GOOD DEEDS: Spring is Here – The Community Preservation Act

Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces our Norfolk County communities have to offer, I wanted to share a bit of background and updated information about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) that you may find of interest.

The Community Preservation Act is the result of more than two decades of work to create legislation that provides all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns with a locally controlled tool to help preserve their unique natural, community, and historic resources in the face of ongoing growth and development.

 

The CPA allows cities and towns to establish a Community Preservation Fund dedicated to four eligible purposes: the preservation of open space, historic resources, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. In addition, the law created a statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), which provides annual matching distributions to communities that have adopted the Act. 

 

Signed into law on September 14, 2000, the Community Preservation Act has since been adopted by 201 Massachusetts communities. Here in Norfolk County, 19 of our 28 cities and towns have chosen to participate since the Act’s inception. Effective December 31, 2019, CPA recording fees were increased to $50 for most land documents and $25 for municipal lien certificates. At no additional cost to the Commonwealth or to local communities, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds collects these fees at the time of recording and forwards the funds monthly to the Department of Revenue. Those funds are then redistributed directly back to the municipalities that have adopted CPA. 

 

The CPA recording fees are established by the Massachusetts Legislature and apply to land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The accompanying chart illustrates the funds generated from each community based on real estate documents recorded during calendar year 2025, demonstrating how local activity helps support preservation projects throughout the Commonwealth and Norfolk County.

 

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT (CPA)

SURCHARGES BY TOWN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

 

TOWN		TOTAL
AVON		$32,225.00
BELLINGHAM		$144,900.00
BRAINTREE		$225,750.00
BROOKLINE		$323,375.00
CANTON		$168,725.00
COHASSET		$86,275.00
DEDHAM		$183,975.00
DOVER		$47,675.00
FOXBOROUGH		$120,575.00
FRANKLIN		$233,250.00
HOLBROOK		$91,700.00
MEDFIELD		$92,025.00
MEDWAY		$98,375.00
MILLIS		$78,300.00
MILTON		$181,650.00
NEEDHAM		$222,250.00
NORFOLK		$92,425.00
NORWOOD		$165,550.00
PLAINVILLE		$58,175.00
QUINCY		$481,850.00
RANDOLPH		$185,875.00
SHARON		$113,425.00
STOUGHTON		$202,350.00
WALPOLE		$190,775.00
WELLESLEY		$211,025.00
WESTWOOD		$114,775.00
WEYMOUTH		$378,375.00
WRENTHAM		$97,400.00

 

I hope you find this data informative and helpful in understanding the impact the Community Preservation Act has in allowing cities and towns to ensure that their unique characteristics and assets are preserved for years to come.  In the meantime, if I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781-461-6116 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

By William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

 

Norfolk County Real Estate Market Remains Resilient in March

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that real estate activity in Norfolk County in March 2026 showed positive movement in several key areas, particularly sales volume and mortgage activity, even as limited housing inventory and broader economic pressures continued to shape the market.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 8,812 documents in March 2026, a 15% increase compared to March 2025 and a 24% increase from February 2026.

“Document recordings remain strong, reflecting continued engagement with the real estate market across Norfolk County,” stated Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “Despite broader economic uncertainty, people continue to buy, sell, refinance, and invest in property throughout the county.”

A total of 1,176 deeds were recorded in March, the same number as in March 2025 and up 24% from February 2026. Deeds recorded with consideration, which represent property sales, totaled 493, a 14% decrease compared to March 2025, though up 30% from the previous month of February 2026.

“The decline in deeds involving a sale compared to last year continues to be tied to the limited number of homes coming onto the market,” said Register O’Donnell. “Inventory constraints remain the primary factor affecting sales activity, as many homeowners are reluctant to sell and give up favorable mortgage terms secured in prior years, particularly at a time when rising fuel prices and other household costs are placing additional pressure on family budgets.”

The average sale price for all commercial and residential properties in March 2026 was $1,263,819, a 21% increase compared to March 2025 and 14% higher than February figures. Total commercial and residential real estate sales volume reached $623 million, representing a 5% increase from March 2025.

“These figures continue to show strong demand for property in Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell noted. “Competition for a limited supply of available homes and commercial properties continues to drive prices higher, as buyers remain active in the market despite affordability challenges and increased pressure on household budgets. Norfolk County continues to be a highly desirable place to live and do business.”

