The South End Historical Society was founded in 1966 by interested citizens who recognized the significant architectural quality of the South End. Today’s Board of Directors and members work to preserve its built environment, collect and preserve written information and educate the public about its history. Funds raised by the society have contributed greatly to the quality of life in the neighborhood. Some of our projects include:

• Creation of the Cast Iron Project, a program to reproduce historically accurate cast iron fences and rails
• Photographically documenting the South End as it was in 1970–71 and supporting the application for its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places
• Creating a photo inventory of South End cast iron, the largest collection of cast iron in the United States
• Funding the installation of markers on major street signs designating the area as an historic district
• Analyzing the architectural condition of the historic Allen House on Washington Street, which led to its stabilization by the City of Boston and its subsequent adaptive reuse
• Curating the Down Washington Street exhibit in conjunction with The Bostonian Society which focused on and energized the renovation of Washington Street