126 DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN MUSEUMS 



1872 and reorganized in 1910 in a new library building given by Mr. 

 Andrew Carnegie. The collections include prints and engravings of 

 local interest, local portraits in oil, old-time articles of domestic use 

 and manufacture, a few specimens of early local textiles, a small collec- 

 tion of shells, a large collection of birds, a few mammals, a good her- 

 ba rium, and a collection of minerals. The museum is in charge of E. G . 

 Davis, curator, and is open free to the public during library hours. 



i 



LEXINGTON: 



LEXINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Hancock Clark House. 



Staff. Custodian and caretaker, Mrs. Ellen B. Lane. 



Collections. The museum includes many prints and engravings, 

 a small number of oil paintings and water colors, pamphlets, manu- 

 scripts, household articles and clothing of former generations, and 

 other material relating to local history. The collection now numbers 

 over 1000 items, and a fireproof vault is provided for the more valu- 

 able articles. 



Historical Sketch. The society was organized by Rev. E. G. 

 Porter at the time of the centennial of the battle of Lexington, 1875, 

 and its museum has grown constantly since that time. 



Financial Support. The society has funds and property to the 

 value of about $25,000; also a fund of $10,000, the income of which is 

 devoted to historical research relative to the revolutionary period. 

 The house and collection are maintained by voluntary contributions 

 from visitors. 



Building. The house was built in 169S by Rev. John Hancock 

 and was used as a parsonage at the time of the revolution. Samuel 

 Adams and John Hancock were staying here when Paul Revere gave 

 the alarm of the approach of the British, April 19, 1775. The house 

 provides a total floor space of about 1500 square feet. 



Administration. By a custodian and committee responsible to 

 the society. 



Scope. Preservation of historical records and material, and the 

 promotion of the study of local history. 



Library. A fairly extensive historical library is maintained for 

 the use of both staff and public. 



Publications. The society has published 3 volumes of Proceed- 

 ings composed entirely of local history; a volume of epitaphs and 

 inscriptions from the old cemeteries of the town, and a handbook of 

 Lexington. A new history of Lexington in two volumes is now in 

 preparation. 



