Reed & Barton Virtual Archive

From its earliest incarnation making pewter ware in 1824 through its growth into silver-plated and then sterling silver goods, Reed & Barton helped develop and define manufacturing in the United States. 

Until its final closing in 2015, the Taunton factory produced metal wares that mirrored the country’s changing tastes, helped build its commerce, and supplied a wide range of customers with quality metal goods.

The history of Reed & Barton is now spread through several libraries, archives, and collections. Each contains a different body of information, from business and legal records to design and marketing documents.  

A 2022 Mass Humanities grant allowed the OCHM to build this centralized virtual archive, linking existing information about Reed & Barton, making it known and available for research, education, and inspiration. 

Baker Library, 

Harvard Business School

Old Colony History Museum

RISD Special Collections