The DRHS owns several historic buildings, operates a library and archives, and maintains approximately 140 acres of conservation land in Duxbury.

[1] The DRHS, originally known as the Duxbury Rural Society, was founded on November 14, 1883 by a group of individuals concerned about the deteriorating condition of their community.

Early projects included installing street lamps, planting trees, building fences and erecting road signs.

The headquarters and main office, open year-round, is located in the Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House, a historic building built in 1807.

The King Caesar House, built in 1809 for merchant Ezra Weston II, is operated as a museum in the summer months and features rotating exhibits.