Inspired
History and Natural Beauty
Explore Medfield’s History & Creative Legacy
Located in the heart of the Historic District, a visit to Zullo offers the opportunity to experience not only art and culture today, but also the people and places that have shaped Medfield across generations.
Founded in 1651 and celebrating its 375th anniversary in 2026, Medfield is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Its rich history, distinctive downtown, and remarkable natural landscape have long attracted artists, writers, musicians and creative thinkers.
From nationally recognized painters and pioneering authors to historic landmarks and enduring community traditions, Medfield’s creative legacy continues to influence and inspire.

We invite you to explore the places and stories that make this community—and the Zullo experience—so special.
Historic Places
Peak House Heritage Center*- 347 Main Street
One of the earliest surviving examples of post-medieval English architecture in the United States and a Main St landmark.
Dwight-Derby House* — 7 Frairy Street
Saved from demolition by community volunteers, this beautifully preserved mid-1700s home that reflects centuries of Medfield history and sits near the original town center.
Vine Lake Cemetery* — 625 Main Street
Laid out in 1651, the 30+ acres Vine Lake Cemetery remains one of Medfield’s most historic and peaceful places for reflection and remembrance.
Kingsbury Grist Mill — 111-127 Spring Street
Recently restored, the historic mill and adjacent pond provide a scenic setting that continues to attract artists and visitors.
Lowell Mason House — 59 Green St
Birthplace of Lowell Mason, considered the father of music education in America.

*On the National Register of Historic Places
Creative Contributors
One of America’s most celebrated landscape painters, George Inness lived and worked in Medfield during what became known as his “Medfield Period.”
Inspired by local meadows, waterways, and changing light, Inness created some of his most important work here and described Medfield as the place that allowed him to develop his own artistic voice. His former home on Main St is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Impressionist painter Dennis Miller Bunker found inspiration in Medfield’s landscapes and produced many of his most important paintings while living here. His work captured the changing light and quiet beauty of the area and remains represented in major museum collections.
Born in Medfield in 1755, Hannah Adams became the first woman in America to support herself as a professional writer. Her work explored religion, history, and culture and helped establish an important place for women in American intellectual life.
Known as the “Father of Music Education,” Lowell Mason was born and raised in Medfield.
His work helped establish music as a permanent part of public education throughout the United States.
Creative Voices Today
Medfield continues to inspire artists, writers and creators today. Notable contemporary figures with Medfield connections include:
- Matthew Aucoin — composer, conductor, pianist and MacArthur Fellow.
- Uzo Aduba — Emmy Award–winning actor and Medfield High School graduate.
- Jerry Bergonzi — internationally recognized jazz performer, composer, author and educator.
- Lisa Halliday — acclaimed author whose debut novel received international recognition.
- Cullen Murphy — author and longtime editor with deep literary contributions.
Open Space, Parks & Trails
Creativity and connection are part of life in Medfield—and so is access to nature.
With extensive conservation land, wooded trails, river corridors and scenic open space, Medfield offers opportunities to slow down, explore, and experience the natural landscapes that have inspired artists and residents for generations.
Before or after your visit to Zullo, consider taking time to see some of Medfield’s most loved outdoor spaces
Woodlands, Trails & Conservation Areas
One of Medfield’s signature outdoor destinations, Rocky Woods offers miles of trails through forests, ponds and varied terrain. Explore wooded paths, scenic overlooks, and peaceful places to walk, snowshoe, or simply spend time outdoors.
A local favorite for hiking and views, Noon Hill offers trail networks that connect into surrounding conservation areas and the Bay Circuit Trail. The summit provides sweeping views across the region and highlights Medfield’s remarkable open space preservation.
Stretching along the Charles River, Shattuck Reservation offers wooded trails, wetlands, and quiet natural spaces that feel surprisingly remote while remaining close to downtown.
Fork Factory Brook Reservation
A unique blend of nature and history, this conservation area combines wetlands, open fields, forest trails, and remnants of a historic pitchfork mill that once operated on the site.
Along the Charles
One of Medfield’s most distinctive places to explore sits just minutes from downtown.
Today, the grounds surrounding Medfield State Hospital offer open landscapes, walking trails, river access, and some of the most unique views in town. Originally established in 1892 and now transitioning into a new chapter, the campus combines history, architecture and public open space. In 2026, the Bellforge Arts Center broke ground on an ambitious project to renovate the historic Lee Chapel and Infirmary, connecting the two buildings with a new glass annex, and develop surrounding green space for outdoor performances and community events.
The site’s location along the Charles River floodplain creates broad meadows, wooded paths, and scenic overlooks that make it a favorite for walking, photography, birdwatching and quiet exploration.
Walk the restored Charles River edge and enjoy open views across the river corridor. The Charles River Gateway project created public trails and improved access to this landscape while preserving its natural character.
Continue Exploring
Visit Zullo. Discover Medfield. Experience creativity close to home.
