A Century on Church Green: Celebrating 100 Years at Bristol Academy

Welcome to a year-long celebration of 100 years on Church Green!
From 1926 to 2026, the building that houses the Old Colony History Museum has been at the heart of our community. To mark this milestone, we’re introducing a series of innovative programs and projects that honor our past while setting the stage for the museum’s future.

Featured Blog:

Featured Program:

Take a 45-minute illustrated journey through a century of history inside the Bristol Academy building. Discover little-known stories, rare archival materials, and behind-the-scenes secrets that reveal the life of this iconic landmark.

January 29, 2026
Registration Link

Featured Initiatives & Highlights

We’re excited to launch a brand-new audio tour of the Old Colony History Museum. Featuring 40 carefully curated stops, this tour is designed to take you beyond the exhibit labels and into the rich stories that bring our region’s history to life.

Whether it’s the fascinating people who lived here, the events that shaped our community, or the surprising details hidden in our galleries, each stop is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. The tour will also feature multilingual options, making history accessible to all visitors.

Perfect for self-guided visits, families, school groups, and lifelong learners, our audio tour offers a dynamic, interactive way to experience the museum.

Our historic grounds are getting a fresh new look! The redesigned OCHM Garden will be a welcoming, beautiful space where visitors can explore, reflect, and connect with the history and natural environment of Church Green.

In partnership with the Wildlands Trust, this project will:

  • Restore native habitat to support local wildlife and pollinators;
  • Improve stormwater management and ecological function in a publicly accessible downtown space;
  • Create an outdoor learning environment for hands-on education about biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable stewardship; and
  • Expand our on-site parking.

Thoughtfully curated plantings, pathways, and gathering spaces will make history and nature come alive together. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful spot to reflect, learn, and discover how the past, present, and natural world intertwine—bringing Church Green to life beyond our walls.

In the spirit of Bristol Academy—originally built as a place of learning—we’re excited to introduce OCHM Academy, a bold new series of adult education programs designed to bring local history to life like never before.

These courses offer in-depth exploration, engaging storytelling, and hands-on experiences, giving adults the opportunity to uncover the stories, people, and events that shaped our region. From expert-led discussions to behind-the-scenes explorations of our collection, OCHM Academy invites learners to dig deeper into the past.

Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for a unique cultural experience, OCHM Academy provides dynamic programs that connect the past to the present in meaningful and memorable ways.

Our first courses will begin this fall, stay tuned!

What Else We Are Planning for 2026

Support the Celebration

Your support helps us preserve our building and keep these programs accessible to all. Donate online or give us a call and learn how you or your business can join our centennial celebrations.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10–4
Location: Old Colony History Museum, 66 Church Green, Taunton, MA
Admission & Tickets: www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/visit/

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of history, community, and stories waiting to be discovered!