The beauty of Marshfield is found not only in its splendid landscapes and dramatic ocean vistas, but in its people, opportunities and natural resources as well. A town of great diversity, Marshfield reflects a deep community spirit and pride.

Its relaxed, unhurried, genteel atmosphere began drawing settlers as early as 1628 when Edward Winslow, one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact and governor of the colony, moved there from Plymouth. Two centuries later, the great statesman and orator Daniel Webster found Marshfield a "haven" where he could hunt, farm and fish and put the demands of a hectic political life aside.

Bailey's Island boats

Historic Home on North River

Because the landscape is so varied, it has enabled a wide range of industrial endeavors and businesses to flourish over the years, and it has encouraged a diversity of lifestyles that compliment its natural history. The town's beauty is preserved in its 20 miles of rivers and streams, ponds, marsh, dunes, hills and five mile stretch of beach. On a clear day, an observer standing atop a hill overlooking the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean can see the buildings of Provincetown 26 miles away at the tip of Cape Cod.

Through its traditional New England Town Meeting form of government, Marshfield has restricted its growth by virtually eliminating new apartment and condominium construction. The town has also purchased acres of land to be held in conservation, a visionary action reflecting sensitivity in maintaining the ecological balance and in controlling future growth realistically.
Recreational activities are important in Marshfield, which boasts miles of trails set aside exclusively for horseback riding, as well as two 18-hole golf courses (one private and one public), ball fields, tennis courts, and a youth center. Beaches, quaint harbors and ponds invite swimming, boating and fishing.

Union street field

Green Harbor view

Education and cultural events are sources of pride and commitment for Marshfield residents. Four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school serve the needs of children, and school officials work closely with the community to keep citizens informed of new programs, curriculum changes and to seek input on innovative educational ideas. Students are encouraged to take advantage of special programs offered by the town, including one which enables them to acquire a lobster fishing license and work commercially during the summer months.

A 70,890 volume library opened in a new facility in 2004 and offers information programs, lectures, children's' story hour, recording facilities and a microcomputer for public use. WATD-FM, a popular regional radio station, also broadcasts from Marshfield.

North Marshfield Homestead

During the Thirties, adventurous aviators carved out a grass landing strip, which has developed into one of the best general airports in Southeastern Massachusetts. Services include complete maintenance, full flight training facilities, sightseeing flights and charter flights to more than 500 airports in the Northeast.
Marshfield is located just off Route 3, 32 miles from Boston, one hour from Logan International Airport, and 25 minutes from Cape Cod.

Marshfield
Emergency Numbers
Police 911
Fire 911
Ambulance 911
Coast Guard 545-3800
State Police 659-7911
Drug Line 1-800-368-5363
Gas Emergencies 1-800-242-0220
Electrical Emergencies 1-800-642-7070
Water Emergencies 837-0089
American Red Cross 508-746-0929
Salvation Army 508-746-1559

Town Numbers
Town Hall 837-5555
Board of Selectmen 837-5563
Animal Control Officer 834-5550
Assessors 834-5585
Conservation Commission 834-5573
Harbor Master 834-5541
Health Board 834-5558
Housing Authority 834-4333
Ventress Memorial Library 834-5535
Planning Board 834-5554
Public Works 834-5575
Superintendent of Schools 834-5000
Sewer Department 834-5597
Town Clerk 834-5540
Zoning Board 834-5540

Hospitals and Medical Services
Brockton Hospital, Brockton 508-586-2600
Hanover Medical Ctr. (emergency treatment) 781-826-3146
Harvard Community Health Plan, Braintree 781-849-1000
Jordan Hospital, Plymouth 508-746-2000
Massachusetts General Hospital 617-726-2000
Quincy City Hospital 617-733-6100
South Shore Hospital, Weymouth 781-337-7011
South Shore Medical Clinic, Norwell 781-878-5200
VA Hospital Brockton 508-583-5000
West Roxbury 617-323-7700

Recreation
Youth Soccer 837-2909
Marshfield Boys Baseball League 834-9850
Girls Softball 837-3115

Youth Basketball 837-6613
Youth Football 837-2442
Youth Hockey 837-3434

Organizations
Council for the Aging Drop In Center 834-8781
Cub Scouts, contact Pack 21 0 837-2174
Daniel Webster Post V.F.W. 834-5045
Daughters of the American Revolution 934-2938
Democratic Town Committee 834-7628
Disabled American Veterans 834-9700
Elks Lodge No. 2494 837-2955
Girl Scouts 834-8956
Green Harbor Yacht Club 834-9741
Kiwanis 834-7345
Knights of Columbus 834-6460
League of Women Voters 834-9330
Lions Club 834-8805
Marshfield Branch of the Cambridge YMCA 834-8371
Marshfield Chamber of Commerce 837-2832
Marshfield Historical Society 834-7329
Marshfield Yacht Club, Inc. 834-9103
Newcomers Club 837-6435
North River Arts Society 837-0435
Republican Town Committee 837-2427
Rotary Club 837-2669
Welcome Wagon 834-8970

Transportation
Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway, Plymouth 508-746-0378
Hingham 781-749-5067
Mass Bay Commuter Services, Inc.
Hingham 781-740-1612
Boston 567-6227
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Plymouth 508-746-6860
Quincy 617-479-1900
Brockton 508-586-1726

Utilities
Bay State Gas Co. 1-800-242-0220
New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co. 837-2823

Statistics
Population 22,600
Form of Town Meeting Open
Date Town Incorporated 1640

Tax structure & assessment procedures tax collector
Distance from Boston 29 miles