Middleborough Historical Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1961 |
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| Location | 18 Jackson Street Middleborough, Massachusetts |
| Type | Local museum |
| Owner | Middleborough Historical Association |
The Middleborough Historical Museum is a fascinating place to explore history! It is located at 18 Jackson Street in Middleborough, Massachusetts. The museum is cared for by the Middleborough Historical Association.
Many people also call it the Tom Thumb Museum. This is because it has a huge collection of 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 includes seven different buildings, each filled with interesting exhibits.
Contents
Exploring the Middleborough Historical Museum
The Middleborough Historical Museum is made up of several unique buildings. Each one shows a different part of history. Let's take a look at what you can discover in each building.
The Mill Houses: A Glimpse into the Past
The museum has two buildings called Mill House #1 and Mill House #2. Both were built around 1820. They offer a peek into life long ago.
Mill House #1: Welcome and Famous Collections
Mill House #1 is where your visit often begins. Inside, you'll find the special General and Mrs. Tom Thumb Collection. This collection includes many personal items from the famous couple. There is also an art gallery and a room filled with old furniture.
Mill House #2: General Store and Daily Life
Mill House #2 features the P. H. Peirce General Store. This looks like a store from a long time ago. You can also visit the Deborah Samson Military Room. Deborah Samson was a brave woman who fought in the American Revolutionary War. This building also has a toy room, an old kitchen, and other rooms. These rooms show what social life was like in the past.
Specialty Buildings: Trades and Tools
Other buildings at the museum focus on specific jobs and tools from history.
The Blacksmith Shop: Old Trades and Industries
The Blacksmith Shop is a newer building. It shows how people worked with metal and wood. You can see tools used by a wheelwright, who made and repaired wheels. There are also tools for farming, harvesting ice, and making charcoal. The museum also highlights the cranberry industry, which is important to the area.
Judge Wood Law Office: Justice in the Old Days
The Judge Wood Law Office was built in 1794. It looks like an early law office. It also houses the Lawrence B. Romaine Memorial Library. This library contains many old books and documents.
Whistle House: Fire Engines and History
The Whistle House dates back to the 1800s. This building is home to two amazing fire engines. One is an 1854 Hand Tub Fire Engine. The other is a 1934 Maxim Motors Fire Engine. They show how firefighting has changed over time.
Carriage House: Old Ways to Travel
The Carriage House is another newer building. It displays different kinds of old transportation vehicles. You can also see antique signs from businesses of the past.
Sproat Tavern Necessary: A Unique Historical Spot
The Sproat Tavern Necessary is an outhouse from around the 1700s. It is a unique part of the museum. It shows how people managed daily needs long ago.
See also
- List of historical societies in Massachusetts
Images for kids
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Mill House #1, built around 1820.
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Mill House #2, also built around 1820.
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The Blacksmith Shop, showing old trades.
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The Judge Wood Law Office, built in 1794.
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The Whistle House, home to old fire engines.
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The Carriage House, displaying old vehicles.
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The Sproat Tavern Necessary, an outhouse from the 1700s.
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