art Center. Delight at Hingham’s incredible Wompatuck State Park or The Trustees of Reservations.
Hingham offers numerous entertaining events for you and your family to experience annually! From holiday fairs to community gatherings and fantastic festivals, there’s something for people of all ages and interests. Please visit the link provided below to discover just a few of these family-friendly events and activities that await you in the months ahead.
Hingham Public Schools are dedicated to providing students with the skills they need to become productive, responsible members of an ever-changing global society. Students are expected to graduate from Hingham Public Schools with the ability to read purposefully, write effectively, and communicate effectively, among other highly rated skills. Hingham Public Schools is made up of four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.
Hingham is home to four private schools, including the Derby Academy, Notre Dame Academy, St. Paul’s School, and Old Colony Montessori.
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