Museum Profile
Manchester Historical Museum
The Manchester Historical Society was founded in 1886 “ to serve the entire community through the preservation of irreplaceable town records and artifacts, its research capability and commitment to education.“ The Manchester Historical Society moved into its headquarters, the Trask House, in 1925.
Today, the original rooms of the Trask House contain an impressive collection of period furniture, artifacts, and fine art. Especially significant are examples of the fine furniture made in Manchester during the mid 19th century. Other memorabilia on display reflect the town’s important maritime history, and its later prominence as a summer vacation destination for the wealthy during the Gilded Age. Young people will enjoy a visit to the “children’s room” with its fascinating Victorian doll house and collection of antique toys.
Our mission is:
To encourage, maintain and foster an interest in historical matters pertaining to the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, and
To establish and maintain within the town a library and museum to collect and preserve objects which illustrate the history of the town.
