Much has happened at the Sawin Museum over the past year, both inside and out. The original slate roof has been repaired and the alarm system updated.

The lower level badly needed a face lift. With new flooring and other alterations, the space was transformed into a series of displays     highlighting domestic items, early school life and the crafts of past citizens of Dover.

The collections have been enriched by pieces from several houses in Dover, including some vital, but rather large and heavy kitchen fixtures. One was a traditional ice box that required the efforts of a dedicated team of porters early one steamy summer morning.

Later, on a cold winter’s day, another “gang” grappled with a 400 pound terracotta sink, debating whether it would fit through the door.

But it did, just, and now completes the laundry and kitchen displays with its shiny 100 year old brass taps.

All the lower level exhibits, were designed, installed and labelled by Lori Carbone with pedagogy in mind.

The main floor too has been re-imagined, with Eudora and Benjamin Sawin receiving due recognition. Their portraits adorn the walls along with those of other notable Doverites. Two exhibits focus on Pre-Contact Native Peoples, and the Wilson Farm archeological site with items from one of our first settler families.

The two long cases tell the distinctive story of Dover’s development from the early contact period through to today.  Of special interest is the little known history of both domestic and commercial enterprises. They con- tributed to the economy, far beyond Dover, for two hundred years, and one of these is still in operation today. 

Priscilla Jones developed the concept and Pam Kunkemueller created the exhibits which play a significant role in the educational mission of the museum.

Of note also in the main hall is the one-of-a-kind clock made in 1857 by A.C. Rice, a mechanic by profession, which is now restored and has been repaired by horologist Michael Poisson.

The Williams Tavern Corner with its allegorical mural painted by Diane Ficcardi Gilson, who grew up opposite the museum, is brand new and recreates an idea of Dover’s main social center for well over two centuries.

Nor has the top floor been neglected, and Eileen White has completely re-arranged the space with displays focusing on children’s toys, period apparel, and other significant domestic or personal possessions, including bibles, watches and vanity sets.

Also of note are the three cabinets exhibiting items mostly with a Dover connection that date from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and World Wars I and II.

By Stuart Swiny