Mortgage activity remained solid in March. The Registry recorded 1,667 mortgages, a 53% increase compared to March 2025 and 37% higher than February of 2026. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during March 2025 ranged between 6.63% and 6.67%, while rates in March 2026 ranged between approximately 6.00% and 6.38%.

“Mortgage activity continues to demonstrate confidence among buyers, investors, and property owners,” said Register O’Donnell. “With interest rates lower than they were a year ago, financing conditions improved for some buyers and homeowners, which likely played a significant role in the increase in mortgage filings.”

The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In March 2026 there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down from 12 in March 2025. Additionally, there were 15 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, which is a decrease from the 28 recorded last year.

“There is no question that this reduction in the number of foreclosures and notices to foreclose is good news. With that said, we cannot forget that foreclosure activity has a human face associated with it, and there are still a number of our neighbors who have lost their homes, and even more who are dangerously close to losing their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

“Overall, March’s results reflect a resilient real estate market in Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “Strong prices, increased mortgage activity, and steady overall registry activity highlight sustained demand, even as limited inventory and broader cost‑of‑living pressures continue to influence market conditions. We will continue to monitor these trends closely as the spring real estate season progresses.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell Discusses Type of Land Plan Available at Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded homeowners that only certain types of land plans are recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, and that those plans are not plot plans.

“One of the questions we hear frequently from homeowners at the Registry of Deeds is, ‘Can I get a copy of my plot plan?’” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “Plot plans are not recorded at the Registry of Deeds. What is recorded are land plans, which generally show the overall dimensions and boundaries of a property. On occasion, a recorded land plan may depict a structure on the lot, but more often than not, structures are not shown.”

land plans recorded at the Registry are not plot plans

There are times when homeowners need a plot plan, particularly when undertaking a capital improvement such as building an addition or installing a swimming pool. A plot plan, also referred to as a site plan, typically shows existing and proposed structures, along with their locations and dimensions relative to the property lines. These types of plans, however, are not recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

In some communities, local Building Departments may have plot plans on file that show the location of structures and various measurements, including distances between buildings and property boundaries.

“Plot plans are not always available to the general public,” Register O’Donnell explained. “In some cases, access may be limited to the property owner or a licensed surveyor. It is also important to remember that a plot plan may not be up to date or fully accurate if changes have been made to the property since the plan was filed. Homeowners should always consult with a licensed surveyor or other qualified professional before relying on any plot plan for legal or construction purposes.”

In many instances, a mortgage plot plan is prepared as part of a real estate transaction or a mortgage refinancing. Homeowners in need of such a plan should first check their personal records from when they did their real estate closing. Additionally, some town building departments may have a copy of a property’s plot plan or an as‑built plan on file. If no such plan is available, the homeowner would need to hire a licensed surveyor to create one.

Land plans, which are recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, provide the overall dimensions and boundaries of a property.

“Property deeds include a section that describes the land using metes and bounds,” noted Register O’Donnell. “Most deeds also contain a reference to a recorded land plan by book and page number. These land plans can be helpful when there are questions between neighbors about property lines or when addressing other boundary‑related issues.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has documents and plans available for viewing dating back to the Registry’s establishment in 1793. Non‑certified copies of recorded documents and plans can be viewed and printed free of charge through our website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

Copies of land plans that do not contain non‑certified copy language are available for a fee of $1.00 per plan for 8½ x 11-inch copies, plus an additional $1.00 per plan for postage. Larger plans, including 11 x 17 inch or 18 x 24-inch sizes, cost $2.00 per plan, plus an additional $1.00 per plan for postage. Requests should be mailed to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, along with a check made payable to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for the appropriate amount.

If the land plan book and page number is unknown, or if there are additional questions regarding land plans, the Registry’s Customer Service Center may be contacted in person or by phone at 781‑461‑6101, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

“As always,” Register O’Donnell said, “the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is ready and willing to assist our customers and the citizens of Norfolk County.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Spring-Cleaning Your Title: Online Property Records Review

As spring arrives and homeowners begin their annual "spring‑cleaning," Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is reminding residents that it is also a good time to review their property records and title information using the Registry's free, online document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

"Spring-cleaning is not just about closets and garages," said Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "It is also an ideal time for homeowners to take a few minutes to review what is on record for their property, especially since, for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset. Our online system makes it easy to do so from the comfort of home."

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds' website allows the public to search and view more than 14 million recorded land documents, dating back to the Registry's founding in 1793. Records can be searched by property owner name, property address, or other criteria, and are available 24 hours a day at no cost.

