School Vacation @ the OCHM!

Join us for hands-on, historic crafts, kid-friendly scavenger hunts, and, of course, a highlight tour at noon through our exhibits this school vacation week. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational experience for the whole family–and kids 12 and under are free! Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm at 66 Church Green.

Old Colony History Museum

Mitre Beyond Measure: Replicating Toby Gilmore’s Mitre with Henry Cooke

When an object, crucial to the Old Colony’s story in the 250th&nbsp;anniversary of the American Revolution, is requested for a long-term loan to the National Museum of the US Army (NMUSA), what is a museum to do? Hire renowned Historical Costumer Henry Cooke to create a replica to hold its place until its return! Cooke, who has worked in historical clothing restoration and replication since the bicentennial, replicated Toby Gilmore’s mitre cap so the original could join the rare artifacts in the NMUSA’s “Call to Arms” exhibition set to open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thenmusa.org/exhibit/special-exhibition-gallery/">June 2025 until August 2027</a>. On February 13, Henry will share his extensive research as well as the process of replicating the cap. <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cx5rr4/event/mitrebeyondmeasurereplicatingtobygilmoresmitrewithhenrycooke/">This lecture is free; RSVP required.</a>

Connecting the World of Reed & Barton

Introducing a brand-new resource from the Old Colony History Museum – the Reed &amp; Barton Virtual Archive! Facilitated by design historian and former RISD professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.matthewbird.xyz/">Matthew Bird</a>, this project is the OCHM’s vision to create a centralized virtual archive, linking existing information about the prominent silver manufacturer, making it known and available for research, education, and inspiration. Bird has spent the last two years developing this archive, which he will share an overview of in an illustrated presentation. This program is funded in part by&nbsp;<a href="https://masshumanities.org/">Mass Humanities</a>, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Snow date: January 30th <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cx5rr4/event/connectingtheworldofreedbarton/">This is a free lecture; RSVP required</a>

A House Restored with Lee McColgan

If you love Houses with History and HGTV, this is for you! Pembroke artisan and founder of Helve Historic Trades, Lee McColgan, left the corporate world in 2018 to pursue his real passion – woodworking. In his 30s, McColgan discovered the art of timber framing and now, ten years later, he is also a proficient blacksmith and mason. Together, these are the essential skills and tools one needs to restore a historic home. Just released in April, McColgan’s new book, “A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial,” takes readers on a journey of nearly insurmountable repairs when restoring his 1702 home, the Loring House, using period materials and methods. He fought deteriorating bricks, frozen pipes, shattered windows, a punctured foundation, and even an airborne chimney cap while learning from a diverse cast of preservationists, including a master mason named Irons, a stone whisperer, and the Window Witch. Join the Old Colony History Museum as McColgan delves into the captivating world of restoration and time-honored trades. This lecture is free thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors. Doors open at 5:30pm; guests are invited to enjoy refreshments and chat with fellow attendees prior to the lecture. Book signing to follow. Books are priced at $25.00. <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cx5rr4/event/ahouserestoredwithleemccolgan/" target="_blank">Free registration is required.</a>&nbsp;For more information, call 508-822-1622 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org" target="_blank">lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org</a>.

Wine Tasting with Adam Centamore

Join the Old Colony History Museum for an evening of wine and cheese “edu-tainment” featuring <a href="https://adamcentamore.com/?blm_aid=0">Adam Centamore</a>. Come sip, socialize and support a great cause! Adam is a master at explaining how to taste, evaluate and appreciate wine and cheese in a casual and engaging style. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy wine with friends, this event promises to be interesting, informative and most of all, fun! Your ticket includes tasting pours and cheese sampling. Proceeds support the 250th anniversary celebration of <a href="https://www.libertyandunion.org/">Liberty &amp; Union</a>! <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cx5rr4/event/winetastingwithadamcentamore/">Purchase tickets here!</a>

OCHM Annual Meeting: The Untold Stories of Tetiquet to the Sea & “Liberty & Union: 250 Years of Celebration” Exhibit Opening

After the brief annual business meeting highlighting 2023, join the Old Colony History Museum (OCHM) for an author discussion of the untold stories and making of Tetiquet to the Sea: A History of the Taunton River. Katie MacDonald and Dr. William Hanna will share tidbits that didn’t make it into the book, their favorite stories uncovered throughout the writing process, and what went into crafting this 118-page ode to the river. In addition to the talk, be the first to view the new temporary exhibition, “Liberty &amp; Union: 250 Years of Celebration,” featuring artifacts, ephemera, and photographs of past Liberty &amp; Union celebrations from the first flag raising to the present. This event is open to OCHM Members only. If you are not yet a member, join today! <a href="https://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/membership/" target="_blank">https://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/membership/</a> Light refreshments will be available. RSVP required. Questions? Email lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org.

April Vacation @ OCHM!

Drop in for an activity or stay for a few hours – kids 12 and under are free! Join Old Colony History Museum for water-themed daily activities during April Vacation week. Morning activities titled, “My Taunton River,” are designed for ages 0-5 and afternoon activities titled, “Adventures of Water,” for ages 6-12. And don’t miss our special guest – the Taunton River Watershed Alliance on Wednesday and Thursday! The TRWA will be bringing an incredible watershed table and Ms. T, the terrapin (turtle)! Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult admission.&nbsp; See the website for more details: https://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/event/april-vacation-ochm/

Military Room Guided Tour

Take a deep dive into the newly renovated Military Room that features an outstanding 240 objects, of which over 140 have never been permanently displayed. This monthly, hour-long guided tour highlights seven veteran recordings, an electronic interactive map of Camp Myles Standish with 70 historic images, an exciting 37-piece “hatalog”, six stories of women in the military, and so much more spanning 250 years. From “In Their Own Words” to a wall of swords and guns, this complete renovation has something for everyone and proudly honors Old Colony’s contribution in every major conflict since the founding of the nation. Space is limited – if one month is sold out, try for the following tour! Please note that the Military Room is on the second floor and not handicap accessible. Call 508-822-1822 to arrange alternatives. Tickets - $5/OCHM Members, $15/not-yet-a-member. See form below. For more information, call 508-822-1622 or email lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org.

World War II Massachusetts Book Talk

In continued celebration of the renovated Military Room, join the Old Colony History Museum to explore WWII home front life across several Old Colony towns and cities including Camp Myles Standish. Over 500,000 Massachusetts residents answered the call to military duty in the Second World War, while the rest of the state’s citizens fought the war on the home front. Everyone in the family, including pets, found creative and essential ways to contribute. In his latest book, retired third grade teacher James L. Parr reveals the stories of these brave and dedicated citizens–from the famous to the ordinary–as they faced wartime challenges. This lecture is free thanks to the generosity of OCHM corporate sponsors. Doors open at 5:30pm; guests are invited to enjoy refreshments and chat with fellow attendees prior to the lecture. Book signing to follow. Books are priced at $24.99. Great for ages 10 and up! <a href="https://www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/event/world-war-ii-massachusetts-book-talk/">RSVP is required. See link.</a> For more information, call 508-822-1622 or email <a href="mailto:lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org">lrankin@oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org</a>.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.