An interesting look into Marshfield's early history, the 1699 Historic Winslow house was a…read moresurprising "find" in nearby Marshfield. We have been enjoying "getting to know" our new area, and the Winslow house popped up during our search of things to do. If you live in Marshfield or surrounding towns, this is definitely an interesting-- albeit quick and easy-- sightseeing option for you, and/or guests that come into town for a visit.
Hours and Admission:
Tours are available to the public and run at 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 10, and free for Winslow House Association Members.
Tour:
Our "tour guide" was Jessica, recently appointed as executive director of the Winslow House. In addition to being very knowledgeable about the property's history, she was also exceedingly cordial and pleasant. The tour wasn't overwhelmingly long-- which, I prefer-- and went through each room of the house. Be aware, this tour may not be best for those with mobility issues; there are several sets of historic stairs which are steep with shallow steps. Please bring a cane, or a folding cane/seat combo if you require assistance and/or need to sit down often. There is very limited seating. Each room has an itemized booklet of the historic artifact contained within the room. It's a great reference if you'd like to learn a little bit more.
The house and property:
Parking is offered in a private gravel lot off of the main road. The house and property are in "good", mainly historic, condition. The Winslow House mostly runs on our dollars (via tour admissions, event tickets, and private donations), and so many of the renovations, as I understand it, are moderated. All of the artifacts in the house, while not all original to the house, are era-appropriate and historical. They have acquired some amazing historical pieces, especially in the way of documents, that I would love to see preserved for future generations.
A modest gift shop-- complete with non-fiction books, postcards, posters-- greets you as you walk in the door, and is also where you pay admission.
Nearby historical properties include the Daniel Webster house, and the Marcia Thomas house, to which a walking path leads off of the Winslow property.
The grounds, while moderately well-kept, would truly benefit from some organized plantings. Should the money be made available, an orchard or historically-appropriate garden bed, would really add to the charm of the property. As it stands during our last visit, the property is groomed but not bursting with landscape design.
Special Events:
The Winslow House also hosts special events/talks/lectures. After our tour concluded, there was a lecture given on the Titanic and its passengers from Massachusetts. The talk was free, and tea, coffee, and light snacks were served gratis. I really enjoyed this additional educational talk, and would certainly love to attend more of these free events, should they take place.
Jessica, the executive director, also pointed out to us that there are several ticketed events that will take place in the coming months: the Parisian Salon ("a wine and champagne tasting along with other delights from Paris and savor an exclusive taste of the musical exhibitions that happened in Paris during Louis XIV's reign"), and a 1920s Speakeasy night. Tickets for the Parisian event are $40 for non-members, and I would expect that the Prohibition event will cost around the same, although tickets have not been made available as of the writing of this review. I'm excited to hear that Jessica is making it a mission to host these types of events, as I will definitely be taking part in at least one this summer.
The 1699 Historic Winslow House is a labor of love, per the association's website. It is a genuine relic of first period colonial mansions, "virtually untouched by modernization", and a true pleasure to explore. I greatly appreciate the direction that the current association members, board of directors, and executive directors are taking, in relation to events and community outreach and education. We will definitely be back for an event, and plan on bringing visitors for tours, as well.