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The Old Colony History Museum houses significant collections of New England decorative arts, textiles, militaria and silver. Its archives and library hold important manuscript 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.

Hours:Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed holidays and Saturdays preceding Monday holidays *Please note that during the school year we follow the Taunton Public Schools for weather-related closings. The most up-to-date place to check is our Facebook page.
Directions Located on Historic Church Green in Taunton, MA.
Officers and staff
Staff Katie MacDonald, Director Elizabeth Bernier, Assistant to the Director Bronson Michaud, Curator of Collections Saria Sweeney, Community Programming Coordinator Michael Curran, Caretaker Officers William F. Hanna, President Kathleen M. Mulhern, Vice President of Personnel Paul T. Allison, Vice President of Building & Grounds Charles A. Thayer, M.D., Vice President of Development Ann Trucchi Condon, Treasurer Jordan H. F. Fiore, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Colleen C. Karsner, Secretary Board of Directors Warren Biss Eileen Crochiere Ethel M. Fraga Dean Larabee III Kenny Loubeau Peter G. Mozzone William Napolitano Steven W. Perry Cynthia Booth Ricciardi, Ph.D. Christopher Scully, Ph.D. Richard L. Shafer
Mission: The mission of the Old Colony History Museum is twofold: First, to collect, preserve and exhibit the history of the region of southeastern Massachusetts once known as the Old Colony. Second, through a vigorous program of outreach and education, we aspire to interpret the area’s history in ways that are accessible, inclusive and meaningful to local residents and visitors.
Founded: 1853
History of the Old Colony Historical Society: Founded on May 4, 1853, the Old Colony Historical Society is one New England’s oldest historical societies. It was established at a time when its founding fathers saw drastic changes taking place in the Old Colony region (the old Plymouth Colony). Industrialization had begun; improved transportation throughout New England meant that Taunton was no longer isolated. Immigration had also begun, and Taunton was becoming quite cosmopolitan. Early Puritan families were dying out or moving west, and the new Society put forth as its original mission “the preservation and perpetuation of the history of the Old Colony region of Massachusetts.” To fulfill the organization’s modern-day mission, the Society maintains the Old Colony History Museum (OCHM) of regional objects and archives and a research library specializing in local history and genealogy.
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Collections - Old Colony History museum (digital content online)
Collection overview: Old Colony History Museum collects three-dimensional objects, archival material, and secondary source reference material that helps the Museum tell or illustrate the story of the Taunton region and/or the men and women who lived and/or worked in the Taunton region in some meaningful way for the communities and various constituencies the Museum serves.
Copies and other services: Research by Mail Fees are $20 per hour ($15 per hour for OCHM Members) plus photocopies.
Permissions: The OCHM makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright of any object depicted in sent images or photocopies and assumes no responsibility for any claims by third parties arising out of your use of the images. You must obtain all other permissions required for your use of the art object and the images as necessary. When permission to publish is given, it is for the one-time North American publication of an image in the Museum’s collection. Published images must be accompanied by the credit line, “Image (s) courtesy of The Charles E. Crowley Photographic Center at the Old Colony History Museum, Taunton, Massachusetts.” It must be prominent and legible and it will appear in the caption or in close proximity to the image or in the list of credits for each image. Website (electronic) images must contain the credit line as part of the image and must link to the OCHM’s site. We request the Museum receives a complimentary copy of any publication in which a Museum image is used so that it can be added to our library and enjoyed by our patrons.
Become a member: The OCHM offers individual and family memberships, with discounts for students.
Donate online: There is little doubt that it is an exciting time for the Old Colony History Museum. We could not accomplish this mission without the deep commitment of our members, donors, volunteers, and trustees. We hope that you too will invest in the Museum’s future and help us to interpret and preserve the past with a gift to the Annual Fund. Donations are fully tax-deductible. Gifts will be recognized in the Annual Report. Thank you for your support!
Newsletter
Events: The OCHM hosts regular events, which can be found on its website.
Old Colony Historical Society
66 Church Green
Taunton, Mass. 02780
Part of: Old Colony Historical Society
Website: http://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org
Contact us via the web
Phone: 508-822-1622
Connect: Blog