Thornton W. Burgess Museum

Thornton W. Burgess Museum Review

The Thornton W. Burgess Museum is dedicated to the Sandwich native whose tales of Peter Cottontail, Reddy Fox, and a host of other creatures of the Old Briar Patch have been part of children's bedtimes for decades. Thornton Burgess (1874-1965), an avid conservationist, made his characters behave true to their species to educate children as he entertained them. Storytelling sessions, often including the live animal that the Burgess story is about, take place regularly in July and August. In the Discovery Room, kids can use their imaginations in the prop-filled classroom. On display are some of Burgess's 170 books (although children are welcome here, the exhibits are of the don't-touch variety). The small gift shop carries puppets, Burgess books, and Pairpoint Crystal cup plates decorated with Burgess characters.