Historic, Happening and Hard-to-Beat!
The South Shore communities are rich in history; after all, the region was home to the first permanent colony settled by the Pilgrims of England in 1620. Early events that occurred in the region helped shaped our country and the freedoms we all enjoy today as Americans. Hingham's past is a colorful one - like the other South Shore communities, it's a patchwork of historical events. Settled not many years after the Mayflower reached these shores, it's reported that Hingham was originally formed by settlers from Hingham, England who originally settled in the area around Charlestown (near Boston) and moved here to what was then known as Bare Cove. Like many other early colonial settlers, they were in search of freedoms of religious choice and greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
Over time, Hingham became an important port along the Massachusetts coast. In its early period, the major industries for Hingham included fishing, coopering, cordage, cabinet and shoe making, leater working and blacksmithing. During World War II, the federal government established an important shipyard where many ships were constructed to assist with the war effort.
Steeped in classic colonial architecture, many of Hingham's well known streets and avenues are lined with elegant homes that reflect its proud colonial heritage - you may recall that years ago that Eleanor Roosevelt once referred to Hingham's Main Street as the most beautiful Main Street in America.
Graced with and extensive shoreline, Hingham is an inviting, New England coastal town - offering a splendid array of scenic vistas and recreational opportunities for all. Hingham's thriving downtown village district is nestled on its popular sheltered harbor where you'll find numerous pleasure craft in warmer months that enjoy access to the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Hingham's village district offers a myriad of restaurants, cafes, markets, boutiques, and small businesses. Its beaches invite residents to enjoy the sunbathing, swimming and watersports for all ages.
Hingham is located roughly 15 miles from Boston. Hingham is accessible to the city via 2 major highways, rapid transit subway rail service from Braintree and commuter boat services to Boston's Financial District from Hewitts Cove located in Hingham. In addition, there is scheduled service available on the recently completed commuter rail line between Scituate and downtown Boston via the Greenbush line - providing convenient access to Hingham residents via two rail stations on the line - the Hingham and Nantasket Junction stations.
The US Census reported, based on its 2000 census data, that Hingham's population was just under 19,900. In addition, it's geographic coverage are was reported at 25.04 sq miles of which 22.47 sq miles was land and 2.57 sq miles was water. To view how these statistics compare with other communities on the South Shore and to Massachusetts in general, click here.
Hingham has three elementary schools, one junior and one senior high school offering a variety of innovative and standard programs. Residents take great pride in the strong record of academic success attested to in standardized testing and the outstanding accomplishments of student athletes participating in school sports programs.
Hingham promotes the arts, providing a home to the Hingham Symphony Orchestra, the Hingham Civic Music Theater, the South Shore Conservatory, the Kids Cabaret, as well as Bare Cove Fire Museum and the Old Ordinary museum.
Recreation is the name of the game in town! In addition to the beaches and marinas, Hingham's Wompatuck State Park, Bare Cove Park, Whitney Woods, More Brewer Park and Worlds End Reserve offer hiking, bicycling, boating, ice skating, picnicking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snow-mobiling, sight seeing, and natural history. The South Shore Country Club facility was acquired and refurbished by the town and offers excellent golfing facilities as well as a club house, pool and tennis courts.
If you are considering relocating to Hingham or the surrounding area and you'd like to learn more information about the town, the South Shore region or Massachusetts in general, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a wealth of information online. For further information on Hingham, as a community, the town's web site is very helpful but you can also visit the state's community profile for Hingham. If you are searching for information on the Massachusetts public education system, check out what's available on the Commonwealth's educational profiles site. Furthermore, if it is general knowledge about the Bay State, a great place to start is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts web site.
The diversity of its coastline is mirrored in the community of its residents that collectively are proud to call Hingham home. While the charm of this old New England town is one of the major reasons why visitors return year after year, it is the unique personality of Hingham that sets it apart. Just take a stroll down historic Main Street, and spend a little time in the Harbor to SEA what we mean! It will feel like home and maybe after a couple of days looking at its fine real estate, it might just become HOME!
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