It was here that he spent the last years of his life watching his fame and influence dwindle. In 1908 a small parcel of the original farm was purchased and the cottage acquired and move to this site by the Huguenot Association of New Rochelle and dedicated as a museum and headquarters in 1910. The museum holds artifacts from the Siwanoy Indians, the Huguenots, New Rochelle's early history as well as many items from Thomas Paine's literary work. Some of the holdings of the museum that come from Thomas Paine are some of his original writings and manuscripts, many first editions as well as books, phamplets and art works of Thomas Paine. The small but interesting complex is open April thru November on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm till 5pm, or by appointment.
Tours are available.
If you are interested in the history and thinking of patriotic colonists that was swirling through society leading up to the break with Great Britain, Thomas Paine is probably the most important author and political writer of the time and this museum is an excellent location to discover him. The scale is small, intimate almost, and very accessible. The volunteers and staff are knowledgable about their subject and extremely open to sharing with you what they know. Although it may be a little inconvenient to schedule yourself into the three hour times of operation, it is definitely worth the effort.