Alden House Historic House Site
105 Alden Street
Duxbury, MA 02331
Telephone: 781-934-9092
Fax: 781-924-9149
E-mail: curator@alden.org
Website: http://www.alden.org/
Homestead of Mayflower Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden lived only this family through four centuries. Large house with original structure of mid 1600's.
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Back Roads of the South Shore
c/o Duxbury Rural & Historical Society
PO Box 2865
Duxbury MA 02331
781-934-6106
781-934-5730
E-mail: pbrowne@duxburyhistory.org
Website: http://www.southshorebackroads.org
Back Roads of the South Shore is a collaborative project of thirteen leading historic sites in eight towns along the south shore of Massachusetts. The group is dedicated to creating an awareness of the area's historic gems and celebrating the heritage and spirit of the region. The group's first cooperative endeavor is the publication of a joint brochure guiding visitors to historic sites along Plymouth County's Route 3A. The project was launched on June 28, 2003 with an Open House Day and public reception. Historic sites from Hingham to Plymouth include- the Old Ordinary in Hingham, Captain John Wilson House in Cohasset, Cudworth House and Mann House in Scituate, Winslow House in Marshfield, King Caesar House, John Alden House and Gershom Bradford House in Duxbury, Major John Bradford House in Kingston, and the Harlow Old Fort House, Spooner House, Jabez Howland House, Jenney Grist Mill, and Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth Combined Holiday Open Houses will be announced in October. The "Backroads" group anticipates continued creative collaboration on future programming.
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Cohasset Historical Society
106 South Main Street
Cohasset, MA 02025
Telephone: 781-383-1434
E-mail: cohassethistory@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.cohassethistoricalsociety.org
Incorporated in 1928, the Society's headquarters hold numerous records, books, photographs, artwork, and decorative arts relating to the town's history. Also owned by the Society is a large collection of gowns and costumes, as well as a significant theater archive. Suggested donation $5.
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1749 Courthouse Museum
4 Town Square
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-830-4075
Fax: 508-746-7789
America’s oldest wooden courthouse in the heart of Plymouth’s historical district. Free Admission
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Duxbury Rural & Historical
Society
685
Duxbury,
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Website:
The Duxbury Rural & Historical Society is a non-profit organization seeking to foster a better understanding of the town's rich heritage and to encourage appreciation of its rural environment. The Society's purposes today are to preserve and provide public access to its lands and buildings; to provide educational programs for the community; to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts and records relating to Duxbury history; to provide a library and archives for the encouragement of scholarly research and to publish documents of historical interest.
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1677 Harlow Old Fort House
119 Sandwich Street
Plymouth, MA
Telephone: 508-746-0012 (Plymouth
Antiquarian Society)
A working museum and heritage craft center representing life in Old Colony Plymouth. Costumed interpreters give 30-minute tours and demonstrate colonial crafts. Visitors can learn to card and spin wool and to dip candles at the Heritage Crafts Center and Gift Shop.
Built in 1677, the gambrel-roofed Harlow Old Fort House is one of the few remaining 17th century buildings in the oldest established town in the Commonwealth. It was originally the family residence of settler William Harlow, a farmer, cooper and town official, who also served as sergeant of the local militia and participated in King Philip's War. In 1676, Harlow was granted permission to salvage material from the Pilgrim's fort-house on Burial Hill to use in the construction of his new dwelling. From the early 19th century, the Harlow House has been notable for the hand-hewn beams attributed to this source. The house, a local landmark for generations, is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.
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Hingham Historical Society
PO Box 434
Hingham, MA 02043
Telephone: 781-749-7721
Fax: 781-749-0091
info@hinghamhistorical.org
www.hinghamhistorical.org
The Hingham Historical Society is a museum and archive dedicated to preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the history of the town of Hingham, Massachusetts, founded in 1635. We offer historical programming year round.
The Old Ordinary, a historic home and tavern, is open for tours every summer ($3.00 person). Filled with artifacts dating back as far as the 1650's, the Old Ordinary sparkles with local history, from tales of angry patriots to soft-hearted pirates and encompasses the breadth of day-to-day life and work in a coastal New England town.
