In 2020 we launched Access for All & More, our biggest capital campaign yet, to update our historic building and create a truly inclusive experience. We thank all the businesses, museum members, neighbors, and friends who have donated so far. The newly accessible and renovated spaces are almost complete and we've raised 97% of our goal, but we still need your help! You can learn more by checking out our website.

A note about donors: This campaign has received donations from over 230 individual donors and businesses so far. Not all of those donations are listed individually on this GiveButter platform, but will be recognized on our website and all donations $1000 and over will be memorialized on an exterior donor recognition display at the Museum.

Capital Campaign Goal:

Phase 1 & 2 = $2.75 million

Donor Recognition Display:

All donations $1000 and over will be memorialized on an exterior donor recognition display at the Museum. The last date to be included on this display is November 4, 2023. Donate today and be remembered forever!

Access for All & More Celebration Event:

Join us for the celebration of this successful campaign and visit the Museum's renovated, accessible spaces.

What Accessibility Includes:

The Museum will meet the standards required of a museum and cultural organization in the 21st century.
The new entrance will allow access to all three floors and public areas of this elegant building.
All visitors will have the opportunity to see and appreciate the beautiful, newly restored, and historic double flying staircase created by Charles Bulfinch in 1792 for a patron living in what is now Somerville.
All visitors will have a chance to hear live music performances, listen to stimulating lectures, and see thought-provoking exhibits.
All visitors will be able to access the ADA-compliant restrooms.
Climate control will be introduced to preserve the historic collections.
Access to the collections will be improved.
Important pieces of the collection can be conserved knowing that these efforts will be sustained by the improved environment.
Students, artists, researchers, and conservators will be supported in activities at the Museum through access to a new multipurpose room.
Civic cultural organizations will be able to use the Museum as a cultural center again.
As an ADA-compliant organization, the Museum will be eligible for federal and state grants.

About the Somerville Museum:

Located in the heart of the City at the intersection of Central Street and Westwood Road, the Somerville Museum has served as the community’s cultural institution for nearly a century. The Museum’s Federal Revival building was constructed in the 1920’s to house the growing collection of the Somerville Historical Society. In the 1980’s, with a changing demographic and the need to expand the mission of the Society, a handful of committed individuals raised the funds to fully renovate and restore the building. The result was the newly consecrated Somerville Museum, which officially reopened in 1988.

While specializing in the visual arts — including many exhibits with both historical and local significance – the Museum also offers musical and lecture series, a number carried out in collaboration with Somerville’s public schools. An important meeting place for local historical and cultural organizations, the Museum has a long tradition of encouraging hands-on learning projects for young and old alike.

As the only membership supported, non-profit, volunteer-run, community-based cultural institution of its kind in Somerville, members and volunteers are always welcome.

Access for All & More Capital Campaign

Your neighbor is a museum

Team Members