In Boston, aka "Bean Town", The Museum of Fine Arts has a nice collection of early American furniture.
The North Bennett St. School in Boston, They date back to the 1800's, They have a superb reputation for teaching "traditional wood working trades" especially furniture making.
If you make a contact you may be able to get a shop tour at "Old Ironsides" The USS Constitution.
The Peabody Essex Museum, in Salem, Massachusetts has had several very high quality collections. One was a collection of Seymour and most recently a collection from china. You can find information about both with links at Fine Woodworking magazine, and
www.pem.org
Renown American wood conservator, author, teacher, Phil Lowe, owner of The Furniture Institute in Beverly, Mass Just across the bridge form Salem, 4-5 miles.
If you need any additional assistance just drop a note.
Ron