The Berkley Historical Society

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

T-Shirts are now available online for Berkley’s 250 Celebration!

Azure WAF JS Challenge

06/08/2026

Monday Moments from the Museum…

As we are finally in that time of year with gardens being prepared and so much to do on farms and in our yards we can think about how our tools used to be made. Quality tools, made locally to last.

This item is an antique "Fairy" water hose nozzle featuring an integrated shut-off valve, originally patented around May 11, 1878 and manufactured by companies like ⁠Peck Bros & Co or ⁠Landers, Frary & Clark was made to last!

Ames shovels were made in Easton and are the standard even today for superior quality. Tools were cared for and repaired as needed.

Come see our beautiful collection of tools every Tuesday from 10-1. We will also be open during Berkley Celebrates America’s 250 on June 28. The event will be 10-10 and the museum will be open 10-3.

More details here:
https://townofberkleyma.gov/bos/berkley-celebrates-americas-250th/

06/01/2026

Monday Moments from the Museum…
I wanted to share this fun history from Dighton. What specialized crops do you remember from Berkley? I know my favorite sweet corn ever came from Stetson Farm!

05/28/2026

Thank you to Malloch Construction for building and installing our new cornice! We appreciate all you do to support Berkley and the Historical Society!

05/25/2026

Monday Moments from the Museum…

Today we honor all those who serve. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to protect our freedom, safety and security.

05/18/2026

Monday Moments from the Museum…

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday we would do well to remember all who served to make and keep us free. On June 28 we will see an exciting celebration on the Common. We will have re-enactors and displays and demonstrations which will bring history alive! Check out the Celebrations page for more info.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CXEFDUiaC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Berkley Historical Society Museum has a wonderful military display which includes uniforms and memorabilia from many local residents. This display includes the authentic Civil War uniform and kit from our own Levi Crane. And when you drive over Rt. 24 on Padelford St. your notice the dedication to Hollis Jennings. Our display also includes an extensive collection of artifacts of this young man whose life was cut so short. Other notable and ordinary residents are honored here.

Stop by every Tuesday from 10AM to 1PM.

05/04/2026

Monday Moments from the Museum…

This antique dresser box or trinket box served as the decorative outer case for the chamberstick set or travel "go-to-bed" chambersticks were sometimes sold in matched sets with a protective or decorative box, especially during the Victorian era. The monogram on the lid suggests it was a personalized item, possibly part of a larger vanity or dressing table set.

The Box Appears to be made of silver plate (possibly "quadruple plate") over a base metal like copper or brass. The yellowish areas on the lid are where the silver plating has worn away, revealing the metal underneath—a common sign of age.
The Chamberstick: This is a portable candle holder designed with a dish base to catch wax. The detached cylindrical piece is the candle nozzle. The ringed piece is a snuffer or extinguisher used to safely put out the flame.
Such sets were designed for both function and portability. The chamberstick would be used for nighttime illumination, often for the short walk to a bedroom, which is why they are sometimes called "so to bed" candlesticks. When not in use, the candle holder and its components could be stored inside the matching monogrammed box to keep them clean and protected.

Come visit us on Tuesdays from 10-1 and take a peak at all our illuminating artifacts!