The Peabody Historical Society was founded by Elizabeth Cheever Osborn in April, 1896, for the purpose of preserving the history and heritage of the people and places of Peabody. It is a private, nonprofit organization with open membership.

The first meeting was held June 18, 1896 in the Selectman's room at Peabody Town Hall, under the direction of its first president, Warren D. King. The first home for the many gifts and artifacts, given the Society, was a room in the Warren Bank Building in Peabody Square.

From 1898 to 1912, six memorial tablets were placed around town, the first being the unknown graves of four Revolutionary Soldiers at the Old Main Street Burying Ground; George Peabody's birthplace; stone near John Proctor's home; Katherine Daland, first recorded teacher and Gideon Foster's birthplace. The most memorable task accomplished, at that time, was the preparation of a Century Chest in 1902, to be opened on or after June 19, 2002, the 150th anniversary of the Peabody Institute Library. This chest was placed in a small Aron safe and secured in the vault at the library.  It was opened on schedule and proved to be a treasure trove of Peabody memorabilia from the late 19th century.

In 1916, needing larger quarters, the Society moved to its new home and headquarters at 35 Washington Street. A befitting home, it was the residence of General Gideon Foster from 1818 to 1831.

One of the most significant gifts received by the Society was presented by Mrs. Eleanor Frothingham Smith, when she expressed her faith in our preservation goals, by donating the Nathaniel Felton Jr. house (circa 1683), the Orchard House, the original Apple Barn and 8 1/2 acres of land at Brooksby Farm.

In 1983 the Nathaniel Felton Sr. house, the oldest house in the city (circa 1644), plus additional acreage, was bequeathed to the Society by Janet Smith.

The Engine 3 Firehouse, one of the oldest stations in the City, was acquired in 1988 by gift of the city. Originally located on Endicott Street, the building was dismantled and reconstructed by volunteers, over a period of 8 years. The building now stands next to the Old Apple Barn, as the Peabody Historical Fire Museum. These properties, abutting the City's Brooksby Farm, have been designated as "The Felton-Smith Historic Site."

Our Headquarters, the General Gideon Foster House has become a museum, housing most of our many collections. It is also the site of our widely used research library which is a treasure trove of information about Peabody places and people.

In 2001, Cecelia Salada donated the Osborne House located at 33 Washington Street.  This beautiful Italianate building is home to the Ruth Hill Memorial Library and the Elizabeth Cassidy Art Museum & Gallery.