Explore Somerset through different interests: time outdoors and insights into local history. The Taunton River Trail heads north from Somerset, and Pierce Beach is on the Taunton River. At the Somerset Historical Society Museum, both the institution’s history and notable exhibits come to the fore. When planning a stay, this offers an initial choice: should the focus be on trails and outdoor activities, or on the museum’s historical topics? The following options provide concrete starting points.

Trails and outdoor activities

The Taunton River Trail heads north from Somerset. Pierce Beach is on the same river, but it is a beach rather than a northbound route. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between a trail as an activity and the beach as a place by the river. The Taunton River is the shared geographical reference; the two descriptions present different ways to spend time outdoors.

Fishing is possible at Somerset’s Waterfront Park, while Buffinton Park offers walking trails. These are two more specific ways to spend time outdoors: fishing and walks. You can make your choice based on which activity you would like to include in your stay, rather than grouping both parks under the same purpose for an outing.

History and exhibits

In 1988, the museum was named the James E. Bradbury Museum. After the school closed, the Somerset Historical Society moved its museum to the Village School. These are two distinct aspects of the society’s history: the museum’s naming and its relocation after the school closed. The year refers to the naming; the move was linked to the school’s closure.

The Pottery Room houses the last potter’s wheel used in Somerset. The Indigenous People's Room contains artifacts from local archaeological excavations. The two rooms have different focuses: one features a specific named object from the pottery trade, while the other displays finds from local archaeology. The exhibits range from a single craft object to archaeological evidence with local connections.

Taken together, the museum’s themes cover both the history of the Somerset Historical Society and objects and finds from local history. This gives travelers interested in local history several starting points: they can explore the institution’s development or focus on tangible historical evidence.

Historical Society meetings

The Somerset Historical Society meetings are held at the museum, are open to everyone, and are free of charge. Meeting dates may change. If you would like to include a meeting in your stay, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Westport, Dartmouth, North Attleboro, New Bedford, Raynham, Attleboro, Fairhaven, Freetown

For the broader travel guide: Bristol.