History comes alive at the Berkley Historical Society Museum. Far from being a stuffy history
museum filled with old paintings and precious artifacts which are out of reach behind glass, the Berkley Museum is a place to discover what it was like to live in Berkley in days gone by.
Items exhibited are close-at-hand and tell the story of a quiet farming community, proud of its heritage. The military uniforms, including Levi Crane’s complete civil war uniform and equipment, show the long history of service of Berkley residents.
Milk bottles from various Berkley dairies, farm implements, cooking and sewing tools, benches that were used over a hundred years ago as the residents of Berkley met to decide its future, are within reach. Most of the benches, which are nearly 200 years old, had to be restored. The collection includes maps and photographs which draw many visitors. The museum also houses a large display of local fire department items, an antique barber chair, locally produced silver and pewter, and so much more.
The museum began as a dream of a few women in the early 1970s. The society was formed to preserve the history, culture, and spirit of the town – to collect those artifacts that might otherwise be lost to time. They were able to utilize a basement space in an old brick school that was then being used as a town hall. The space was a bit dark and damp, but the society had visiting hours and hosted meetings, historical talks, and other events in town. The collection grew along with the membership.
Eventually however, the building would fall into disrepair and in 2010 be condemned and eventually demolished in 2013 to make way for a town hall. Town hall employees worked at the 1849 Old Town Hall and an assortment of mobile trailers across the street on the Common for several years while the town worked to approve plans and financing for a new building. In 2015, the new town hall was opened in the spot where the 1920s brick schoolhouse had stood.
The collection was then stored in various buildings around town without a permanent home. The members, being tenacious Yankees, would never give up the dream of a permanent home for the collection and a place for Berkley residents and former residents to gather and talk about the past, present, and future of Berkley.
Then, at a meeting of the Society in a room at the Myricks Methodist Church, an idea sprung to life. Once the town offices were moved into the new Town Hall wouldn’t the 1849 Old Town Hall be the perfect location for the Berkley Historical Society Museum?
The Society could simultaneously continue its mission of preserving the history of Berkley and undertake the renovation and restoration of this historic building. Initially the task seemed beyond the means and finances of the small group. But with the typical grit and determination of Berkley residents the plan began to take shape.
A Forever Home
After months of writing grant requests, sending letters to the town leaders, and research, grant money was received as well as approval from the town to move forward with plans to renovate and eventually move into the Old Town Hall, achieving the nearly 50-year-old dream of those Berkley residents determined to preserve its history. Thanks to the philanthropy, love of all things historical, and forethought of notable Berkley resident Ruby Zillah Winslow Linn, the Society was able to completely renovate the great hall. The ceiling was raised back up to its original height and amazing original wood floors were uncovered and refinished creating the perfect backdrop for the collection.
The electrical service was removed from the exterior of the building and was run underground, revealing the original appearance of the beautiful building. The Bristol County Sheriff’s Department also supplied vital volunteer labor and expertise. The Berkley Highway Department supported the work as well. Local businesses helped with other projects and the Berkley Cultural Council, Berkley Historical Commission, Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as Bay Coast Bank continue to support the society and its mission. It truly does take a village.
In 2017 the Berkley Historical Society officially opened the doors to the beautiful new museum. Since then, hundreds of visitors have marveled at the previously mostly unseen artifacts of Berkley’s history. And as word spread, longtime residents with deep roots in the town came forward to donate even more wonderful pieces which would now have a forever home to be shared with future generations. It is a museum of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Each week, visitors stop by to view the collection, ask questions, tell stories, or just enjoy the company of fellow history buffs. Tales of days gone by and simpler times, along with secrets of Berkley’s past, can be heard in this now cherished building, ever alive with a history to be shared and enjoyed by so many.
The museum is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for special events, and by appointment. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information: berkleyhistorical.org.
Before exterior of building again with old ramp and exterior electrical service
