Old Colony Historical Society

The Old Colony History Museum (OCHM) is located at 66 Church Green in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. Since 1926, the museum has occupied the historic former Bristol Academy school building. The building was designed in 1852 by Richard Upjohn, architect of New York City’s Trinity Church, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Church Green Historic District. The museum was previously located in the former Union Mission Chapel on Cedar Street.

The Old Colony History Museum is home to an extensive collection of regional objects and archives and a research library specializing in local history and genealogy. Its parent organization, the Old Colony Historical Society, was founded on May 4, 1853, making it one of New England’s oldest historical societies.

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.

The Society maintains a research library specializing in genealogy of Southeastern Massachusetts and local history, a museum of objects associated with the history of the Taunton area, and hosts many public programs.

The OCHM is open year-round Tuesday–Saturday, 10–4, and offers many exciting exhibitions, activities, programs, research opportunities and, most importantly, an inspiring setting for visitors from around the block and around the world. Admission fees apply, but free admission is one benefit of membership in the OCHM.