Middleborough Historical Museum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Middleborough Historical Museum

Established	1961 (1961)
Location	18 Jackson Street Middleborough, Massachusetts
Type	Local museum
Owner	Middleborough Historical Association

The Middleborough Historical Museum is a fantastic place to explore history in Middleborough, Massachusetts! You can find it at 18 Jackson Street. The Middleborough Historical Association takes great care of this museum.

Many people also call it the Tom Thumb Museum. This is because it has a huge collection of personal items that belonged to General Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia Warren. They were famous performers who lived nearby in the Tom Thumb House. The museum first opened its doors in 1961. Today, it has seven different buildings, each filled with amazing things to see!

Discover the Middleborough Historical Museum

The museum is like a journey back in time. It shows you what life was like in Middleborough many years ago. You can learn about local history, old jobs, and how people lived. It's a great spot for anyone curious about the past.

Explore the Museum Buildings

The Middleborough Historical Museum is made up of several unique buildings. Each one has its own special story and collection. Here's a quick look at what you can find in each:

Building	What it Looks Like	What You'll Discover Inside
Mill House #1, built around 1820		This is where you enter! It holds the special collection of General Tom Thumb and his wife. You'll also find an art gallery and a room full of old furniture.
Mill House #2, built around 1820		Step into a recreated general store from the past! There's also a room about Deborah Samson, a famous woman who fought in the Revolutionary War. Plus, you'll see a toy room, an old kitchen, and other rooms showing daily life.
Blacksmith Shop, a newer building		See tools used by a wheelwright (someone who makes wheels) and for farming. Learn about ice harvesting, making charcoal, and the cranberry industry.
Judge Wood Law Office, built in 1794		This building shows what a law office looked like long ago. It also houses the Lawrence B. Romaine Memorial Library.
Whistle House, from the 1800s		Get ready to see old fire engines! This building has an 1854 hand-pulled fire engine and a 1934 Maxim Motors fire engine.
Carriage House, a newer building		Discover old ways of transportation here, like carriages. You'll also see a collection of antique signs.
Sproat Tavern Necessary		This is an old-fashioned outhouse from the 1700s, with five seats!

Meet General Tom Thumb

One of the most exciting parts of the museum is its connection to General Tom Thumb. His real name was Charles Sherwood Stratton. He was a famous performer known for his small size. He traveled the world with P.T. Barnum's circus in the 1800s. The museum has many of his personal belongings, giving you a peek into his amazing life. His wife, Lavinia Warren, was also a performer, and her items are here too!

Sources

• Middleborough Historical Association
• Tom Thumb Museum
• Middleborough Historical Museum brochure
• Roadside America entry