A House Museum in Western Massachusetts with an extensive Button Collection including a permanent exhibit of valuable mosaic buttons, rooms set up to reflect the years that the Keep family lived here, Keep family genealogy, special exhibits. The trails are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing - maps are in the parking lot.
Keywords: museum,house museum,buttons,button collecting,mosaic buttons,antique kitchen utensils,genealogy,Keep family genealogy,nature trails,nature walks,hiking,cross country skiing,natural setting,rural setting,Western Massachusetts
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The museum opened for the first time in 1989. It was bequeathed to the Town of Monson following the death of Myra Keep Lovell Moulton, the last in a long line of the Keep family.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a small, volunteer-run museum with three foci - we're a house museum with all the belongings of a family that lived there for more than 150 years; we are a button museum with one of the largest collections of buttons (amassed by Myra) in the world; and we spotlight nature and natural history with nearly 2 miles of groomed hiking trails.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
The Monson Selectmen appointed a Steering Committee in 1989 to plan how to carry out the wishes of the former owner of the property. At a later date, we became a Board of Directors charged with planning, maintaining and continuing the work of the Steering Committee.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are the only museum with the type of collections in the US.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Only the one location. And no plans to expand.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Visit the website: www.keephomesteadmuseum.org which has a detailed directions page.
What type of payments do you accept?
We have a trust fund left by Myra's will to the Town.
Our Friends of the KHM organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, accepts donations.
Which areas do you service?
We have visitors from all over the world. We have a website, so people from all over learn about us and visit us. We also have visitors from the Keep Family Society, which has members world-wide.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The Town of Monson. The Selectmen appoint the members of the Board of Directors which is responsible for day-to-day operations.
What are your hours of operation?
The first Sunday of each month, from April through December. 1:00-3:30pm
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
They can return for more visits.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
~Elizabeth Andrew