125,000 Objects. 1.5 Million Archival Documents. 38 History Museums. Countless, Powerful Stories.

One hundred and fifty pieces of amber glass in an interior window, thousands of examples of wallpaper, lighting that ranges from a rustic candleholder to a three-piece gilt girandole. This is just a small sampling of the 125,000 objects and 1.5 million archival materials Historic New England uses to tell the stories of life in New England. From the opulent to the everyday, the collection informs the stories we share at our thirty-eight historic sites, public and school programs, and in our publications. Historic New England connects with hundreds of thousands of people each year through our museums, landscapes, and collection. We embrace a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future and are growing our collection to reflect a comprehensive history of the region and how these stories are told. To discover more, please explore our collections online.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Program- Wallpaper in Historic Houses: Manufacture, Conservation, and Replication

Wednesday, January 25, 5:30 p.m.
Join Objects Conservator Michaela Neiro for a discussion on the history of wallpaper production and methods, how and why it deteriorates, and when conservation or replication is required.

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Virtual Program- Jewish Immigrants and the American Antiques Trade

Monday, February 6, 6:00 p.m.
In the early twentieth century, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe played an unlikely yet pivotal role in the emerging market for antiques. Working as dealers, restorers, and makers, these individuals became noted authorities on American decorative arts and their clients included some of the most famous collectors of their era. Join Erica Lome as she discusses the lives and careers of a handful of men, including Israel Sack and Nathan Margolis, who transformed the look and feel of American heritage

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Historic New England is the largest and most comprehensive independent preservation organization in the U.S. It welcomes the public to thirty-eight exceptional museums and landscapes. The organization operates a major collections and archives center in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and has the world’s largest collection of New England artifacts, comprising more than 125,000 decorative arts and objects and 1.5 million archival documents including photographs, architectural drawings, manuscripts, and ephemera. Engaging education programs for youths, adults, and preservation professionals and award-winning exhibitions and publications are offered in person and virtually. The Historic New England Preservation Easement program is a national leader and protects 119 privately owned historic properties throughout the region.