From an exhibit on the history of candlepin bowling to a room dedicated to the Harvey Ball Smiley face, the newly renamed Museum of Worcester is quite interesting. According to the Worcester Telegram, the museum announced during its 150th Anniversary celebration on Friday January 24, that it is changing its name from the Worcester Historical Museum to the Museum of Worcester. This name change reflects a new chapter in the museum’s long history, one that values the input and vision of the Worcester community. 

The museum’s new outlook according to their website is to, “…preserve yesterday while inspiring tomorrow.” The Telegram reports that the galleries, lobby and gift shop have undergone $1.3 million in renovations. Additionally, for all of 2025, tickets to the museum and the neighboring Salisbury Mansion are free thanks to the McDonough Family Charitable Fund. Along with a new name, the Museum’s logo and website have been revamped. 

This is not the first name change for the museum; in fact, the organization has undergone extensive changes throughout their history. In 1875, Samuel Staples invited four friends to his home in Worcester and founded what would eventually develop into the Museum of Worcester. In 1877 the organization was chartered as the Worcester Society of Antiquity. In 1892 the society moved to a new building at 39 Salisbury St.  In 1919 the name was changed to the Worcester Historical Society, and in 1978 a one-word switch made it Worcester Historical Museum. 1988 marked another location change for the museum when it moved into its current building at 30 Elm Street, which allowed for more space for exhibits and offices. This brings us back to today, where the museum has again shifted its mission to reflect the needs and values of the present.

I got the chance to visit the museum myself and it was a treat. The museum is only a short drive from Clark, about eight minutes or so. As I entered the building, Ellen, one of the museum staff greeted me with excitement. This level of warmth and friendliness is something you only find at a small museum like this, and personally, it’s something I love. 

Entering the first hallway there was a small exhibit on the history of the Chin family, the first Chinese family to immigrate to Worcester. Then I moved to the Fuller Gallery, which holds the permanent exhibit, “In Their Shirtsleeves,” which showcases Worcester’s industry since the early nineteenth century. I was shocked at how many products were invented and produced in Worcester, everything from birth control pills to wrenches and even pilot helmets. The gallery also has touch-screen stations where you can learn more about the individual products displayed and the history of different companies in Worcester. 

I then went to the candlepin bowling exhibit, “Strikes, Spares, and Deadwood: Candlepin Bowling.” This exhibit shows the history of this bowling variation, which was invented in Worcester in 1880. There are many artifacts from various defunct Worcester bowling alleys and even a to-scale representation of a bowling lane. 

After visiting the first floor, I headed upstairs to see the room dedicated to the Harvey Ball smiley face, which was both hilarious and informative. There were displays of smiley merchandise, including hats, glass cups and even baby shoes.

Overall, the Museum of Worcester’s name change represents a more community-based, forward-looking approach to showcasing the city’s history, art and culture. It has modernized while managing to keep the character of a local museum. If you have some free time and want to learn more about the history of your city,  it’s certainly worth a visit!