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!
Step Right Up: Let's Go to the Circus!
Get ready for an interactive, big-top adventure where creativity, courage, and imagination take center ring. Young performers can step into the spotlight through dramatic play, explore the bright circus tent, and discover the fascinating history of the big top.
Picturing Women Inventors
Throughout history, women have created inventions that changed lives. But women haven’t always had equal opportunities to be inventors or received as much recognition. This exhibit explores the stories of innovators whose ideas improved products, advanced technology, and opened new possibilities.
Inflated Ideas: A Short History of the Puffer Coat
From quilted origins to high-fashion sculpture, the puffer tells a story of innovation, identity, and design. This exhibit traces how a simple idea became one of the most iconic garments of our time.
Same Sled, New Snow
Sledding has long been a treasured winter activity in New England. These sleds from the Wenham Museum collection reflect the craftsmanship and ingenuity that shaped winter life and childhood experiences in Wenham and throughout the region.
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.
