The Caleb Cushing House Museum houses the collection of the Historical Society of Old Newbury. The society dates back to 1877 and was organized for the purpose of the study and remembrance of Newbury's history which includes, Newbury, Newburyport, West Newbury, Byfield and Plum Island.

Today the Cushing House offers visitors a trip into Newburyport's past. A fine collection of local furnishings graces its rooms. Unique pieces are featured throughout. The Oriental Room boasts fine early China trade decorative arts including four magnificent Chinese coastal Hong paintings. In the canopy bedroom stands a carved 17th century Dutch cradle and a three-sided crib.

Collections abound in the Cushing House. Among them are silver, needlework, antique fans, hatboxes and 19th century toys. An extensive clock collection includes examples made by local master clockmakers David Wood and Daniel Balch. A Cecelia Beaux portrait of Margaret Cushing and paintings done in 1801 by John Brewster, Jr., of Newburyport's Prince family are a sampling of the scores of the notable portraits on display.

The Cushing House also maintains a collection of area maps, photographs and genealogical references representative of the area's past.