Digital Resources
Welcome to the Digital Resources of the Old Colony History Museum! Contained here you will find a rich array of historical materials that illuminate the stories and heritage of Southeastern Massachusetts. Explore digitized documents, photographs, maps, and more—each piece a window into the past, preserving the region’s unique history for future generations. Dive in and discover the fascinating history of the Old Colony region through our carefully curated collections.
Reed & Barton Virtual Archive
Coming Soon!
Atlascope
A project of the Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library, Atlascope is a tool for exploring historic urban atlases in Massachusetts and telling stories about how places have changed over time. In 2024, members and donors of the OCHM sponsored the digitization and addition of Taunton atlases to the project.
Grand Army of the Republic Database
In the aftermath of the bloody conflict that was the American Civil War, soldiers returning home were met by communities struggling to rebuild after paying the heavy costs of war. With communities struggling to support their veterans, soldiers formed their own support groups, which became so popular that they eventually wielded political power. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was one of the most famous of these organizations, founded in 1866 and boasting over 400,000 members by the year 1890. Locally, The William H. Bartlett Post No. 3 served as the GAR post for the areas surrounding Taunton, Massachusetts.
A database of over 250 William H. Bartlett Post No. 3 members and personal war sketches was created by Anna Flynn, Bristol Community College, Intern, January – May 2017.
Growing Local History
Explore our online archive of the OCHM Garden Project: Growing Local History. Launched in 2021, this initiative documented our efforts to grow native wildflowers, vegetables, and herbs while sharing the stories behind them. It was made possible by the generous support of Mass Humanities, with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and affiliation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. (Discover more of the inspiring projects they support at masshumanities.org.)
Growing Local History offered a unique opportunity to explore our region’s heritage through gardening, helping us connect with our community in fresh and meaningful ways. Dive deeper into this project on the OCHM Blog here.
Old Colony Recipe Collection
Explore our online collection of historic recipes, where the flavors of the past come to life through authentic dishes from different eras. Each recipe is carefully curated from historical sources, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the time. Discover how food connects us to history and try your hand at recreating these timeless meals from the comfort of your own kitchen.