Ernest A. Taft Jr. Museum Grand Reopening, May 22nd at 12 Noon

Bellingham Historical Commission Announces the Grand Re-Opening of the Ernest A. Taft Jr. Historical Museum, 3 Common Street, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, May 22nd at 12 noon, prior to the start of the Memorial Day Parade.  The museum will be open that day from 11 a.m. until at least 2 p.m.

Over the past two years the Commission members, with the cooperation of the Town, have spent untold hours renovating both the physical space and organizing the collections to highlight the best of Bellingham history.  The physical space has newly painted walls, bright lights, and new flooring and the collections organized by topic.

On entering, you will find a summary of the history of Bellingham by the century. In the main display you will see some of the Town’s best historical assets, including the Boston Post Cane, Amethyst that was mined on Rose Avenue, a toddler dress (with pantaloons!) that was worn by Alice Burr in the 1830s, as well as books and written materials that are hundreds of years old.  Other amazing items in the collection include:  a quilt that was made by the Ladies Aid Society of the First Baptist Church between 1903 and 1916; a horse-drawn sleigh that was used to deliver groceries in Bellingham in the early 1900s; a 1891 bell from the Center School; and 1831 Boston to Bellingham mile marker; a 1919 Estey Folding Organ that was commonly used by chaplains during World War II, and so much more!

Over the past year, we have acquired a few new items, including a doll house replica of the 1820 Cape Cod home located at 156 Mechanic Street, a medical kit from a Bellingham woman who was Mrs. Babe Ruth’s personal nurse, and a home-made cobbler’s bench from the early 1900s

Our sections include:  Municipal & Schools, Home & Farming, Transportation & Manufacturing, Sports & Recreation, Civil Defense & Public Safety, and Military. We also provide an extensive collection of research materials including a complete set of the Crimpville Comments, Annual Town Reports, Yearbooks and so much more!

We would like to thank Town Administrator Denis Fraine, Town Carpenter Ron Paulhus, and all of the Commission Members and volunteers who worked together to make the renovation and reorganization possible.  We will announce hours and open by appointment scheduling in the near future so stay tuned.

We look forward to seeing you on May 22nd or some other date soon!