NEWBURYPORT — An 18th century earthenware rum jug has been loaned to the Museum of Old Newbury from the Arnold Expedition Historical Society in central Maine. This unique artifact signifies Newburyport’s only connection to the well-known expedition led by Benedict Arnold, who is often remembered as both a hero and a traitor.

The rum jug, which dates back to the 1700s, was not originally in pristine condition; it was discovered in multiple pieces before being painstakingly restored in 1974. On Wednesday, Bethany Groff Dorau, the director of the Museum of Old Newbury, personally collected the jug and brought it to the museum’s Cushing House, located on High Street, for a thorough examination.

This jug is not just a historical item; it embodies a narrative that intertwines with the local history of Newburyport and the broader tale of the American Revolution—a period marked by significant events and figures, including Arnold himself.

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• Museum of Old Newbury
• Benedict Arnold