Key Points
- The Old Colony History Museum in Taunton has opened a new exhibition exploring the legacy of Reed & Barton, the historic silver manufacturer.
- The exhibition is titled “Reed & Barton: Building the Silver City.”
- It marks 10 years since Reed & Barton ceased operations in Taunton, where it was once the city’s largest employer.
- The exhibit examines the company’s industrial history, workforce, designers, and manufacturing processes.
- It also highlights how Reed & Barton’s success led to the rise of other silver companies in Taunton.
- Visitors can access the newly launched Reed & Barton Virtual Archive, a comprehensive digital resource connecting known collections worldwide.
- The virtual archive is available both onsite and online at reedandbartonvirtualarchive.org.
- The museum is located at 66 Church Green, Taunton, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
- Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under.
- Guided tours are available daily at noon and are included with admission.
- The exhibition and accompanying reporting were covered by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, part of the USA Today Network, with assistance from Artificial Intelligence under strict editorial oversight.
Barton (Oxford News Daily) January 31, 2026, The Old Colony History Museum has opened a major new exhibition examining the legacy of Reed & Barton, the once-dominant silver manufacturer whose influence shaped Taunton’s identity as the “Silver City” for more than a century.
The exhibition, titled “Reed & Barton: Building the Silver City,” marks the tenth anniversary of the company ceasing operations in Taunton and brings together artefacts, archival materials, and digital resources to explore the firm’s industrial, cultural, and social impact. The initiative seeks not only to preserve the memory of Reed & Barton but also to contextualise its role in shaping the city’s workforce, economy, and national reputation for fine silver craftsmanship.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the exhibition has been developed following a community announcement and reflects years of historical research and collaboration between curators, historians, and collectors.
What Is the Focus of the “Reed & Barton: Building the Silver City” Exhibition?
The exhibition centres on the rise, influence, and enduring legacy of Reed & Barton, a silver manufacturing company that became synonymous with Taunton’s industrial identity.
According to reporting by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the exhibition explores not only the products produced by Reed & Barton but also the people behind them – from designers and silversmiths to factory workers and executives. The museum presents Reed & Barton as both an industrial powerhouse and a social institution that shaped daily life in Taunton for generations.
Through curated displays, visitors are introduced to the craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic ambition that defined the company’s output, as well as the broader economic ecosystem that grew around its success.
Why Is Reed & Barton So Important to Taunton’s History?
Reed & Barton was once the largest silver company in Taunton and played a central role in establishing the city’s reputation as a hub of silver manufacturing in the United States.
As outlined in The Taunton Gazette’s coverage, the company’s success encouraged the emergence of other silver manufacturers in the city, creating an industrial cluster that provided employment to thousands and shaped Taunton’s economic development.
The exhibition situates Reed & Barton within this wider context, examining how its growth influenced urban development, labour patterns, and Taunton’s standing on the national and international stage.
How Does the Exhibit Mark the 10th Anniversary of Reed & Barton’s Closure?
The exhibition coincides with the tenth anniversary of Reed & Barton ceasing operations in Taunton, a milestone that museum officials describe as both reflective and forward-looking.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the anniversary provides an opportunity to revisit the company’s legacy with historical distance, acknowledging both its achievements and the impact of its closure on the local community.
Rather than focusing solely on loss, the exhibition frames the anniversary as a moment to celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and the generations of workers whose skills defined the company’s success.
What Stories of People and Craftsmanship Are Highlighted?
A key element of the exhibition is its focus on the individuals who designed and manufactured Reed & Barton’s products.
According to The Taunton Gazette, the exhibit delves into the lives and contributions of designers, artisans, and factory workers, illustrating how their expertise translated into internationally recognised silverware. Tools, design sketches, and finished pieces are displayed to demonstrate the evolution of techniques and styles over time.
By foregrounding personal stories, the museum aims to humanise industrial history and underline the collective effort behind Reed & Barton’s reputation.
How Did Reed & Barton Influence Other Silver Companies in Taunton?
The exhibition also examines how Reed & Barton’s prominence acted as a catalyst for the development of other silver manufacturers in Taunton.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the company’s success created a skilled workforce and a supportive industrial environment that allowed other firms to emerge. These interconnected businesses reinforced Taunton’s identity as the “Silver City” and contributed to sustained economic growth.
The exhibit situates Reed & Barton as both a leader and an anchor within this broader industrial network.
What Is the Reed & Barton Virtual Archive?
One of the exhibition’s major features is the launch of the Reed & Barton Virtual Archive, a newly released digital resource designed to connect all known Reed & Barton collections.
According to The Taunton Gazette, the archive brings together materials from museums, private collectors, and institutions, offering unprecedented access to the company’s historical record. The digital archive is available both onsite at the Old Colony History Museum and online at reedandbartonvirtualarchive.org.
Museum officials describe the archive as a living resource that will continue to grow as new materials are identified and contributed.
How Can Visitors Access the Virtual Archive?
Visitors to the Old Colony History Museum can explore the Reed & Barton Virtual Archive during their visit, using onsite digital access points.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the archive is also accessible remotely, allowing researchers, collectors, and the general public to explore Reed & Barton’s legacy from anywhere in the world.
The digital format is intended to expand the reach of the exhibition beyond the museum’s physical walls and support ongoing historical research.
Where Is the Old Colony History Museum Located and When Is It Open?
The Old Colony History Museum is located at 66 Church Green, Taunton.
According to information published by The Taunton Gazette, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
This schedule allows both local residents and visitors to engage with the exhibition throughout the week.What Are the Admission Fees and Tour Options?
Admission to the museum is structured to remain accessible to a broad audience.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, entry costs $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors aged 62 and over, and is free for children aged 12 and under.
Guided tours are offered daily at noon and are included with the cost of admission, providing visitors with additional context and expert insight into the exhibition.
What Message Is the Museum Sharing With Visitors?
The Old Colony History Museum has positioned the exhibition as an invitation to explore both local and national history through the lens of Reed & Barton.
As stated on the museum’s website and reported by The Taunton Gazette, the institution says:
“We are excited to welcome you to the Old Colony History Museum. Our collection brings the past to life, sharing the rich and diverse experiences that shape our world today. We can’t wait to welcome you for your next historical adventure.”
This message reflects the museum’s broader mission to connect historical narratives with contemporary audiences.
Who Reported This Story and How Was It Produced?
The story was reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, part of the USA Today Network.
According to the publication’s disclosure, the article was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence, with journalists involved at every stage of information gathering, review, editing, and publishing. Further details on editorial standards are available through the USA Today Network’s ethical conduct guidelines.
Why Does This Exhibition Matter Today?
The Reed & Barton exhibition arrives at a time of renewed interest in industrial heritage and local history.
By combining traditional museum displays with a comprehensive digital archive, the Old Colony History Museum offers a model for how historical institutions can preserve the past while embracing modern technology.
As reported by Beth McDermott of The Taunton Gazette, the exhibition not only commemorates a company but also invites reflection on the broader forces that shape communities, industries, and identities over time.
How Does the Reed & Barton Legacy Continue?
A decade after Reed & Barton ceased operations in Taunton, its legacy remains deeply embedded in the city’s identity.
Through “Reed & Barton: Building the Silver City,” the Old Colony History Museum provides a detailed, balanced exploration of the company’s influence, ensuring that the stories of craftsmanship, labour, and innovation continue to be told.
As the exhibition opens its doors and the virtual archive extends its reach worldwide, Reed & Barton’s history is once again being polished into public view—this time as a shared cultural legacy rather than a commercial enterprise.
