Industry

1. Industry has played an important role in Natick’s history. Name one type of industry that has supported Natick and its residents.

2. Can you name a business or trade that has come and gone over the past 12,000 years in Natick?

3. How have the main sectors of Natick’s economy changed over time? Which businesses have had a strong influence? Why?

Environment

1. When did farming begin around the area? What were people farming and how? Where is the oldest farm site in Natick?

2. Describe one example of when the environment had an impact on life in Natick.

3. The Charles River (or the Quinobequin River) that flows through South Natick has always been an important feature of the town. Can you find an example of how the river affected life in Natick?

People

1. People lived on this land before the town of Natick was founded in 1651. Who were those people? What languages did they speak?

2. Many people from Natick have gone on to do important things outside of this town. Name some Natick residents who had notable careers beyond Natick.

3. People have lived in and around Natick for a very long time. How long ago did the first people arrive in Massachusetts? What do we know about their lives?

4. Pick one event in Natick’s history that illustrates how people work together towards a common goal, supporting or uplifting one another.

5. Choose one Native American person who has played a role in our region’s history. Who are they? What tribe did they belong to? What did they do? When did this event occur?

6. Choose one woman who has played a role in our region’s history. Who are they? What did they do? When did this event occur?

7. Which US Vice President was born in Natick? When did he live?

Conflict

1. Pick one event from Natick’s history that reflects conflict. Who were the actors involved and what was the issue? When did this event take place?

2. What would the American Revolution have been like for a Natick resident?

3. What are some injustices that have existed in Natick that residents have tried to combat? Have they succeeded? What can we learn from them?

Arts, Language, and Culture

1. Pick one event in Natick’s history that reflects art, language, or culture. Name the event. When did it occur? Why is it important to life in Natick today?

2. What might have young people done for fun in the early 1900s?

3. Which sports is Natick famously linked to and why?

All-topics

1. We learn about the past using texts, maps, artifacts, and archaeology. Pick one event from the timeline that reflects a piece of history that we can learn about using maps, books, artifacts, or archaeology.

2. Have you visited any of the historic places described on our timeline? If so, which one?

3. Name an event that occurred in the last 50 years. Do you remember the event or know anyone who might?

4. How was life in Natick anytime before 1200 different from life in Natick after 1200? (Think about how and where people lived, obtained their food, etc.)

5. What historical events come to mind when you think of Natick? Are they included here? What else do you think should be on the Natick History Timeline? Let us know HERE.