Spooky Spots and Stories from Needham, Massachusetts
By Eva Andrews and Dylan Helfman
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Every town has its ghost stories, and Needham is no exception. From eerie houses to tales passed through generations, our usually quiet town hides a surprisingly spooky side. With Halloween just around the corner, we set out to explore some of the most talked-about haunted spots in and around Needham. So without further ado, let’s dive into five local legends that prove even Needham has its ghosts.
1) Needham Cemetery
Tucked away on Nehoiden Street, the Needham Cemetery looks peaceful by day; rows of old headstones shaded by tall trees serve as a quiet reminder of the town’s long history. But after dark, some locals say the cemetery isn’t quite so calm. Over the years, visitors have reported flickering lights between the graves, strange cold spots even on warm nights, and that eerie feeling of being watched. One of the most talked-about legends is that of William Carter, a 19th-century resident whose gravestone sits near the back of the cemetery. Some who pass by it at night claim to have seen two faint, glowing eyes coming from his headstone statue, appearing just for a moment before vanishing into the dark. Whether you believe in spirits or not, there’s something about the silence of Needham Cemetery that makes you walk just a little faster on your way home.
2) Fairbanks House (In Dedham)
Just a short drive from Needham, in Dedham, Massachusetts, stands the Fairbanks House, the oldest wood-frame house in North America. It was built between 1637 and 1641 for Jonathan Fairbanks, who emigrated from England with his wife, Grace, and their six children. The house stayed in the family for generations and was expanded over time. It has a long history, including fascination and tragedy. In 1801, Jason Fairbanks, one of the occupants, was convicted and hanged for murdering his girlfriend after she supposedly refused to marry him. Additionally, in 1904, the house became a museum. During a tour of the museum, guests have witnessed a video of a shadow moving mysteriously across a room in the house. Overall, the Fairbanks house has both a fascinating and spine-tingling background.
3) Baby Ghost of Cook’s Bridge
On the quiet road leading out of Needham towards Dover, Cook’s Bridge stretches over the dark, slow-moving Charles River. It’s a peaceful spot during the day, but at night, it takes on a much different feeling. For years, locals have whispered about the sound of a baby crying beneath the bridge, soft at first, then growing louder as if calling out for help. Some say if you park in the middle of the bridge and turn your headlights off, the air grows colder and the cries echo from below. The story goes that long ago, a young mother lost her child in the river, and the baby’s spirit has never stopped searching for her. Whether this legend is true or not, few are brave enough to visit the Cook’s Bridge alone after dark.
4) The Ghost of Town Hall
Needham Town Hall might be the last place you’d expect to find a ghost, but some employees would disagree. Over the years, a few late-night workers have reported strange noises coming from the basement: doors creaking, footsteps echoing when no one else is there, and the faint sound of typewriter keys clicking in the dark. According to local lore, the spirit belongs to a former town clerk who worked tirelessly in the early 1900s and never quite left her post. Some even say that papers mysteriously rearrange themselves overnight, as if she’s still keeping things in order. Most people laugh off the rumors, but after sunset, few are eager to head down to the basement alone.
5. Mathias Mills House
5. Mathias Mills House
You may not know it, but the Mathias Mill House in Needham is rumored to be haunted. On October 28th, the Needham Historical Society and the Needham Women’s Club transformed the 19th-century home into a haunted house, thrilling hundreds of parents and children with a mix of history and Halloween scares. Visitors wandered through the house, hearing different tales of Sarah and John Mills, who were mischievous children from the 1800s. Guests encountered ghostly figures, skeletons, and even a basement “guillotine” crafted from an old printing press. The haunted house drew more than 500 people and nearly 70 volunteers, who embraced shrieks and laughter that echoed throughout the whole evening.
From quiet cemeteries to historic homes and haunted bridges, Needham may seem peaceful by day, but after dark, its streets and landmarks reveal a different side. Whether it's glowing eyes at Needham Cemetery, shadows in the Fairbanks House, cries from Cook’s Bridge, mysterious noises in Town Hall, or the spooks of the Mathias Mills House, these local legends remind us that even small towns have their ghosts. As Halloween approaches, keep your eyes open and your steps careful, as you never know which of Needham's spirits might be watching.
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