The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum is a time capsule from the 1830s in the heart of Berlin. Frozen in time at the peak of its Federal-era grandeur, the house is an exceptional example of 19th-century architecture. Wander through the meticulously restored rooms and admire period furnishings and decorations. Check out the adjoining gallery to see a collection of locally sourced memorabilia and antiques.
Strolling along Berlin Main Street, you’ll find it hard not to notice the exquisite old homestead overlooking a spacious English-style garden. The three-floor timber building has a steeply pitched roof and a charming Federal-style portico. Admire the building’s symmetrical façade and pretty shuttered windows. Enter the building to go on a trip through time.
Inside, you’ll find a series of superb rooms faithfully fitted out with Victorian-period furnishings. The contrasting colors and patterns throughout the rooms may seem like a clash today, but at the time it was the peak of fashion. Admire the ornate décor of the sitting room and the master bedroom. Imagine how it would have appeared in the 1830s, immediately after it was constructed.
Make your way into the house’s west wing to find a fascinating gallery. This section is dedicated to an impressive collection of local memorabilia, which is displayed in themed cabinets. Explore the homestead’s pretty gardens. Stroll around the lawn or rest in the shade of a tree.
For local insight into the house museum and memorabilia displays, join a docent-guided tour. If you are visiting in the summer, check out the program of events held on the museum’s lawn. You might see live local music or recitals.
The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum is a landmark homestead in the Berlin Main Street district. It is easy to reach on foot from the town center. The museum is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend to the end of October.
