Patch Passport: Travel Back in Time

The town of Foxborough is rich in history.

Foxborough was settled in 1704 and incorporated in 1778. The town was named for Charles James Fox, a Whig member of Parliament. 

Quick facts on Foxborough:

• Current population according to the U.S Census - 16,865
• Type of Government - Open Meeting
• Notable residents include Tom Nalen, former professional football player of the Denver Broncos, Joanna Levesque, professionally known as JoJo an R&B singer-songwriter and actress, Ha Jin, author and Frank Boyden, headmaster of Deerfield Academy.

Memorial Hall:

Everyday, residents of Foxborough and surrounding towns drive around the Foxborough Common rotary.

Whether turning off the rotary into Town Hall, Foxboro Federal Saving's Bank, Friendly’s or another distant destination, drivers all pass by a "church like" building, that, when examined quickly, transports viewers back to a time where automobiles were non-existent and horses and carriages ruled the roads. 

This historic building is Foxborough's own "Memorial Hall." 

According to the National Register of Historic Places, Memorial Hall was built at the close of the Civil War. 

The history behind the building began when the people of Foxborough longed for a “more suitable monument” than just a tablet to honor those who served in the armed forces. In 1868, their vision came to life and Memorial Hall was founded.

Founders dedicated the monument to “everyone whose lives were touched by the war.” Tablets include the names of those who fought and died in the Civil War as well as veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

After 1967, the late Clifford and Edith Lane suggested that Memorial Hall become the home of the Foxborough's Historical Commission.

Memorial Hall currently serves as the town's official museum and archives.

Foxborough Patch had the pleasure of visiting Memorial Hall and meeting with Robert Hicks, Chairman of the Historical Commission.

When entering Memorial Hall, visitors instantly experience a feeling of stepping onto an old-fashioned "Civil War movie set."

Over 6,500 artifacts currently reside in Memorial Hall. 50-year old antique musical instruments, garment dresses worn by women in the 1900s, and newspaper articles dating back to 1948 are just some of the artifacts that are elegantly displayed inside. 

Visitors will also find the complete history of Foxborough's police and fire as well as a dedication to Foxborough Company Invesys.

Hicks is a expert in Foxborough's history. In a short period of time, I learned many interesting facts about our beloved town including that approximately 180 people from Foxborough fought in the Civil War.

When asking Hicks his overall thoughts on the Hall, he elegantly smiled and responded, "It's a special building."

The Historical Commission invites the public inside Memorial Hall every Wednesday night from 7:00- 9:00 p.m.