Welcome to the
Wenham Museum
About
Wenham Museum celebrates childhood, interprets history, and explores culture for the enrichment of all generations in the greater North Shore community and beyond.
The Museum engages multigenerational members and visitors in examining the promise of the American experiment and provides thought-provoking learning experiences that connect the past, present, and future, in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
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Iron Rails & Happy Trails
In 1910 Helen Clay Frick opened the Iron Rail Vacation Home for Girls to provide respite for the hardworking Mill Girls of Massachusetts. Explore this fascinating history through photos and remembrances, and lots of hands-on opportunities for young visitors!
What to Wear? Dolls and Their Wardrobes
The first thing most of us do with a new doll is to remove her clothes. The next thing is to acquire new outfits. Because it’s really all about the clothes… Explore historic doll wardrobes from our collection, many displayed together with the dolls they were made for.
Dino Safari
It’s dino time at Wenham Museum! Get ready for an interactive, prehistoric adventure. Young paleontologists can climb aboard a Safari Truck, dig for dinosaur bones, discover a fossil from millions of years ago, and even read a book in a dino’s mouth . . . if they dare!
Pattern Play
What’s the difference between Flying Geese and Flying Birds? Come find out in this fun, colorful, interactive display featuring quilts made by members of the Common Threads Quilt Guild of Topsfield, MA.
Draw Me a Story
Read stories about making art and get inspired to make your own. Here you are encouraged to let your imagination take the lead and draw whatever you want… right on the walls!
(Image: From Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson, published by Harper Collins, 1955.)
Dramatic Play
The history is hands-on in our galleries! Play with classic toys like dolls, a dollhouse, and baby carriages. Have a tea party or dress up like your favorite community helper!
Trains, trains, and more trains!
Train fans of all ages delight in the Bennett E. Merry Train Gallery featuring 10 operating model layouts.
Hands-On House
The first floor of the museum's historic house is full of hands-on history! Experience what family life was like in the late 17th century for the first residents of this 360-year-old home.
Things To Do
The Wenham Museum currently stewards a diverse collection of approximately 58,000 artifacts. Bring the entire family to discover the treasures of childhood and explore how New Englanders have lived, worked, dressed and played from the 17th century to today at the Wenham Museum.
