It's a rare treat to tour a New England town the likes of Hingham, Massachusetts, with a history dating back to 1635 (the year of its incorporation), and where colonial-style residences have been kept spotless.

Hingham's past has been so well-preserved, in fact, that city slickers who come here for the first time may experience a bit of an adjustment as they acclimate to a place with such a deep-rooted history. Walk down Hingham's streets - particularly at this time of year, when the autumn leaves are in full glory - and you might expect to see a horse-drawn carriage or someone in 17th century attire lighting gas lamps at dusk.

Located on Massachusetts' South Shore just 15 miles southeast of Boston and approximately 40 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, Hingham retains much of the same flavor that you find in Beacon Hill, Boston's historic jewel of a neighborhood, with quaintly uneven cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps and brick-row houses that still maintain the leaded glass windows with which they were built in the 1800s. From a spot high in Hingham called World's End, you can view the dramatic Boston skyline, with its mixture of ultramodern skyscrapers, brick-row townhouses and colonial buildings, domes and spires.

Also reminiscent of Boston, Hingham has a strong maritime history. Incorporated as the 12th town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635, its seafaring past has given rise to several of Hingham's points of interest, including parks and museums. The town recently completed the construction of a harbor park along Hingham Harbor, which provides locals the perfect excuse to take leisurely strolls by the water and savor the scenery so unique to this region of the country. Hingham also acquired South Shore Country Club to accommodate its population and encourage their enthusiasm for waterside recreation.

Hingham's commitment to its history is evident in its creation of six historic districts, each of them preserved in its original character and architecture. Most of the older homes you'll see as you make your way through town were constructed in the 18th century. The town's approximately 21,000 residents enjoy a relatively high standard of living. The local economy is primarily supported by the Median household income, according to 2000 figures, exceeds $60,000. According to 2000 statistics provided by The Warren Group, the median sales price of a single-family home in Hingham from January through October 2000 is $350,000; for a condominium, $176,000. Architecture in Hingham includes much more than just colonial homes. Victorian, "Cape Cod" and contemporary-style residences are common here, as well.

Among the historic buildings that Hingham has preserved, and which are open to the public, include "Old Ordinary," home of the Hingham Historical Society Museum. This former tavern-turned museum was built in 1681 and had several additions constructed onto it until 1760. Now managed by the Hingham Historical Society, the house is surrounded by gardens and is filled with furniture dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. First Parish Old Ship Church, constructed by ship carpenters during the 1600s, is the oldest church structure in the United States still used on a regular basis as a house of worship. And Derby Academy, established in 1784, has the distinction as the country's oldest co-educational institution. By all accounts, Hingham is a quiet suburb, but it doesn't lack for cultural offerings. As the home of the South Shore Conservatory of Music - not to mention a civic orchestra -- the town enjoys live performances year round. Several art galleries and local theater groups are based here, as well. And, of course, Boston is just a short distance away, which gives Hingham residents easy access to an incredibly diverse world of cultural opportunities.

For a unique day trip, head to Boston Harbor Islands State Park, which is actually comprised of a series of islands within Boston Harbor. From Hingham, you'll take a boat to St. George's Island, followed by a water taxi that drops you off at the island of your choice. Once you're ashore, you can fish or camp, if you're a bit more adventurous. Hingham's other nearby state park is Wompatuck State Park, comprised of nearly 3,000 acres. Camping is the favorite pastime at Wompatuck, and as the closest camping ground to the Boston/Cambridge area, the park sees plenty of visitors (including college students) in search of a quiet respite. Historic Bear Cove Park also ranks among the South Shore's most scenic destinations.

Hingham is a peaceful, beautifully preserved town that has invested the time and capital necessary to protect its heritage, its natural resources and, ultimately, the investments of its homeowners.

Published: November 6, 2000

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