GOOD DEEDS: A Holiday for Remembering
As the final Monday in May approaches, our nation pauses to observe Memorial Day a solemn occasion to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In 2026, this remembrance carries added meaning as we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on the freedoms we enjoy today, but on the earliest sacrifices made to secure them.
GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act
Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces our Norfolk County communities have to offer, I wanted to share a bit of background and updated information about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) that you may find of interest.
Good Deeds on QATV: 2025 Year in Review
A chat with Massachusetts Norfolk County Register Bill O’Donnell about the fourth quarter of 2025, the year in review, projections, and other registry news.
GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give
As we prepare our holiday gatherings and frantically search for the perfect gift or dish to serve, we are faced with endless choices. Will it be turkey or ham? Mashed or sweet potatoes? Should I get someone a bike or a video game? The options are endless. It can be a tough choice, but what if that choice was between feeding your family or keeping your home, giving presents or staying warm?
GOOD DEEDS: Honoring Our Local Veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, let us take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. From the earliest days of our nation to the present, veterans have stood in defense of our freedoms, often at great personal cost. Here in Norfolk County, we are fortunate to have a rich history of military service, stories of courage, commitment, and community that deserve to be remembered.
Good Deeds: Quarterly Update, 10/21/25 on QATV
A chat with Norfolk County Register of Deeds William O’Donnell about third quarter statistics, Homestead Act, Mortgage Discharges, Consumer Notification Program, History Comes Alive series, holiday food/toy drives, and more.
GOOD DEEDS: Unlocking the Past
With the coming month of October designated as National Family History Month, it is the perfect time to begin exploring the stories and traditions of our ancestors and learning about the experiences that have shaped our families for generations.
Good Deeds: Quarterly Update: July 10, 2025
An interview with Norfolk County Register of Deeds Bill O’Donnell, about the second quarter statistics, year to date figures, comparisons to the previous year, information about the Homestead Act, and Consumer Notification service.
Good Deeds: A Taste of History
A look at the rich history of ice cream in Norfolk County from Howard Johnson’s to establishments throughout the county that have stood the test of time. A journey that explores how these properties have become deeply rooted in our communities.
GOOD DEEDS: Honoring Norfolk County’s Fallen Heroes
As the final Monday in May approaches, our nation pauses to observe Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This day calls us to reflect on their courage, express our deepest gratitude for their service, and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Good Deeds: First Quarter 2025
A chat with Norfolk County Register of Deeds Bill O’Donnell regarding a review of the first quarter 2025 statistics (and a comparison to the same time period a year ago) and other registry highlights.
GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act
Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces that the communities in Norfolk County have to offer, I wanted to take a moment and share with you some history and information about the Community Preservation Act that I think you might find interesting.
Good Deeds: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates Black History Month
A short subject in which Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell recognizes notable African Americans with connections to Norfolk County.
GOOD DEEDS: Words of Wisdom
As residents of Norfolk County, we are fortunate to have four U.S. Presidents born here: John Adams and John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush. This Presidents’ Day as we reflect on the profound legacies of these distinguished leaders, their words continue to resonate with us today.
Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings
Put your holiday movie knowledge to the test and see if you can answer the following questions in this Registry of Deeds tradition.
GOOD DEEDS: Remembering Our Veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, I am reminded of a special event we hosted to honor and recognize past, present, and future veterans for their dedication and bravery.
GOOD DEEDS: The Personal Touch
It’s no secret that people like personalized service. People have groceries and dinners sent to their homes. Others hire people to shop for them. So, it made a lot of sense to me when I first became Register of Deeds in 2002 about bringing Registry services directly to the people of Norfolk County.
GOOD DEEDS: Happy 4th of July to All
Four of the forty-six presidents of the United States were born right here in Norfolk County: John Adams and John Quincy Adams in a section of Braintree that is now part of Quincy, George H.W. Bush in Milton, and John F. Kennedy in Brookline.
These individuals have left a lasting impact on American history and culture and have each played a role in preserving and strengthening freedom for all Americans.
Good Deeds: History Comes Alive, Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace
A series produced by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and Quincy Access Television, highlighting historical landmarks in Massachusetts. Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace and Thayer Academy.
GOOD DEEDS: The True meaning of – “Support the Troops”
By William P. O’Donnell Norfolk County Register of Deeds This month, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. With this in mind, I want to take a moment to reflect about the true meaning of “support the troops.” For […]
Good Deeds: History Comes Alive, A Closer Look – The Franklin Public Library
A series produced by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and Quincy Access Television, highlighting historical landmarks in Massachusetts. The Franklin Public Library is the first lending library in America.
Norfolk County 2023 Year in Review segment on QATV with Host Mark Crosby
A chat with Register William O’Donnell about the last quarter of 2023, the year in review, and projections for 2024.
GOOD DEEDS: “We Remember Our Veterans”
On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will celebrate the veterans of Norfolk County with an open house and the release of our third volume of Notable Lands Records titled “We Remember Our Veterans.” The open house will run from 4:30-6:30 in the evening at the Registry of Deeds building in downtown Dedham at 649 High Street.
Good Deeds Register O’Donnell and Mark Crosby Discuss 2023 3rd Quarter on QATV
A chat with Norfolk County Register of Deeds Bill O’Donnell regarding a review of third quarter 2023 statistics, legislative news and an upcoming event.