Dorchester Atheneum is incorporated.

Founded by John May, Ambrose White, Amasa Pray and others. Its purpose is to establish a library and reading room, advance useful arts and sciences, and promote public instruction by lectures and otherwise. The private subscription library is soon located in the former Edward Everett School, which was moved from its original location on Sumner Street to the intersection of Pleasant Street, Cottage Street, and Pond Street. The building is demolished sometime between 1918 and 1933.