In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue...

Though there is some controversy over this holiday, Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since it was established in 1937, and that means there are several places that will be closed today. Here's a quick look at some of them:

BANKS

Banks are closed today.

CONVENIENCE STORES

Most are open today.

COUNTY OFFICES

All Norfolk County offices are closed today.

GAS STATIONS

Open!

GYMS

Most are open, but some may have limited hours. Call ahead or check your gym's Web site to make sure.

LIBRARY

The Needham Free Public Library will be closed today. It will reopen for its usual hours at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

MBTA TRAINS AND BUSES

The Needham commuter trains will be running on their regular weekday schedule today. MBTA buses will run on their Saturday schedules. For schedule information, visit mbta.com.

POST OFFICES

The U.S. post offices in Needham and Needham Heights are closed today.

RESTAURANTS 

Most of Needham's restaurants are open for business today.

RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS

Most of Needham's businesses are open today—and some might even have a Columbus Day sale going on. (Know of one? Share it in the comments below.)

SCHOOLS

All Needham public schools are closed today. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

SENIOR CENTER

Both the Council on Aging office and the Stephen Palmer Senior Center are closed. Activities will resume on Tuesday.

STATE OFFICES

All state offices are closed today.

SUPERMARKETS

Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms and other grocery stores in Needham are open for business today.

TOWN OFFICES

Need to drop off a bill, register to vote or apply for a building permit? Not today. All Needham town offices are closed. Note: Most offices will remain closed until 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, as town employees settle into their new location at the newly renovated Town Hall.