"Providing secure, accurate, and accessible land record information is central to our mission," Register O'Donnell said. "Our website brings the Registry into residents' homes and businesses, eliminating the need to travel to the Registry for most research needs."

What can Homeowners check online by using the Registry's online research tools:

• Look up their deed to confirm ownership details, land description, and how title is held
• Verify that mortgages have been properly discharged after being paid off
• Review other documents affecting their property, such as Mortgages or plans
• Confirm whether a Declaration of Homestead has been recorded
• Monitor activity on their property records by signing up for the Registry's free Consumer Notification Service

"Many homeowners are surprised by how much useful information they can find with just a few clicks," said Register O'Donnell. "You do not need a lawyer, and you do not need to be an expert. A little knowledge can go a long way toward peace of mind."

One of the most important items homeowners should check is whether old mortgages have been properly discharged. Once a mortgage is paid off, a discharge must be recorded to clear the property's title.

"As a consumer, you want to make sure a discharge has been recorded, which tells the world that the mortgage has been paid off," Register O'Donnell noted. "Not having a mortgage discharged can create a title issue and delay or complicate the sale or refinancing of a home."

Homeowners can confirm that mortgage discharges are on file by reviewing their property records online at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Homeowners frequently ask whether they need a copy of their deed. While it is not required, Register O'Donnell recommends keeping one on hand.

"A deed can tell you who owns the property, how it is owned, and the description of the land," Register O'Donnell said. "For many people, having that information brings peace of mind."

Non‑certified copies of deeds can be printed for free from the Registry's website. Certified copies are available through the Registry's Customer Service Center for $1 per page in person or by mail for $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, per document.

Homeowners are also encouraged to check whether a Declaration of Homestead has been recorded on their primary residence. Recent changes in state law increased the homestead protection amount from $500,000 to $1,000,000, with the increase applying retroactively to valid homesteads already on record.

"If you own a home and it is your primary residence, filing a Declaration of Homestead can significantly increase the level of protection for that property," Register O'Donnell said. "Given that most people's homes are their greatest financial asset, this is something every homeowner should consider."

Information and forms related to Homestead Protection are available at no cost on the Registry's website. For residents who need assistance, the Registry's Customer Service Center is available to help with online research, document questions, and certified copies.

"Our goal is first‑class customer service," Register O'Donnell said. "Norfolk County residents deserve a Registry of Deeds that is accessible, consumer‑friendly, and responsive. Our online system does exactly that." 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell Reveals Norfolk County’s Top Real Estate Sales of 2025

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during 2025, ten properties, a mix of commercial and residential, each sold for more than $46.4 million with an average price of $108.2 million.

 

The following prices pertain to real estate sales from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

 

The ten properties were:

 

10. 44 Harvard Street, Westwood, a 127,278‑square‑foot luxury fitness center known as Life Time Athletic, sold in December for $46,487,429 to No Sweat LLC as part of a sale‑leaseback transaction, with Life Time remaining as the long‑term tenant.

 

9. 1779 Central Street, Stoughton, the five-floor, 311,064-square-foot, 300-unit apartment complex known as Stō Apartments, sold in December for $62,500,000;

 

8. 625 Burgin Parkway, Quincy, the six‑story, 180‑unit apartment complex built in 2016 and known as Alister Deco by Mill Creek, sold in November for $67,600,000, or approximately $375,500 per unit.

 

7. 2 Presidential Drive, Quincy, built in 1971, this three‑story, 276‑unit apartment complex known as Presidential Estates sits on more than 12 acres of land and sold last March for $74,000,000. The community includes amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse.

 

6. 50 Woodview Way, Franklin, situated on approximately 21 acres of land, this four‑story, 280‑unit luxury apartment complex now known as Halstead Franklin sold in May for $101,000,000. Built in 2017, the property features one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom units with resort‑style amenities.

 

5. 200 Trotter Road, Weymouth, The Commons at SouthField, a four‑story, 298‑unit rental community built in 2012, sold in January of last year for $103,100,000. Located at Union Point near the South Weymouth commuter rail station.

 

4. In July 2025, Herb Chambers sold his Massachusetts‑based dealership group, consisting of 33 dealerships, to Asbury Automotive Group of Georgia in a transaction valued at approximately $1.45 billion. As part of that broader deal, the Herb Chambers dealership properties along Commonwealth Avenue in Brookline were included, with the real estate component for those locations selling that same month for $109,300,000.

