The Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum is located in one of Ashland's earliest residences, a circa 1810 cape. Funds for the purchase and renovation of this historic building were given by Mrs. Glidden. The museum opened to the general public on July 3, 1991. Visitors can view and enjoy more than two thousand antique toys that Mrs. Glidden collected and donated to the museum.

This tastefully displayed toy collection is considered one of the best in northern New England. Items date back to the 1850 nesting blocks containing the story of Who Killed Cock Robin? and include a wonderful doll collection with such favorites as Sunbonnet Babies, Shirley Temple and Raggedy Ann, a large collection of tin toys with many kitchen and laundry items, miniature appliances and furniture, a rare penny toy collection, Royal Bayreuth china, children's books and prints, game boards, push and riding toys, trucks and steam trains and a variety of other interesting and rare pieces. One room is furnished as an old-fashioned school room.

The Ashland Historical Society is deeply grateful to Pauline Glidden for her splendid gift of an outstanding museum.