01/24/2026
Swift River Museum would like to share the following news with our followers.
Quabbin Museum Sells Rare Artifact to Secure Future Preservation Efforts
New Salem, Mass – January 23, 2026 – The Swift River Valley Historical Society (SRVHS), the leading resource in preserving the artifacts, stories and records of the lost towns of the Swift River Valley, has announced the successful sale of a seventeenth century artifact from its collection. The Symon and Rebeckah Horne Pilgrim Century valuables cabinet, attributed to the Symonds shops of Salem, Massachusetts and dated 1677, was sold by Sotheby’s in New York, achieving $1.6 million.
The decision to sell the piece was made after a thorough review by the museum's board of directors. The cabinet, while valuable and historically significant, was owned by a family that moved to the Swift River Valley from eastern Massachusetts, and did not directly support the museum's core mission to preserve and interpret the history of the Swift River Valley towns that were destroyed to build the Quabbin Reservoir, Boston’s water supply.
“This is not a decision the board made lightly,” said Judith McIntosh, Chair of the SRVHS Board of Directors. “We are deeply committed to our mission to preserve the history of the Swift River Valley. The sale allows us to strengthen our operations, make much-needed capital improvements, and expand educational programming that serves the greater community.”
Proceeds from the sale will be used to make capital improvements and accessibility updates to the Whitaker-Clary House, fund long term maintenance of museum buildings, and implement a new strategic plan.
“We understand that the community places great trust in us as stewards of Quabbin history,” said McIntosh. “This sale ensures that we can devote greater resources to fulfilling our mission.”
The Swift River Valley Museum is open during the summer season and by appointment. For a glimpse into the life of each of the four lost towns, visit the Whitaker-Clary House, Prescott Church Museum, and Carriage Shed at the historical society’s location at 40 Elm Street, New Salem, Massachusetts.
About the Swift River Valley Historical Society
The Swift River Valley Historical Society is the leading resource in preserving the artifacts, stories and records of the towns that were lost in order to create the Quabbin Reservoir water supply that serves eastern Massachusetts: Prescott, Dana, Enfield, and Greenwich. SRVHS collaborates with communities, organizations and agencies to provide educational opportunities and programs about the history of this region and to ensure appropriate management and protection of those resources and artifacts, including the Quabbin watershed, to engage public interest and support.
The Swift River Historical Museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 PM from June to September. Admission to the museum is free. Read more at www.swiftrivermuseum.org, or on Facebook at Swift River Valley Historical Society.
Photo: Lynne Shaw, SRVHS Board Member and Erik Gronning, Senior Advisor, American Furniture, Folk Art and Decorative Arts
Sotheby’s
