The Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the Baxter House Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month through September. This is in response to requests from interested residents who could not get to the Museum during their working hours.

This historical treasure, first built in 1797, holds precious artwork and rare household items of interest dating from the 1700s through the 1800s. Visitors can use a self-guided tour to move through the formal Parlor, where they will see a chair belonging to Captain Gorham (our town’s namesake) among other items, and into the War Room, where they will see military uniforms of the 1800s and an 1818 reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.

Other rooms include the music room, the kitchen, and the Baxter bedroom, to name a few. Even the hallways and stairwells exhibit historical artwork. Visitors will see a large hand loom in working condition, several curious-looking musical instruments and other valuable items, too numerous to list.

All Gorham’s third graders visit the Museum as part of a unit about the history of Gorham. A docent takes them through the House pointing out and describing individual pieces of particular interest.

For those of you who’ve often wondered what’s inside the Baxter House Museum, here’s your chance to experience one of Gorham’s “best-kept secrets.” In addition to the self-guided tour, volunteer docents will be available to answer specific questions. The Museum is open free of charge, but donations are always appreciated.

You can learn more by stopping at the Museum booth in the Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of each month. Weather permitting, folks will be treated to storytelling and other live demonstrations. A special program is planned for July 4 in commemoration of the country’s 250th birthday. More to come as details are confirmed.