Researchers and genealogists can revel in the extensive historical resources of our archive, located at Old Derby Academy, a historic schoolhouse. Built in 1818, the elegant Federal-style "Old Derby" is also open for receptions, meetings and party rentals. Historical Society members enjoy discounts in our gift shop and an annual lecture series with catered dinners. Outside the museum walls, families can participate in lively 1880's outings as they cheer on our vintage baseball teams, the Coopers and the Derbys.
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Jabez Howland House
33 Sandwich Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-746-9590
The only house in Plymouth where Pilgrims actually lived! John Howland and his wife, Elizabeth Tilley Howland, spent winters here with their son Jabez and his family.
After John's death at age 80 and the fire that destroyed their Rocky Nook farm, Elizabeth lived here until Jabez sold the house. It was a private residence until 1912 when it was purchased for a museum. In the 1940's, extensive work was done to bring the house back to its original appearance.
Today the museum houses fine, period furniture as well as artifacts from archaeological digs at their Rocky Nook home in present day Kingston. See authentic 17th-century fine furniture as well as artifacts plus letters and documents from famous descendants Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Free Parking and Air Conditioned
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Hull Lifesaving Museum
1117 Nantasket Avenue
Hull, MA 02045
Telephone: 781-925-5433
Facsimile: 781-925-0992
Website: http://www.lifesavingmuseum.org
The restored 1889 Point Allerton U.S. Life Saving Station dramatically faces the mouth of Boston Harbor and Boston Light. Exhibits feature genuine rescue apparatus, America's most stories surfboat, the Nantasket, lighthouses, panaramic observation cupola and children's "Navigation Loft". Special exhibits "Taken By Storm: The Blizzard of '78" and Heroes in Our Midst: Joshua James and the Life Savers of Hull".
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Isaac Winslow House
634 Careswell Street
Marshfield, MA 02050
Telephone: 781-837-5753
E-mail: info@winslowhouse.org
Website: http://www.winslowhouse.org
The historic 1699 Isaac Winslow House in Marshfield is open for its 88th year of public visitation. This site, built by the grandson of original Pilgrim Edward Winslow and home to generations of Winslow ancestors, is an example of First Period and early Georgian architecture. Virtually untouched by modernization, it features period furnishings (including a signed Edmund Titcomb chest) and documents, slave quarters, an elegant early American stairway with acorn pendants and newels, and a period-style herb garden. The Daniel Webster Law Office is housed on location as well, and is also the location for a Blacksmith Shop, a restored 19th century Concord Coach, and Webster’s “Phaeton” carriage. There is also a Tea Room on location that is available for functions.
Among its residents were former governors, judges, militia and political leaders of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies; the military commander in charge of the removal of the Acadian farmers in Nova Scotia; a Loyalist doctor during the Revolutionary War; and servants in the employ of the family. Later owned by former Senator & Secretary of State Daniel Webster, the House remains an example of how some well-to-do landed gentry, particularly those loyal to the King, lived in the years prior to the American Revolutionary War.
The Winslow House opens in mid-May and will be open through Columbus Day. Visiting hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 for adults and for seniors and $1.00 for children.
For more information, call the Winslow House at (781) 837-5753 or visit online at www.winslowhouse.org.------------------------------------------------------------
Jenney Grist Mill
6 Spring Lane
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-747-4544
E-mail: info@jenneygristmill.org
Website: http://www.jenneygristmill.org
John Jenney established America's
first gristmill on this historic site in 1636. Travel back in
time as you walk the same path from Brewster Gardens, following
Town Brook to where you will see the huge water wheel turning.
See the fish ladder where thousands of Herring swim up stream
to spawn each spring from April to May. Take a guided tour of
the mill and see the grinding stones turn; find out what exactly
"grist" is and how important the mill was to the Pilgrims.
Join our miller on a guided tour of historic Plymouth. Plenty
of free parking.
Mon - Saturday, 9:30am - 5pm
Closed Tuesdays except for groups or families with reservations.
