Buttonwoods Museum | Haverhill

The Buttonwoods Museum, located at 240 Water Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, serves as the flagship facility of the Haverhill Historical Society and stands as a crucial institution preserving and interpreting the rich history and cultural heritage of Haverhill and its surrounding region. Established in 1904, the museum is housed within a collection of historic buildings that not only showcase architectural styles spanning over two centuries but also provide authentic settings for immersive historical experiences. The museum reflects Haverhill’s evolution from a colonial settlement into a thriving industrial city known especially for its prominent shoemaking industry.

Historical Context and Site Overview

The museum grounds and buildings occupy land once owned by the Saltonstall family, early settlers in Haverhill. The name “Buttonwoods” comes from the large buttonwood (sycamore) trees planted on the property in the mid-18th century by Hugh Tallent, recognized as Haverhill’s first Irish immigrant, whose family contributed to the city’s growth. The trees became a local landmark and lent their name to the museum property.

The museum complex features several historically significant structures, each with its own story and architectural merit:

Duncan House (1814): This Federal-style mansion is the centerpiece of the museum. Built by the Duncan family, who were prosperous merchants, the house exemplifies the early 19th-century affluent residential architecture. Inside, visitors find period furnishings, family artifacts, and changing exhibits that explore different facets of Haverhill’s past.

John Ward House (1710–1810): Originally constructed by Reverend John Ward, the town’s first minister, this colonial-era house is one of the oldest buildings in Haverhill. It has been preserved to provide insight into early colonial life, including domestic arrangements, religious practices, and town governance. It also functions as an educational site for school groups and special programs.

Daniel Hunkins Shoe Shop (circa 1859): This small, utilitarian building represents Haverhill’s historic shoemaking industry, which was central to the city’s economic development in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The shop showcases the craftsmanship and cottage industry methods used before industrial-scale manufacturing took over. Exhibits inside include original shoemaking tools and finished products, illustrating the skill and labor of local artisans.

Collectively, these buildings form the Haverhill Historical Society Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasizing their architectural and cultural significance.

Collections and Exhibitions

Buttonwoods Museum’s extensive collections span over 375 years of local history and are curated to tell the stories of the city’s diverse communities, industries, and notable individuals:

Ayer-Elliot Hall: This exhibit space, added in 1918, houses a wide range of artifacts, including Native American items, military memorabilia from various conflicts, decorative arts, and objects related to everyday life in Haverhill. It highlights the cultural and historical continuity of the region.

Archaeological Artifacts: The museum holds the Frederick A. Luce Collection, a valuable assemblage of Native American artifacts that illuminate the pre-colonial history of the Merrimack River Valley and its original inhabitants.

Shoemaking Industry Memorabilia: Haverhill was once dubbed the “Queen Slipper City” due to its prominence in shoemaking. The museum’s collection includes machinery, tools, patterns, and footwear that document the rise and eventual decline of this industry, which shaped the city’s economy and workforce.

The Moody Collection: This collection honors William H. Moody, a prominent Haverhill native who served as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Secretary of the Navy. The exhibit includes personal papers, photographs, and artifacts that highlight his life and public service.

Temporary and Thematic Exhibits: The museum regularly updates its galleries with exhibits that explore specific themes or community stories. For example, the exhibit "A Seat at the Table" celebrates diversity and inclusion by amplifying the voices and histories of marginalized groups in Haverhill, reflecting the museum’s commitment to a broad, inclusive narrative.

Educational and Community Role

Buttonwoods Museum functions not only as a repository of artifacts but as an active center for education and community engagement. It offers:

School Programs: Tailored tours and interactive workshops that bring local history to life for students of all ages, helping them connect with the region’s heritage.

Public Programs and Lectures: Events that invite historians, authors, and community leaders to discuss topics relevant to Haverhill’s past and present.

Collaborations: Partnerships with other cultural institutions and local organizations to promote heritage preservation and cultural awareness.

Recently, the museum undertook a significant renovation funded by grants totaling around $300,000 from the Cummings Foundation and the Essex County Community Foundation. This project included modernizing exhibit spaces with interactive technology and designing a more visitor-friendly layout to better showcase the city’s history and diversity.

Visiting Information

Location: 240 Water Street, Haverhill, MA 01830, situated along the Merrimack River near downtown Haverhill.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Closed on Mondays.

The museum’s main visiting season runs from early May through October, but many educational programs continue year-round.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $7

Seniors: $5

Children: $3

Membership options are available for frequent visitors.

Accessibility: The museum strives to accommodate all visitors, though some historic buildings may have architectural limitations.

Significance and Legacy

Buttonwoods Museum stands as a vital cultural institution preserving the multifaceted history of Haverhill, from its Native American roots through colonial settlement, industrial boom, and into the modern era. Through its carefully preserved buildings, extensive collections, and dynamic programming, the museum offers a comprehensive narrative of the city’s development, its people, and their stories.

The museum’s dedication to inclusivity and modernization ensures that it remains relevant to today’s audiences while honoring the past, making it an essential destination for historians, residents, and visitors interested in exploring the heritage of northeastern Massachusetts.