Golden Ball Tavern, Colonial tavern museum in Weston, Massachusetts.
The Golden Ball Tavern is a colonial tavern building in Weston, Massachusetts, featuring a two-story wood frame with a hip roof and traditional clapboard siding. It now operates as a museum displaying furnishings and household items that belonged to the people who lived there.
The building was constructed in 1768 by Captain Isaac Jones as a tavern that initially served Loyalist sympathizers during the American Revolution. The Jones family's political stance eventually shifted toward supporting independence, reflecting the changing views of the era.
The name refers to the golden ball sign that once hung outside to guide travelers along the road. Inside, the rooms are filled with furniture and household items that show how a single family lived and worked across many decades.
The site is open to visitors by guided tour, which can be arranged ahead of time and provide insights into colonial daily life and household management. It is best to contact the location beforehand to confirm availability and learn what to expect during your visit.
The museum preserves an unusually complete collection of original family belongings, whereas most colonial sites display reproductions or scattered artifacts. This rare assemblage of genuine items offers a direct window into how a prosperous merchant family actually lived day to day.
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