Sunday, 12 - 5pm
Closed Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
“Plymouth’s Jenney Grist Mill - A Historic Presentation”
Your journey into history begins at The Jenney Grist Mill as you step back in time on this 30 minute presentation. Learn the history of the original Mill. Discover the facts and the myths of the Pilgrim’s story. Hear about their journey to America and how their faith in God helped them to survive. Discover how important the Mill was to the Pilgrim community. See the huge water wheel turn the grinding stones and learn the process of grinding whole corn into corn meal. Take a bag of fresh cornmeal home.
Adults 13 yrs & up $6.00
Children 5 – 12 yrs $4.00
Children 4 yrs and under free
“Discover Plymouth’s History - a Walking Tour”
A 60 minute walking tour of the historic district. Fun and educational for all ages. Includes such sites as Burial Hill, Brewster Gardens, Town Brook, Town Square, Plymouth Rock, the historic waterfront and Jenney Grist Mill areas. Discover little known facts and interesting stories of American history as you walk the same paths the Pilgrims journeyed hundreds of years ago.
Adults 13 yrs & up $10.00
Children 5 –12 yrs $ 8.00
Children 4 yrs and under free
Group Tours:
Discounted rates available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations are suggested. We will do our best to accommodate groups without a reservation but a wait may be necessary. Call for information. Bus parking is available. Evening tours are available with a reservation. Off-season tours are also available with a reservation.
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Jones River Village Historical
Society
PO Box 22
Kingston,
Telephone:
E-mail:
Website:
The Jones River Village Historical Society works to collect,
preserve, and educate the public about the history of the Town
of Kingston. It makes its collections accessible through exhibitions,
research assistance, and educational programs and lectures.
It also preserves, protects, and maintains the Society's headquarters,
the Major John Bradford Homestead.
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Mattapoisett
Historical Society
PO Box 535 5
Mattapoisett,
Telephone:
E-mail:
Website:
The Museum of the Mattapoisett Historical Society is dedicated
to the preservation of siginificant articles from the past that
demonstrate the life and culture of this old New England ship-building
town from the time when Native Americans roamed its shores
through the 19th century.
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Mayflower II
State Pier
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-746-1622
Fax: 508-746-4978
E-mail: jmonac@plimoth.org
Website: http://www.plimoth.org
Reproduction of the 17th-century merchant ship Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620 with interpreters and 17th-century role-playing reenactors, exhibits relating to the story of the 1620 journey as well as information on the building and sailing of Mayflower II in 1957.
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Mayflower Society House
4
Plymouth,
Telephone:
Season: June; Saturday and Sunday July-August; Daily 10-4pm
September-October 11; Saturday and Sunday The Mayflower Society
House was built in 1754 by Edward Winslow, descendant and great
grandson of Pilgrim Edward Winslow, third Governor of the Plymouth
Colony. The estate includes formal gardens and nine rooms with
authentic furnishings of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
$4.00 admission
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Paragon Carousel
205 Nantasket Avenue
Hull, MA 02045
Telephone: (781) 925-0472
Email: info@paragoncarousel.com
Website: http://www.paragoncarousel.com/
2003 was the 75th birthday of the Paragon Carousel - located on Nantasket Beach in Hull. The Carousel is one of the last remaining fully-intact wooden carousels in New England, boasting 66 horses, 2 flower bedecked chariots, angels, godesses, and murals. Come take a ride on this beautiful amusement, or schedule a party!
Opening for 2009 Memorial Day Weekend.
Regular hours through Labor Day, September 7:
Sunday through Thursday: 10AM - 9PM
Friday & Saturday: 10AM - 10PM
Weather dependent! If it is busy and nice out, they stay open later.
Open weekends only (or for special events) September 8 - October 31, 11AM - 4PM
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Parting Ways
African Americans in the American Revolution
www.partingways.org
Four young men, African-Americans from Plymouth, served in the American Revolution. Cato Howe was a freeman who had probably never been enslaved.
Plato Turner and Prince Goodwin were former slaves. Quamany Quash, who fought for liberty for his country, was himself enslaved and not emancipated until after his military service.
