The Wenham Museum currently stewards a diverse collection of approximately 45,000 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.

Enjoy our world-famous doll and toy collection and delightful model train gallery. Learn from our historic costume, textile, and photograph collections. Step back in time with a self-guided visit of the circa 1690 Claflin-Richards House, then experience hands-on history in the Family Discovery Gallery.

BROWSE COLLECTIONS ONLINE

Portions of the museum’s permanent collection are available for online browsing through PastPerfect Online.  As of March 2021, only the museum’s Benjamin H. Conant Photography Collection is available.  In the weeks and months to come, additional collections will be added.

MUSEUM FIRST FLOOR GALLERIES

These galleries underwent a complete renovation in 2019 to create an updated, flexible gallery space, and 21st-century museum experience for all visitors.

Please be aware that to facilitate the installations in this special exhibit space, the permanent collections that were long displayed in the first floor galleries, such as many of the dolls and miniatures, are safely in storage.  For the long-term preservation of many of those objects, they do need a rest from exposure to light.  The museum will continue to incorporate these objects into exhibitions within this space.  We recognize that there are constituents with deep affinity for some of the objects no longer continuously on display.

If there is anything within the permanent collection that you would like to see, please reach out to our Visitor Services staff so they may connect you with the appropriate member of the collections and curatorial team.  They may be reached at info@wenhammuseum.org or by phone at (978) 468-2377, ext. 113.  We are happy to continue to share our permanent collection during this time by appointment.

Again, we regret any inconvenience caused by the evolution of our exhibitions space and the need to preserve collection.  We thank you for your support as we improve the museum experience for everyone in the museum’s multigenerational audience.  Thank You.

To learn more about the collection, explore the information below and plan your visit today.

• Archives
• Costumes & Textiles
• Dolls
• Historic Claflin-Gerrish-Richards House
• Pickering Library
• Toys
• Trains

If you are interested in donating an artifact to the collection, learn more.