Collections

The Old Colony History Museum houses significant collections of New England decorative arts, textiles, militaria, and silver. Its archives and library hold important manuscripts and printed material relating to the genealogical and historical background of southeastern Massachusetts.

The Museum’s parent organization is the Old Colony Historical Society, one of the oldest organizations of its kind in New England. Founded in 1853, it serves the region of southeastern Massachusetts that was once part of the Plymouth Colony. Located on historic Church Green in Taunton, the Society has its headquarters in the former Bristol Academy, designed in 1852 by the New York architect Richard Upjohn.

We’re thrilled to share that our searchable collections database (below) is now live, but we’re still hard at work adding more content and updates. Check back often to see what’s new as we continue to build and improve. Stay tuned!

Explore the thousands of works in our digital collections database.

Explore the Collection Database

Donating Objects and Documents to the OCHM

Old Colony History Museum’s (OCHM) collection of nearly 10,000 objects, 500 linear feet of archival material, and thousands of photographs has grown through the generosity and support of individuals and organizations that have donated items to it since the organization’s founding in 1853.

The staff at the OCHM has to weigh every object we consider acquiring carefully to ensure we can properly care for the item for the foreseeable future and that the object will allow us to interpret the region’s history in some meaningful way for the communities and various constituencies that we serve. Due to storage considerations, and a current backlog of cataloging, we are unable to accept most items offered for donations. We are always happy to review your items and are always interested in seeing new things! Please note that federal law prohibits all museums from providing valuations on any items and you would need to contact a certified appraiser for that information.

If you have an item you would like us to review for donation please contact us at info@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org, by phone at 508.822.1622, to learn more about our collecting process.