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Watertown Historian Backs Bill Exonerating People Accused of Witchcraft Prior to Salem Trials

By Charlie Breitrose | December 26, 2025

Marilynne Roach, center-right, and State Rep. Steve Owens, center-left, at the State House on the day that Roach spoke during a hearing about exonerating the victims of witch trials before the ones in Salem. (Photo by Caroline Enos / The Salem News)

Watertown historian and author Marilynne Roach who has researched the Salem Witch Trials recently testified at the State House for a bill that would exonerate the eight people, including two with ties to Watertown, found guilty of being alleged witches before the Salem 1692 panic.

Watertown Public Schools Awarded State Grant to Support Farm-to-School Program

Produce growing in the Watertown Public Schools’ Freight Farm. (Contributed Photo)

The state recently awarded the Watertown Schools a grant to run its farm-to-school program, including its Freight Farm. See details in the announcement from the Watertown Public Schools, below.

Watertown Community Foundation Distributes $43,000 in Donations to Food Pantries

Food collected from multiple locations across the City during theCommunity Food Drive, running through December 31, 2025.

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation received $43,000 in donations to support Watertown’s food pantries since the City of Watertown’s Community Food Drive began on October 31. These funds have been distributed to the Watertown Food Pantry and Watertown Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry to purchase and distribute food at each pantry.

Two Killed in Multi-Vehicle Accident, Victims Were Returning to Church After a Funeral

Two people died Tuesday during a multi-vehicle accident in East Watertown. The crash occurred after a funeral service in Watertown.

More Headlines

Watertown Band, Dolata, Releasing First EP & Hosting Listening Party

Watertown Model UN Earns Honors at Boston Latin Conference

Watertown Bids Farewell to China Rainbow, a Dining Destination for More than Half a Century

Sports

Watertown Boys Hockey Seeks Another Tourney Bid, Season Begins at Belmont on Satuday

By Charlie Breitrose | December 11, 2025

The Watertown hockey team seeks another trip to the State Tournament in 2025-26. Here the Raiders celebrate a 4-3 double overtime victory over Pembroke in the MIAA Div. 3 State Tournament. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The Watertown boys hockey team faces off with Belmont on Saturday in the first regular season game of the year. The Raiders look to return to the State Tournament and make a run as they have in recent years.

Entertainment

Concert of Traditional Armenian Folk Songs Being Held at Watertown Church

By Guest Writer | December 11, 2025

The following announcement was provided by Orchestra Without Borders:

As October draws to a close, preparations are underway for a multidisiplinary celebration of Armenia’s musical heritage in Watertown, home of New England’s largest Armenian community and a new statue of the Armenian musician Komitas.

Around Town

Report on Southside of Town Has List of Buildings, Areas Places That Could Historically Preserved

By Charlie Breitrose | December 11, 2025

A study of the historic buildings in the area south of the Charles River was recently conducted by the City of Watertown. The report is intended to guide future historic preservation efforts in that area of town. The full report can now be viewed.

Around Town

Community Preservation Funds Approved for 2 Affordable Housing Projects & Work at the Commander’s Mansion

By Charlie Breitrose | December 10, 2025

A rendering of the affordable Willow Park affordable housing complex.

Funding for a home for adults with special needs, to help build a 138 unit affordable housing complex, and to replace the elevator at a historic home owned by the City of Watertown were approved by the City Council Tuesday night.

Sports

Watertown Boys & Girls Basketball Teams Both Tip Off Seasons Against Rivals

By Charlie Breitrose | December 10, 2025

The Raiders hope to celebrate more State Tournament wins in 2025-26. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Basketball is back for Watertown High School (well, at Watertown Middle School for one more year). The season tips off for the boys and girls varsity teams on Friday when each face rival Belmont, as both look to return to the MIAA State Tournament.

Around Town

Watertown Updating FEMA Mitigation Plan, Public Can Take Survey

By Guest Writer | December 10, 2025

The City of Watertown provided the following announcement:

The City of Watertown is updating its FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan to assess its vulnerability to natural hazards and identify strategies to increase the resilience of our community, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Development

Mixed Use Building With 40 Residential Units on Mt. Auburn St. Approved by Planning Board

By Charlie Breitrose | December 9, 2025

The project at 33 Mt. Auburn Street was approved by the Planning Board. The five story building has one floor of commercial and four of residential. (Torrington Properties)

The first by-right residential project, a five story mixed use building at 33 Mt. Auburn St., was approved by the Planning Board on Dec. 3. The development will have 40 residential units, and commercial space on the ground floor.

Entertainment

Arshile Gorky Exhibit Opening at Armenian Museum of America on Dec. 12

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2025

An exhibit featuring the artwork of abstract expressionism artist Arshile Gorky will open at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown on Dec. 12. Gorky lived in Watertown for a time, arriving in 1920 as part of a third wave of Armenians immigrants looking to escape persecution. See more details in the announcement from the museum below.