Museum Publications
The OCHM publishes historical works to support the museum’s mission to collect, preserve and exhibit the history of the region of southeastern Massachusetts once known as the Old Colony, as well as, through a vigorous program of outreach and education, interpret the area’s history in ways that are accessible, inclusive and meaningful to local residents and visitors.
We also have a blog, which shares a new post each month on Medium. We hope you’ll give us a follow and enjoy!
These titles were published by the OCHM or by OCHM staff and board members, past and present. We hope you’ll check back as we add more publications in the future.
Our Newest Publication!
Winding through the “Old Colony” is the Taunton River, or Teticut as it was known by those who first lived along its banks. The river travels 40 miles from its headwaters in Bridgewater south to where it empties into Mount Hope Bay. Its rich history holds stories from indigenous prehistory through later shipbuilding, fishing, and manufacturing activities. Fortunately, thanks to the heroic efforts of modern-day advocates, it also reveals the stunning natural beauty found along its course. Today, with its Wild and Scenic designation, the Taunton River supports 154 species of birds and 45 species of fish. It flows through ten communities in Southeastern Massachusetts where people continue to enjoy its recreational and environmental bounty.
Drawing largely upon photographs and other material from the OCHM’s extensive collection, as well as from riverside partners including historical organizations, public libraries, local universities, and private holdings, we intend, for the first time, to capture both the history and present-day vitality of the river in a comprehensive publication. Our goal is a book that shares the rich and diverse history of one of the region’s most precious natural resources.
Titles with OCHM Connections
A History of Taunton, Massachusetts (Second Edition)
by William F. Hanna
Located in the heart of southeastern Massachusetts, Taunton has witnessed the full scope of American history for more than three and a half centuries. In this engaging book, William F. Hanna vividly describes the life of the city and its people from the time of settlement in the 1630s down to our own day. Although this is the first full-length treatment of Taunton’s history in more than a century, within these pages are people who have never before appeared in any history of the city. For the first time, Taunton’s rich ethnic history is explored, as is the vital role that the city’s women have played throughout its past. A History of Taunton, Massachusetts presents more than three hundred years of local heroes, villains, and everyday people, all with a story to tell.
Abraham Among the Yankees
by William F. Hanna
…Meticulously researched, Abraham among the Yankees invites readers to take an East Coast journey with a thirty-nine-year-old Lincoln during election season in 1848 to see how Massachusetts audiences responded to the humorous, informal approach that served Lincoln well during the rest of his political career.
Wish You Were Here: A Picture Postcard History of Taunton
by William F. Hanna and Charles E. Crowley
…”This booklet presents approximately 100 post card photographs of Taunton. Many were made between 1904 and 1910, and several of these were mass produced in Germany at the behest of Taunton merchants who sold them in their stationary, drug, or dry goods store. It amazes us that so many different scenes were photographs within such a brief period of time…”
Candles on the Green: 80 Years of Christmas in Taunton
by William F. Hanna and Charles E. Crowley
Taunton’s Lights On tradition dates to 1914, and was a idea to promote downtown shopping for the holiday season. The first tree was bought by Bay Street Railway, lights were offered by downtown merchants, and the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP) provided the electricity. A tradition was born and Hanna and Crowley shares the good and bad that has ensued ever since in Candles on the Green.
Innovation on Tap
by Eric B. Schultz
Innovation on Tap is the story of innovation in America told through the eyes of 25 entrepreneurs, from Eli Whitney and his cotton gin to Lin-Manuel Miranda and his Broadway smash, Hamilton.
The stories illustrate the sweep and impact of innovation. From razor blades, insurance, and baseball to smart cities, online running communities, and cybersecurity, innovators across three centuries gather in an imaginary barroom to discuss the essential themes of entrepreneurship–Mechanization, Mass Production, Consumerism, Digitization, and Sustainability–while emphasizing and reemphasizing the importance of community to their success.
King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict
by Eric B. Schultz and Michael J. Tougias
From https://wwnorton.com/books/King-Philips-War/:
The harrowing story of one of America’s first and costliest wars—featuring a new foreword by bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick
At once an in-depth history of this pivotal war and a guide to the historical sites where the ambushes, raids, and battles took place, King Philip’s War expands our understanding of American history and provides insight into the nature of colonial and ethnic wars in general. Through a careful reconstruction of events, first-person accounts, period illustrations, and maps, and by providing information on the exact locations of more than fifty battles, King Philip’s War is useful as well as informative. Students of history, colonial war buffs, those interested in Native American history, and anyone who is curious about how this war affected a particular New England town, will find important insights into one of the most seminal events to shape the American mind and continent.
A Local Boy: A Memoir
by David F. Gouveia, M.D.
From the author, a former OCHM President: “My Memoir is a collection of my life’s memories – a historical glimpse at growing up the son of Portuguese immigrants in a small town. It spans over 60 years of the 20th and current century, taking the reader through Portuguese culture and customs like ‘The Pig Stabbing,’ and many important historical events like ‘Civil Rights’ and ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis.’ This memoir is also a personal reflection on being educated in medicine in the 50s and 60s, and life-changing surgical and medical practice stories. It covers some of my world travels, my photography, and most importantly those who have touched my life.”