The Hedge House Museum is an excellent representation of one of the finest architecture from the Federal period. With its unique octagonal rooms and its location on the waterfront, the Hedge House is appropriately furnished with all the comforts from the 19th century including treasures from the China trade, American paintings, textiles and traditional toys. Don’t forget to view the Rose T. Briggs Memorial Garden when you travel with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals. You won’t want to miss out on the garden which features a beautiful brick pathways and colorful perennials.

New exhibitions from the extensive collections of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s are always being arranged so when you travel with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals you are always bound to see something new and exciting.

A little history

Originally located on Court St., the house was built by sea captain William Hammatt. In 1830, the house was purchased by a merchant, Thomas Hedge. The new owner extended the house to accommodate his large family.

Thomas Hedge would become one of Plymouths earliest industrialists and entrepreneurs. Thomas Hedge had a big impact on the industrialization of Plymouth including investing in the town’s first whaling venture. Hedge also built a candle factory to process the whale oil. He also partnered with his brother Isaac in brick manufacturing. The Hedge family eventually moved to Boston, using their Plymouth home for the warmer summer months.

Going, going, gone!

The house stayed in the Hedge family up until the death of the last resident, Lydia Hedge Lothrop in 1918. Following her death, the house risked demolition in way for the construction of a Memorial Hall. In 1919, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society stepped in to save this piece of American history and was subsequently bought for a bargain price at exactly $1.00. The house was moved to its current Water Street location where it overlooks the Plymouth harbour, which you might want to keep in mind when traveling with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals.

Time for a facelift

In 2002, the Hedge House museum was closed to the public to make way for major restoration which was made possible by the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The restoration, which included the stabilization and restoration of the exterior, was completed in 2004. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society is currently in the phase of interior renovations of the home funded by an award received from the Plymouth Community Preservation Fund. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society hopes to restore and refurbish the interior of the house with documented paint colors, wallpapers and carpets that were historically used in the original period. You will be surprised at the authenticity of your surroundings when you travel with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals.

Planning your visit

The Hedge House Museum is located on 126 Water Street and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, June through August. Guided tours are available and last approximately 30 minutes. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children and free for members and Plymouth residents.

Summer fun

Plan your trip in August with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals and you will get a chance to take part in the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s annual Summer Fair which is held on the front lawn by the waterfront. It is also the site of the free outdoor School’s Out Summer Concert Series presented by Brewster Productions and sponsored by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society.

For more information when planning your visit to the Hedge House Museum with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rentals visit Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s official website at www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org.