Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Attic Tours of the Old Manse
Discover the stories hidden in the attic of the Old Manse. While the Old Manse is famous for the writers who lived there, many others called the house home. In this 25 minute tour, we explore the attic and learn about the people who stayed there – visiting ministers, enslaved… Read More
American Contradictions: Slavery and the American Revolution at the Old Manse
Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also see it… Read More
Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse
Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes that… Read More
Visions of Utopia: Guided Tour of the Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Office
Looking to dig deeper into the stories of the Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Gallery? Join us for a guided “Visions of Utopia Tour,” as we explore the contrasts and overlaps of these two utopian communities. This 1-hour walking tour will take place both outdoors and indoors with facilitated talks… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Family-Friendly Tour of the Old Manse
The Old Manse is an amazing house! Built 250 years ago, it witnessed the start of the Revolutionary War and was later a home to several famous writers. Join us for this 30-minute tour designed for families with young children. Visitors learn how people lived long ago, see objects that… Read More
Flipping the Script: The Women of the Manse
These are the stories of the women of the Old Manse – vital, complex, and essential – who lived in the Old Manse from the time of the Revolutionary War through 1939. In this tour, we flip the script and explore the history of the Old Manse not from the… Read More