North River Packet: Historic Tales of Norwell

A curated collection of newsletter articles reveals some fascinating local history.

Packet boats were a critical lifeline for those who lived along the North River in Norwell, Massachusetts. At a time when roads were rough and unreliable, the river offered the surest passage for goods, mail, and travelers.

Like those packet boats of old, the Norwell Historical Society's newsletter, North River Packet, makes important connections, linking us with our past. This curated collection of newsletter articles reveals some fascinating local history.

Discover the sensational 1878 Otis Safe Robbery when Herbert Otis and a band of Boston rogues carted off a 600-pound safe from Pleasant Street--only to bungle their fortune. Walk alongside Juliette Hammond, the first woman to vote in Norwell. Read about everyday townspeople who recall tales of dairy farms on Cross Street, and trips to the general store on "the hill."