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Welcome to Shirley, MA

The town of Shirley is located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, just 50 miles northwest of Boston. Originally part of the colonial “Plantation of Groton,” Shirley gained its independence and incorporated as a separate town in 1753. The community received its name in honor of William Shirley, who served as the governor of Massachusetts from 1741-1757. The town of Shirley is regionally known as the site of a Shakers Village; the Shakers denomination was present in the town from 1793-1908, and the remainder of their buildings and land now serves as a museum in which visitors and residents can learn about Shaker religious practices, crafts, and ways of life.

With a population of approximately 6,500 people, Shirley offers a quiet, peaceful small town atmosphere with the big city amenities of Boston and Boston attractions just around the corner. Shirley residents enjoy quality education through two local schools—Lura A. White Elementary and Shirley Middle School—while Shirley high school students attend nearby Ayer High School or Lunenburg High School. Colleges and universities in the area include Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, Fitchburg State College, Mt. Wachusett Community College in Gardner, and of course, more than 100 institutions in and around central Boston. Shirley residents who work in Boston can take advantage of an easy, carefree commute through the town’s own MBTA station on the Fitchburg line, or by accessing I-495 less than 10 miles from town.

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