 

3. 140 Kendrick Street, Needham, a 440,000‑square‑foot workplace campus comprising three interconnected office buildings along with a café, coffee bar, and fitness center, sold in December for $132,000,000.

 

2. 275 2nd Avenue, Needham, a 178,700‑square‑foot, four‑story, 390‑unit apartment building built in 2018 and known as The Kendrick, sold in April for $181,750,000, or roughly $466,000 per unit.

 

1. 550-552 Victory Road, Quincy, Windsor Marina Bay Apartments, a 343,130‑square‑foot, five‑story, 352‑unit waterfront apartment complex at Marina Bay, sold in November for $205,000,000. Built in 2017, the property offers direct harbor views, resort‑style amenities, and proximity to ferry and transit service into downtown Boston.

 

The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, car dealerships, and office space. The state and Norfolk County collected excise taxes totaling more than $4,937,000 from these 10 sales.

 

“The variety in these real estate transactions bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, with high-value properties selling in both commercial and residential sectors,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to live and work but also a magnet for business, industry, and trade. Overall, the strength of the local real estate market underscores the county’s attractiveness and its potential for continued growth and prosperity.”

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Norfolk County Real Estate Market Shows Mixed Results in February

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that real estate activity in Norfolk County presented a mixed picture in February 2026, with several key indicators rising year‑over‑year while others showed declines compared to both last year and last month.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 7,083 documents in February 2026, a 3% increase from February 2025 but a 10% decrease from January 2026.

Norfolk County Real Estate Market Shows Mixed Results in February

“Document recordings in February continued to trend slightly ahead of last year,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O’Donnell. “Even with the typical late-winter seasonal slowdown, the year‑over‑year increase shows that overall engagement with real estate remains steady across Norfolk County.”

A total of 952 deeds were recorded in February, an 8% decrease from February 2025 and a 15% decrease from January 2026. Deeds recorded with consideration totaled 379, representing an 11% decline year‑over‑year and a 20% decline month‑over‑month.

“The decrease in deeds compared to last year reflects the ongoing shortage of available properties coming onto the market,” said Register O’Donnell. “Persistent low inventory, even as it shows signs of improvement, combined with homeowners remaining reluctant to give up low‑rate mortgages, continues to limit sales activity. Additionally, harsh winter conditions may have further discouraged some would‑be sellers and buyers, contributing to fewer transactions countywide.”

The average sale price for all commercial and residential properties in February 2026 was $1,104,109, a 4% increase from February 2025 but a 26% decrease from January 2026. Total commercial and residential real estate sales volume reached $418 million, a 7% decrease from February 2025 and a 41% drop from January 2026.

“While the average sale price remains higher than last year, the month‑to‑month decline indicates some moderation after January’s elevated numbers,” noted Register O’Donnell. “Even so, property values remain strong, reflecting the desirability of Norfolk County.”

Lending activity showed notable year‑over‑year gains. The Registry recorded 1,219 mortgages in February, a 24% increase from February 2025 and a 3% decrease from January 2026. Total mortgage indebtedness for the month amounted to $1.51 billion, a 7% decrease year‑over‑year but a 62% increase compared to January 2026.

“The year‑over‑year increase in mortgage activity demonstrates that many residents remain active in securing financing for purchases or refinancing,” said Register O’Donnell. “Even as some homeowners remain locked into lower‑rate mortgages and choose not to enter the market, the lending numbers show that those who are looking to buy or restructure their loans continue to participate steadily in the real estate market.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In February 2026 there were 3 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down from the 7 recorded in February 2025. However, there were 27 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, which is an increase from the 19 in February 2025.

“Life can change unexpectedly, and financial hardship can affect anyone,” Register O’Donnell emphasized. “If someone is having trouble paying their mortgage, or knows someone who is, I strongly encourage them to reach out to one of the non‑profit agencies listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

For those seeking help, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds partners with Quincy Community Action Programs (617‑479‑8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508‑587‑0950) to assist residents facing mortgage challenges. Homeowners may also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617‑727‑8400.

“February’s mixed results, with documents and mortgage recordings rising while deeds and sales volume fell, underscore the resilience of the Norfolk County real estate market, which continues to show growth in key areas despite both severe winter weather and the ongoing challenges affecting today’s real estate environment,” said Register O’Donnell. “As we move further into the year, we remain hopeful that greater inventory and continued buyer activity will strengthen the market.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 11

1:00pm    Writer's Group session moved to March 18

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320 

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

GOOD DEEDS: Celebrating Women’s History Month

By William P. O’Donnell ,Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As Women’s History Month arrives each March, it offers a chance to reflect on the strength, vision, and lasting impact of the women who have shaped our communities, country, and our lives. Recognizing these achievements is essential to understanding the nation we live in today.

