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 collections by using the search bar below.

Not sure where to begin? Start by browsing highlights from our different collection areas by selecting one of the boxes below.

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Archives

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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.
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Early Colonial Objects

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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.
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F.B. Rogers Silver Co.

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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.
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Genealogy

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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.
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Historic Images

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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.
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Hurley Library

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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.
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Lester Vaughan Collection

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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.
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Native American Objects

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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.
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Poole Silver Company

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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.
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Reed & Barton

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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.
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Town Histories

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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.
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All Entries

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.

Upcoming Events

Women’s History Tour

March 26 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Women’s History Tour

March 27 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Women’s History Tour

March 28 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Free Family Day!

April 26

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