Thomas Paine Cottage Museum

As a new member of the Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association, I was given a free private tour of the Thomas Paine Cottage which the Association owns. I heard it would be a quick visit with limited exhibits, but I was pleasantly surprised how much they offer in such a small space. The first floor is dedicated to Paine and the revolutionary war period. What they lack in actual artifacts, they make up for with reproductions they encouraged us to take a closer look at. It was great for my 10-year-old as it kept him occupied and engaged. He was especially happy when taking selfies with the Paine mannequin in costume they allowed him to wear. Their second floor is a bunch of small rooms that offer glimpses of New Rochelle history. They actually have a small cannon that again, my 10-year loved as he held a cannon ball. We ventured out onto their grounds where there are several items of interest. Finishing in their one room schoolhouse was great for adults and my son alike. I even enjoyed writing with a quill pen. It's great to see after long battles with floods and repairs all areas are slowly reopening. As of May 2025, some were still closed but my family and I will be returning when the entire Cottage reopens. Try and go on a nice weather day, the grounds part of the tour is a great piece.