Hingham Prepares for Town Meeting, Election and America's 250th Birthday Celebration
Select Board announces key dates for upcoming civic events and bids farewell to Chair Joe Fisher at his final meeting
HINGHAM - April 16 - The Hingham Select Board announces the 2025 Annual Town Meeting will take place Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at Hingham High School, with check-in beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will address 46 articles outlined in the recently distributed purple warrant, which is also available online.
"It is the Monday after school break. So if you get home late Sunday, put it on your calendar now," Select Board member Liz Klein says.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo emphasizes that accessibility is a priority for the meeting, with several accommodations in place.
"Our recreation department is providing child care or making that option available at the Hingham Recreation Center," Mayo says. "The Hingham Center for Active Living is providing transportation for those who are mobility impaired."
Residents needing transportation assistance should call 781-741-1458 by the close of business on Thursday, April 24, to schedule a ride.
Additional accessibility features include large-format print warrant books, closed captioning, and dedicated accessible seating in both the gym and auditorium.
The town election follows on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at three locations: Hingham High School, Hingham Middle School, or Linden Ponds, depending on precinct.
Assistant Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur notes that residents can also vote by mail.
"If you apply to vote early in person, they'll send you a ballot and then you can drop that. You can mail that ballot back or you can drop it in the ballot box that's right kind of at the top of the circle near the entrance to Town Hall, the red, white, and blue one," Monsegur says.
The deadline to register to vote for both town meeting and the election is Friday, April 18, by midnight. Residents can register in person at the town clerk's office during regular business hours on Thursday, at the police station until 5 p.m. on Friday, or online until 11:59 p.m. Friday on the Secretary of State's website.
"The easiest way to register to vote is online till 11:59 p.m. on the Secretary of State's website," Monsegur says.
Select Board member Bill Ramsey encourages strong participation.
"A lot of important issues on our warrant this year. Would encourage everyone to come out and voice your concerns or support for different articles, but hoping for a big turnout this year," Ramsey says.
The town is also preparing for America's 250th birthday celebration in 2026, with events beginning this year.
Assistant Town Administrator Art Robert provides an update on the town's participation in the statewide Rev 250 initiative, which celebrates Massachusetts' role in the American Revolution.
"Over the past few months, there has been a lot of energy and interest on the part of many different members of the community, individual volunteers, nonprofits, as well as here in Town Hall, to figure out how can Hingham participate and share what we have in terms of our history and our assets with the world," Robert says.
A Rev 250 Task Force has been formed to coordinate and promote events through summer 2026. The task force has applied for grant funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and is working with the MBTA to improve connections between Boston and Hingham for the events.
The first major celebration, dubbed "Revolutionary Weekend," is scheduled for May 17-18, 2025. The weekend includes the Historical Society's Springham event on Saturday and the commemoration of the Battle of Grape Island on Sunday.
"Hingham and I think the South Shore's first and most important engagement in the American Revolution," Robert says of the Battle of Grape Island.
The MBTA has committed to providing early weekend ferry service from Boston to Hingham to support the events.
Fisher, who serves on the task force, adds, "There will be a concerted effort to make sure that all of Hingham is involved. The shipyard, downtown, farmer's market, musical performances up to Derby Street. It's a town-wide celebration of Hingham's involvement, initiation, if you will, of the revolution that led to the freedom of this country."
A website, Hingham250.org, will be launched soon with more information.
The board also:
- Approved a special farmers market license for Vitamin C Brewing to sell at the Hingham Farmers Market on select dates
- Confirmed the fiscal year 2026 budget with minor adjustments
- Appointed Michelle Ayer to the Human Rights Commission
The meeting also marked Chair Joe Fisher's final session after six years on the Select Board. Board members and town officials offered heartfelt tributes to Fisher's service.
"I think in your six years of service on the Select Board, you will go down in our town's history as one of the most impactful board members that we have ever had," Ramsey says.
Klein adds, "Your leadership has left an indelible mark on this town. You've helped guide us through difficult decisions with grace and conviction, always keeping Hingham's best interests at heart."
Fisher, who will continue to serve on the Rev 250 Task Force and is running for the Sewer Commission, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
"I really thank my fellow board members, the staff, and the folks throughout the town have really made this town a better place and have given me the opportunity to serve," Fisher says.