About Us
The Bourne Archives is a Town archives which houses not only the Town's historical documents, but also the archival collections owned by the Bourne Historical Society. The Archives' collections are available to the public for research and browsing, and are housed in the Jonathan Bourne Historical Center (the former Bourne Public Library), which was built overlooking the Cape Cod Canal.
This landmark building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by the well-known architect, Henry Vaughan. Mr. Vaughan has been credited with bringing the English Gothic style to America, and some of his works include portions of the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, New York (particularly the chapels to Saint Boniface, Saint James, and Saint Ansgar); the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D. C. (with George Frederick Bodley); and Christ Church, New Haven, CT--as well as the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which was also commissioned by Miss Bourne.
The Center is a fine example of Vaughan's work, featuring yellow tapestry brick and red slate roof construction along with large Palladian windows. A handsome stained glass window depicting "St. Michael and the Dragon" by Clayton & Bell of London, England graces the reading room.
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