Significant events for area code 617
| Date |
Details |
| 1947 | One of the two original area codes for Massachusetts, covering the eastern and central areas |
| July 16, 1988 | Area code 617 was split with 508 covering central and southern Massachusetts |
| September 1, 1997 | Area code 617 was split with 781 covering all but the inner Boston area |
| May 2, 2001 | Area code 857 was overlaid on 617 |