THE SAWIN BUILDING HAS BEEN HOME for thousands of Dover relics, books, photographs and artifacts for almost a hundred years. Benjamin and Eudora Sawin willed land and funds to the Society along with their old household goods so that the building could be erected, and it was dedicated on May 14, 1907 by members and friends of the Dover Historical Society.
In the early years it was used for meetings and to house Dover's historical memorabilia, but eventually members became disenchanted with the Society and the building was seldom opened. In the 1960's there was a renewed interest in the Historical Society which led to the general overhaul and refurbishing of the building so it could be used and enjoyed by all.
THE SAWIN MUSEUM, located at the corner of Centre and Dedham Streets in Dover Center, is open to the public April through June and September through November on Saturday afternoons from 1-4 p.m., or by appointment. The museum houses an outstanding collection of domestic, agricultural and early industrial tools from the late 18th and 19th centuries as well as many other exhibits illustrative of Dover history. The museum is owned and operated by the Dover Historical Society and is open to the public free of charge. Phone: 785-0567
Here are just a few of the things you will find:
Manniquin ladies in old fashioned dresses, quilts, powderhorns and
cannonballs
Beautiful old china and an ancient cobbler's bench
Wooden hayrakes and home made doll houses
A scale model diorama of the Old Center of Dover
c.1876
The old sign that hung on a tree in front of
Capt. John Williams' Tavern in 1820
and many other interesting old Dover relics....