Founded in January 1898, the Haverhill Historical Society has spent over 125 years collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich cultural history of the Merrimack Valley. Our collection spans Native American artifacts, colonial-era objects, and the city's storied shoe manufacturing legacy.
Your membership keeps Haverhill's history alive. Free admission, early event access, and the satisfaction of supporting a community treasure. Annual memberships from $25.
Can't commit to a membership? Every dollar helps us preserve artifacts, fund school programs, and maintain our historic buildings for future generations.
New exhibits, events, and stories from Haverhill's past — in your inbox.
Our Story
About Buttonwoods
A community institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Greater Haverhill's remarkable history since 1898.
History
Over 125 Years of Preservation
The Haverhill Historical Society was founded in January 1898 by a group of citizens committed to ensuring the city's rich past would not be forgotten. From its earliest days collecting documents and artifacts, the Society has grown into Buttonwoods Museum — a full cultural institution serving the Greater Haverhill community.
Our mission is to collect and preserve history, and to educate the community about Greater Haverhill's past and culture. Haverhill's story spans Native American settlement, colonial farming, the booming shoe industry, and today's diverse and vibrant city.
The Team
Meet Our Staff
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Executive Director
Leads the museum's strategic vision, community partnerships, and long-term preservation goals.
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Curator
Manages collections, develops exhibits, and guides research access for scholars and the public.
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Education Director
Develops school programs, public lectures, and community outreach initiatives.
Stay Connected
Museum news delivered to your inbox.
Explore & Attend
Visit Buttonwoods
Plan your trip, explore our programs, and find upcoming events — all in one place.
Hours
Open May 1 – October 31
Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Closed November – April
Admission
Adults: $8
Seniors (65+): $6
Children under 12: Free
Members: Always Free
Location
240 Water Street Haverhill, MA 01830 Free parking on site.
Hands-on, engaging experiences for schools, families, and lifelong learners.
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Hearth Cooking Demonstrations
Colonial-era recipes over an open hearth. Offered seasonally — check the Events Calendar for dates.
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School Field Trips
Curriculum-aligned programs for grades K–12, tailored to Massachusetts History frameworks.
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Walking Tours
Guided tours of historic Haverhill led by our knowledgeable staff.
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Lectures & Talks
Evening and weekend lectures on Native American history, industrial Haverhill, immigration, and beyond.
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Museum From Home
Virtual programs and digital resources you can enjoy from anywhere.
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Family Programs
Hands-on activities designed for families with young children.
Upcoming
Don't Miss These
Mar
8
Hearth Cooking Demonstration
Free with museum admission.
Program
Mar
15
Members' Morning
Early access before public hours, light refreshments. Members only.
Members
Mar
22
Walking Tour: Old Haverhill
Guided walk through historic downtown.
Tour
Apr
5
Spring Lecture: The Shoe Industry & Immigration
19th century Haverhill's transformation through shoe manufacturing.
Lecture
Apr
19
School Vacation Family Day
Special activities during school vacation week.
Family
Full Calendar
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Google Calendar
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Explore the Museum
Exhibits & Collections
Rotating exhibits, a permanent collection of 10,000+ objects, and an archive open to researchers.
On Now
Rotating Exhibits
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Colonial Life in the Merrimack Valley
Step inside the daily rhythms of 17th and 18th century Haverhill.
On Now
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River & Trade: Haverhill's Port History
How the Merrimack River shaped the city across centuries.
Opening April
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Haverhill Through the Lens
A photographic journey through the 20th century from our archive.
Coming Summer
Photo Gallery
From Our Collection
Always On View
Permanent Collection
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Native American Heritage
Artifacts, tools, and cultural objects from the Pennacook and Merrimack peoples.
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The Shoe Capital
Haverhill was once the shoe manufacturing capital of the world. Explore the machines, products, and stories.
Highlights
Curator's Top Picks
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Pennacook Stone Tools
Pre-contact tools from the Merrimack valley, over 3,000 years old.
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Original Town Charter
A handwritten copy of Haverhill's original colonial charter.
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19th Century Shoe Molds
Wooden lasts from Haverhill factories at the height of the shoe industry.
Research Access
Visit Our Archive
Researchers, genealogists, and historians are welcome to access our archive by appointment. Our staff can help locate records, photographs, maps, and documents related to Greater Haverhill history.
Join the Haverhill Historical Society and help preserve Greater Haverhill's history for generations to come. Senior memberships available for ages 65+.
Annual Memberships
Choose Your Level
All memberships are valid for one year and include free general admission, our quarterly e-Newsletter, and a 10% discount in the museum shop.