Parting Ways is located on Route 80 (Plympton Street). From Route 3, take exit 6 onto Samoset Street. Travel west for 1 1/2 miles. Turn right onto Route 80 East (Plympton Street). Travel 1 1/2 miles. Parting Ways is located on the right. There is a small parking area and a 1/2 mile trail in woods behind the gravesites.
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Pilgrim Hall Museum/Pilgrim Society
75 Court Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-746-1620
Fax: 508-747-4228
E-mail: pegbaker@pilgrimhall.org
Website: http://www.pilgrimhall.org
Pilgrim Hall Museum has been renovated and expanded to better serve the visitor of today! Learn again the dramatic story of the Pilgrims at the “new” Pilgrim Hall Museum. Encounter their actual artifacts - William Bradford’s Bible, Peregrine White’s wicker cradle, Edward Winslow’s portrait and more – in imaginative settings within an historic 1824 building. Visiting with children? Ask about our special family rates and about our “Treasure Hunts”!
Shop, free parking, fully accessible.
Pilgrim Hall Museum is open 9:30-4:30 7 days a week, February 1 through December 30
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Pilgrim John Howland Society
33
Plymouth,
Telephone:
E-mail:
17th Century Pilgrim House. Admission: $4.00 Adults; $3.00 seniors
and students, $1.00 under 12; 15% off AAA discount.
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Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02362
Telephone: 508-746-1622
Fax: 508-746-4978
E-mail: jmonac@plimoth.org
Website: http://www.plimoth.org
Plimoth Plantation is the living history museum of 17th-century Plymouth where you can talk with the Pilgrims in the 1627 Pilgrim Village and on board Mayflower II and visit an authentically re-created Wampanoag Indian homesite. In the Crafts Center indulge in conversation with skilled artisans as they create the goods that are sold in the Museum Shops and also used by the roleplaying Pilgrims. The Nye Barn educates on the Plantation's Rare-breed Animal program. A visit to Plimoth Plantation is a must for every American. Open April - November.
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Plymouth Antiquarian Society
PO Box 3773
Plymouth,
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail: pasm@verizon.net
Website: www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org
Founded in 1919 to preserve and promote local history, this
non-profit organization maintains three historic house museums
(Harlow Old Fort House, 1749 Spooner House and the 1809 Hedge
House) and an extensive collection of domestic artifacts. The
Society offers educational programs for children, changing museum
exhibits, historic house tours, and an annual calendar of special
events. Membership to the Society is open to the public.
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Plymouth Rock
Historic Waterfront near Mayflower II
Plymouth, MA
Plymouth Rock is the traditional landing site of the Mayflower pilgrims in 1620.
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Scituate Historical Society
43
Scituate,
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Website:
Incorporated in 1917, the Society is dedicated to preserving
Scituate history and those towns which were formerly part of
it. Membership is open to all. The Society has a wealth of information,
including old photographs, at its library located at SHS headquarters,
43 Cudworth Road. It also oversees 10 historical sites. Call
for fees and schedules.
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Sparrow House
42 Summer Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Telephone: 508-747-1240
Fax: 508-746-7521
E-mail: info@sparrowhouse.com
Website: http://www.sparrowhouse.com
Plymouth's oldest remaining home built in 1640. Attached American Craft Gallery supports the nonprofit museum. Jewelry, glass, wood, and pottery all handcrafted by American artists. Special exhibits of paintings and photography during summer months.
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Spooner House Museum
Built in 1747, The Spooner
House was occupied by five generations of the Spooner family and
is furnished entirely with the heirlooms they left in place.
27 North St., Plymouth, MA 02360
Tel: 508-746-0012
www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org
Closed for restoration 2009
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Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
3 Jacqueline Lane
Plymouth, MA
Telephone: 508-830-1977
Fax: 508-830-1977
Website: http://www.whales.org
Whales and dolphins captivate us with their beauty and intelligence, yet mankind has brought populations and even entire species to the brink of extinction – hunting, fishing, pollution and now, increasingly, habitat degradation continue to threaten their very existence.
WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the only global non-profit dedicated solely to the protection and conservation of whales, dolphins and their habitats, with the most reliable research, a powerful and motivated supporter-base and the integrity and vision to secure a positive future for these incredible animals.