Description The archives at the Old Colony History Museum contain over 400 linear feet of material comprised of a wide range of topics covering the last four centuries of the region's history. We are diligently working to make our collection available online, so check back often to see what has been added. In the meantime, if you do not see a subject you are looking for, please give us a call at 508.822.1622.

Description This collection of early colonial artifacts at the Old Colony History Museum includes tools, food service items, and building materials, such as hand-wrought plates, porringers, scissors, and shingles dating from the 17th and 18th century that provide a glimpse into daily life, craftsmanship, and construction practices in the Old Colony.

Description Showcasing silver-plated and pewter items by F.B. Rogers, a renowned Taunton, Massachusetts manufacturer established in 1883, this collection at the Old Colony History Museum features tumblers, trays, candlesticks, and serving dishes, reflecting the company's legacy of producing elegant and functional household wares during the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Description The Hurley Library at the Old Colony History Museum houses a collection of vital records and family histories from the 19th and 20th centuries. These volumes, authored by notable historians and genealogists, provide a valuable resource for tracing lineage and understanding local heritage in the Old Colony region.

Description The Charles E. Crowley Photographic Center at the OCHM is the repository for all of the historic images in our collection. Dedicated in 2015, this collection was named in honor of Charlie Crowley's lifelong effort to collect and preserve historic photographs of Taunton. We are diligently working to make our collection available online, so check back often to see what has been added. In the meantime, if you do not see an image you are looking for, please give us a call at 508.822.1622.

Description The Old Colony History Museum is home to the Hurley Library, specializing in a wide variety of Massachusetts-based subjects. Explore topics like local industries, military history, collectibles, and town histories. Uncover your family's story, learn about Taunton’s past, or delve into records on businesses, homes, and communities.

Description This collection from the Old Colony History Museum features pewter wares by Lester Vaughan, a skilled pewter artisan from the early 20th century known for crafting elegant and durable dining wares, such as plates, platters, and bowls, that reflect the traditions of functional artistry in the Old Colony region.

Description The Native American artifacts held in the collection of the Old Colony History Museum include projectile points, fish spears, and tools dating from 8000 BCE to 400 BCE. These items, crafted from materials like quartzite and green argillite, highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the region’s Indigenous peoples over thousands of years.

Description This collection held in the Old Colony History Museum features fine pewter and silver-plated dining and food service wares produced at Poole Silver Company, based in Taunton, Massachusetts, which operated from 1892 to 1971. Renowned for their craftsmanship, these pieces reflect Poole Silver Company's rich history and dedication to quality over nearly eight decades.

Description This collection features over 300 examples of Reed & Barton pewter, Britannia, sterling, and silver-plated items held at the Old Colony History Museum. From its 1824 start in pewter ware to its closure in 2015, Reed & Barton produced metal wares reflecting America's evolving tastes, contributing to commerce and providing high-quality products to a diverse customer base.

Description The Hurley Library at the Old Colony History Museum provides a comprehensive collection of materials on Massachusetts town histories. From local industries and businesses to homes and communities, it’s a valuable resource for exploring the rich heritage of towns across the state.