We Are Stardust: A Conversation with Anna Von Mertens and Jennifer Roberts
Join artist Anna Von Mertens and art historian Jennifer Roberts as the two explore the extraordinary in the ordinary. Their conversation will paint a portrait of the trailblazing astronomer Henrietta Leavitt (1868 – 1921) and include the book project published this September by the MIT Press, which emerged from their… 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
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: Formal Flowers, A Tour for Gardeners
Calling all gardeners! Are you interested in how the formal gardens at Castle Hill have grown and changed over the years? Are you looking for inspiration for your own garden? Formal Flowers will take you on a detailed journey into the way the Italian and Rose Gardens were designed and… 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
Shibori Dyeing Workshop at deCordova
Shibori, the elegant forbearer to psychedelic tie-dye, is a Japanese dyeing technique. The term “shibori” comes from the Japanese “shiboru,” meaning “twisted and pressed”. Designs are created by folding, binding, and compressing fabric before submerging it in dye. The manipulation of the fabric from the 2-D plane into a 3-D… 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