Lt. Governor Celebrates Norfolk County's Women of Note with Register O'Donnell

Thanks to Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on Wednesday, September 10th, spoke to an audience gathered at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham at the unveiling of its latest volume of Notable Land Records, "We Remember Our Women." 

“We really stand on the shoulders of so many women who came before us who took on tasks, who took on leadership roles at a time that it probably was much more difficult,” said Lt. Gov. Driscoll. “I want to celebrate not only the women who are here today, the stories that are being told in this volume, but the work that we do collectively to make Massachusetts the best place to live.”

The publication features 44 women from across Norfolk County whose lives and legacies have made lasting contributions to their communities, Massachusetts, and the country.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll emphasized the power of storytelling in preserving history and inspiring future generations. “Being here today is about capturing history of the women who played a meaningful role in this county and capturing those stories and building upon them for the next generation.”

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell spoke about the origins of the project and the Registry’s evolving role in preserving history through the land records housed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. “Our main job here at the Registry is to manage land records,” said Register O’Donnell. “But through our History Comes Alive initiative, we’ve uncovered stories that deserve to be told. This book celebrates the women, past and present, who have shaped our communities, our county, and our country.”

Attendees had the opportunity to meet some of the women featured in the booklet, including author Lisa Graves of Millis and Olga Abdallah of Norwood, the town’s first female selectwoman. Guests explored storyboards and displays that brought these stories to life, featuring trailblazers such as astronaut Sunita Williams of Needham, CNN host Audie Cornish of Randolph, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, and historical figures like Abigail Adams, who famously urged her husband to “remember the ladies.” Each display offered a glimpse into the lives of women whose impact continues to shape Norfolk County and beyond.

Adams National Historical Park Superintendent Marianne Peak led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were then treated to a performance by the Norwood High School Madrigals, led by choir director Jennifer Hartnett.

Photo by Molly Hamill. The Norwood High School Madrigals and their director, Jennifer Hartnett, join Norfolk County Register of Deeds William O'Donnell (left) and Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll (center, in blue) at an event celebrating the registry's publication of "We Remember Our Women."

“This latest volume of Notable Land Records is more than a booklet it is an opportunity to put together the history that is in these land record books and share it with people from the communities in Norfolk County,” said Register O’Donnell. “It’s about connecting the past with the present, and honoring the women whose stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.”

Residents interested in receiving a free copy of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet can contact the Registry of Deeds via telephone at (781) 234-3305 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

The Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project has transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records now allow users to see the legal cursive script and clearly readable print text, which can make it easier to trace the land histories of early Norfolk County residents. This repository of land records is available to the public both at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and online at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

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