I’m reminded of an afternoon last September here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, when our Great Hall in Dedham Center filled with friends, families, and neighbors from across our 28 communities to celebrate the release of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet, the fourth volume in our Notable Land Records series. 

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kimberley L. Driscoll delivered heartfelt keynote remarks, speaking about the importance of remembering those who came before us and acknowledging the challenges they faced in stepping into leadership roles during times when such paths were far more difficult. She emphasized how storytelling preserves these contributions and inspires new generations to lead, serve, and uplift others.

Guests received complimentary copies of the booklet and were invited to explore exhibits that brought these profiles to life. Historical storyboards, timelines, and displays showcased achievements across medicine, environmental advocacy, journalism, literature, public service, military leadership, and civic engagement. Some of the honorees attended the event in person, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the trailblazers whose stories appear in the pages of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet.

The afternoon also included meaningful moments. Marianne Peak, Superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Norwood High School Madrigals, under the direction of choir director Jennifer Hartnett, performed a beautiful musical selection that added warmth and depth to the celebration. These elements together created a setting that honored not only the stories told in the booklet but also the spirit of the event.

The We Remember Our Women booklet itself grew out of the Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed more than 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. With both the original legal cursive and easily readable print text now available at www.norfolkresearch.org

This edition highlights 44 women from our 28 communities, including a pioneering physician among the first in the United States, a conservationist from Canton who helped spark a national movement to protect wildlife, two female Army generals whose service exemplifies duty and leadership, a gold‑medal gymnast whose dedication inspired a generation, and an astronaut whose journey carried Norfolk County’s spirit into space. These are only a few of the many remarkable accounts that bring our local history into vivid focus.

Women’s History Month invites us to celebrate both the well-known and the quietly extraordinary, and our communities offer no shortage of examples. Across Norfolk County, the stories of women who shaped our history continue to inspire us today. In Quincy, Mary Pratt stood tall on the pitcher’s mound of the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League, throwing a no‑hitter in 1944 and later dedicating her life to teaching and coaching, opening doors for generations of young women who followed her into athletics. Just a few towns away in Westwood, Jackie MacMullan carved out her place in a predominantly male profession of sport journalism, her work encouraged countless other women to pursue careers in media and to claim their place in the industry.

Further north, in Bellingham, Bathsheba Benedict showed how the generosity of a single individual can echo across generations. Her support helped found Benedict College in 1870, an historically Black college in South Carolina that has been providing educational opportunity for more than 150 years. In Brookline, Florida Ruffin Ridley an educator, writer, suffragist, and civil rights leader used her pen and her presence to insist upon equality and justice. Her advocacy reached far beyond her own community, and today her name graces a local school, a daily reminder of her enduring influence and pioneering spirit.

And in the Town of Norfolk, Charlotte Barrell Ware shaped the future through science and public health. At a time when foodborne illness posed a serious threat to families, she developed and taught innovative methods in dairy science at the Warelands Dairy School, setting new standards for safety and sanitation. Her unwavering commitment to improving the health of her community helped establish practices still echoed in today’s food safety measures.

Each of these stories is distinct, shaped by different talents, backgrounds, and eras. Yet together, they reveal a common thread perseverance, leadership, and service that continue to knit themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. They remind us that progress is built not by any one person alone, but by the collective impact of individuals whose courage and dedication leave a mark on their communities and on the generations that follow.

Our celebration also carries forward the spirit of Abigail Adams of Weymouth, who urged her husband future president of the United States John Adams during the Continental Congress to “Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” Her call resonates across our communities, to remember, to recognize, and to ensure that contributions by women are visible, valued, and preserved. It is important to recognize and be mindful of the women in our contemporary society and all they have accomplished. Let us take a moment to thank all women who have made a difference in our communities and in our own lives. Our lives would not be what they are today without all of you.

During the month of March, the Registry of Deeds will display storyboards highlighting notable women throughout history who have ties to Norfolk County. Residents interested in receiving a free copy of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet may pick one up at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located in downtown Dedham across from the gold‑domed Superior Court. To request a mailed copy, contact the Registry of Deeds by telephone at (781) 234-3305, or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Thank you to all the women who have made, and continue to make, a difference in our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country.