Special Collections
The Local History Collection includes many rare or unique documents and objects. To protect and preserve these items (which make up our “special collections”), we store them separately from the materials shelved in the Local History Room.
All special collections are open to the public unless otherwise stated. To access these materials, we suggest that patrons contact staff before visiting the library. Please note that the Local History Room is not open at this time due to COVID-19.
Not sure where to start? Explore our special collections by searching the library catalog or browsing the finding aids below.
Watertown Organizations
Watertown Woman’s Club. Records, 1894-1994 (inclusive) SC101
Young Men’s Assembly. Records, 1888-1904 (inclusive) SC113
Young People’s Literary Society. Account books and ledgers, 1868-1890 (inclusive) SC104
Rand, Edward A. Historical Society of Watertown Scrapbook
View the collection: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, or Volume 5
Watertown People
Hosmer, Alfred G. Family records, 1869-1958 HIST 929.2 HOSMER 1869-1958
Newcomb family. Papers and photographs, 1850-1912. HIST 929.2 NEWCOMB 1850-1912
Santoro, Joseph L. C. Collection, 1928-1986 (inclusive) SC112
Thayer, Helen E. Collection, 1848-1950 HIST 929.2 THAYER
Watson, Sigrid Reddy. Watertown Echoes collection, 1981-2008 (inclusive) SC110
Watertown Government / Town Records
Departments and offices
Auditor. Correspondence, 1919-1920 (inclusive) TW119
Board of Assessors. Records, 1775-1926 (inclusive) TW009
Board of Selectmen. Records, 1737-1924 (inclusive) TW011
Overseers of the Poor. Records, 1714-1877 (inclusive) TW005
School Committee. Records, 1790-1877 (inclusive) TW012
Fish wardens’ records, 1780-1826 (inclusive) TW001
Stray animal records, 1729-1810 (inclusive) TW007
Police logbooks, 1908-1930 (inclusive) TW102
Special Committees/Other
Application of William J. Calnan, Highway Department employee, for a pension, 1919-1932 (inclusive) TW108
Committee Concerning the Building of an Almshouse. Records, 1749-1793 (inclusive) TW004
Committee to Enter into Articles of Agreement with Meridian Lodge. Records, 1803 TW003
Parker School Building Committee. Records, 1912-1915 (inclusive) TW105
Special Committee on the Athletic Field. Records, 1920 TW103
War Service Committee. Records and soldiers’ letters, 1941-1946 (inclusive) TW120