Plymouth Historical Museum Offers a Glimpse of the Past

Devoted historians throughout the country have taken special efforts to ensure the preservation of their respective communities’ history, and Plymouth is no exception. A modest white building, nestled between Residential Life and Town Hall, now houses the Plymouth Historical Museum. Records show, the landmark was completed in 1774 and initially acted as Grafton County Courthouse, where well-known lawyer Daniel Webster argued his first defense case in 1806.At first the courthouse was located near the present-day senior center, but later moved to it’s present location on South Main St. In 1823, a new courthouse was constructed and as a result the museum was abandoned. In 1876, Senator Blair recognized the historical significance of the building and bought it. Blair subsequently formed the Young Ladies Library Association or YLLA, a group who in turn established the Plymouth Library.The library remained in that building until the mid 1980s. A YLLA member passed away and left a sum of money to the town, which they used to construct a new library. In 1991, the new Plymouth Public Library opened in the Pease Building, and it’s former home was rented out by the Plymouth Historical Society, who turned it into the Plymouth Historical Museum. Members of the community donate a majority of museum’s artifacts; these can include anything from photographs to clothing and even furniture.A particularly interesting exhibit is the one on the Draper and Maynard Building, which once served as sporting goods factory which was commonly frequented by former Red Sox slugger Babe Ruth. Currently the museum is entirely volunteer-based. Elsa Turmell, a museum volunteer since 1991 finds her job to be worthwhile. Of her work at the museum, Turmelle said “Preserving the past enriches the town as we know it now by knowing what happened in the past.” The Plymouth Historical Museum is located on Court Street in Plymouth. Admission is free. The museum’s year spans from June 1st through October 31st, on Wednesdays from 3-6 pm and on Saturdays from 11a.m.-2 p.m.