Explore a piece of Massachusetts history on this bucolic estate, first settled by Oliver Ames, Governor of the Commonwealth in the late 19th century.
Arriving in Easton in the early 19th century, the Ames family earned national renown through a shovel manufacturing company that supplied tools for the Civil War and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The property on Oliver Street was home to Oliver Ames, who served as Massachusetts’ 35th governor, from 1887 to 1890.
The Trustees’ connections with the family go back to the organization’s inception: it was founded in the Boston offices of Frederick Lothrop Ames, the builder of the Langwater Estate and the cousin of Governor Ames. Now, in the heart of the North Easton National Historic District, the cultural legacies of the Ames family live on at the 36-acre estate.
Take a leisurely exploration of the sweeping arboretum-style lawns, the elegant 19th-century stone stable, an agricultural field, meadows, brook, garden pond, and other features. Unfurl a blanket for a picnic with friends, examine the centuries-old trees dotting the property, and extend the day with side trips to the Easton Historical Society and Easton Children’s Museum.
FREE to all.
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.
35 Oliver St.
Easton, MA 02356
Telephone: 781.784.0567
E-mail: greaterboston@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Rt. 93: Take Rt. 93 to Rt. 24 South. Take exit 33B to merge onto Rt. 123 West/ Belmont Street toward Easton. Follow for 1.6 mi. Turn right onto Rt. 138 North/Washington Street. Follow for 1.2 mi. and turn left onto Main Street. Follow for 0.8 mi. and turn right onto Sullivan Ave. Follow for 0.1 mi. and continue onto Mechanic Street for 0.1 mi. Turn right onto Oliver Street, take first left to stay on Oliver Street. Parking will be on right.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-friendly trails
A trail map is posted on the bulletin board. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
Regulations & Advisories
We hope you enjoy your visit. For your safety, and to help protect this unique resource, we ask that you please comply with the following regulations:
The following are prohibited at the estate:
This meandering property is a stone’s throw from the famed Ames shovel factory that supplied tools for the Civil War and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, among other important American events. The Ames’ family influence is still very much evident in the town of Easton. Their name graces the town library and high school, as well as the imposing Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, one of five Henry Hobson Richardson-designed structures in North Easton village.
This is a great place for walking the dog, or having a picnic either on a blanket on the lawn or using one of the many picnic tables along the shore of the pond.
– Darryl Hill, Local guide
