Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

Thus much for the case as stated by one of our leading historical scholars and teachers, and a practical man withal, who, as may be seen, looks at the question from the business side, as well as from that of sound learning. Provincialism is a thing that the modern spirit in history will not tolerate, and local historical societies must keep clear of it if they would march with the spirit of the age and the ages.

The Medford Historical Society cannot be charged with sinning in these directions to any extent. It is young and it has been conducted through its early organization period with energy, discretion, and breadth of view. But because it is young and has a name to make, these considerations of possible policies are pertinent. It may be said to have passed the experimental stage and to have become an institution with serious work to do. Its members are studying local history, a library is being collected, and a regular publication is closing its second volume. The obvious subjects for research, the apparent opportunities, are becoming exhausted. In finding new ones the wider view should guide. This society has an opportunity to take a place in the front rank of active exemplars of all that is best in historical work. The history of Medford runs with that of Massachusetts. It has been in the movement of the grand old Commonwealth from the beginning. This young society enters a rich field at a time when the full meaning of history is becoming understood. It has no dry-as-dust policy saddled upon it from past generations. In its programs of work, the character of its publications, and the development of its library it may study the best examples and create its own traditions.

The relation of a local historical society to its community should be as to the past that of a teacher and recorder, and as to the present and future that of an