Little World of its Own: Suburbia in the Melrose Highlands

The eastern half of the Melrose Highlands is a unique section of the larger community. Following a century of farming, the area became a summer retreat for the Boston Brahman. The well guarded secret allowed an elite community to grow. After nearly two decades of secrecy, old fields quickly gave way to new streets. Thousands of homes were constructed for white and blue collar residents to own their slice of the picturesque landscape. Architectural Historian Ryan D. Hayward will lead an informative 90 minute tour along the outdoor museum that is the Melrose Highlands.

Melrose Highlands Railroad Station as seen in the early twentieth century.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.