“Hidden secrets” might be the best way to describe the Needham History Center & Museum. This place is more than just artifacts. It’s a portal to the past of Needham. The Needham History Center & Museum engages and educates the community. It tells the story of the town and its people. It preserves the treasures of Needham’s past.
We connect people with history here. This provides a vital link to the past. It gives context for understanding current issues. The Needham History Center & Museum strives for diversity. It seeks diversity in its partnerships. We listen with respect. We work to fully integrate the contributions of all groups into our narratives.
But let me tell you about one hidden secret. It involves spies and a seemingly ordinary house. The house at 40 Grant Street looks elegant. It stands on a visible corner lot. Winslow and Bigelow designed it. They also designed the Needham Town Hall.
Julia Casey built the house in 1905. She was a private nurse. She received a bonus when she retired. Julia became the guardian of her sister’s daughters. Her brother Andrew lived there too. He was a retired US Cavalry sergeant. He crafted the elegant fence.
Later Anne Casey Powers inherited the house. She was Julia’s niece. Her husband James Henry Powers was a foreign news editor. He wrote editorials as “Uncle Dudley.” He had a deep understanding of world politics.
During World War II, James gathered intelligence. He used his journalist contacts. People met at the Grant Street house. They passed information to intelligence services. Sir William Stephenson visited. He was the British spymaster known as Intrepid. Powers’ knowledge became crucial to the Allied war effort.
Another anecdote involves Anne Powers. She met a young Navy officer in San Francisco. His name was John F. Kennedy. He wanted to chat about Boston politics. Years later, Kennedy thanked her for their conversation.
The house at 40 Grant Street is special. It has only been owned by two families. It remains well-tended. The MA Historical Commission considers it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This is due to its architecture. Also, it’s because of the secret events within its walls.
Gloria Polizzotti Greis is the Executive Director of the Needham History Center & Museum. She can tell you even more. Visit their website to discover more hidden secrets. The Needham History Center & Museum is waiting to share its stories with you.