First settled in the 1600s and originally established as South Scituate, the town changed its name to Norwell in 1888 after Henry Norwell, a successful merchant who funded much of the town’s first roads. Norwell’s history boasts thriving agricultural and major ship-building industries. Some of the most spectacular ships of the day were produced along the banks of the scenic North River. Norwell Village Area Historic District, along the center of town proudly displays some of the town’s oldest and noteworthy homes.
