Founded in 1919, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society is a historical organization that protects and preserves historical landmarks and houses in Plymouth Massachusetts. In 1920, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society opened its doors to the public to allow access to their historic properties. Now you and your Plymouth Massachusetts car rental can enjoy tours, exhibits, and other programs based on these important pieces of history. Those sites include the 1677 Harlow House, the 1749 Spooner House, the 1809 Hedge House and an ancient Native American site, Sacrifice Rock.

1677 Harlow Old Fort House

When you come and visit the Harlow Old Fort House located on 119 Sandwich Street with your Plymouth Massachusetts Car Rental, you will be visiting one of the few remaining 17th century buildings. Once the family residence for William Harlow the house was put up for private sale in 1920 and was purchased by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society for $3,000. The Harlow Old Fort House now operated as a historic house museum and is the site for several education programs including the annual “Corn Planting” re-enactment made by the local school children.

1749 Spooner House

Located on 27 North Street and built in circa 1749, the Spooners owned the home for over two hundred years. James Spooner was the last member of the family and in 1954 he donated his home and family possessions to become a historical museum. Make sure you get a chance to see the beautiful enclosed garden with a guided tour when travelling with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rental.

1809 Hedge House

See one of the finest Federal period architecture when you travel with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rental. Located on 126 Water Street, the Hedge House was built by sea captain William Hammat and was the residence of several different families until it was rescued from demolition in 1919 by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society for a bargain price of $1.

Sacrifice Rock

Make your way to 394 Old Sandwich Road with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rental to see an ancient landmark. The purpose was unclear, but in the past, Pokanoket and other native people placed small branched or stones atop the rock perhaps as a gift in hopes of receiving a blessing of safe passage. These offerings created a large stack which was unfortunately destroyed in a fire.

A collection unlike no other

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society also maintains an impressive collection of American furnishings, art, china, toys, domestic artifacts, textiles and clothing that range from the late 17th to mid 20th century. Their archives also include papers, books, journals, and photographs from residents of Plymouth. A significant amount of the collection are comprised of textiles and clothing. It was under the direction of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s original curator, Rose T. Briggs, that one of the most important collections of New England’s textile history was created. The collection includes a local significance, Pilgrim costumes that were donned at Plymouth’s Tercentenary events in the 1920’s. Other notable items include men’s neckwear made from the original workshop of local manufacturer Benjamin Hathaway, Quaker materials, early military uniforms, and a rare 1780s Harvard graduation suit.

Before you go...

For more information when planning your visit to one of the historic landmarks owned by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society with your Plymouth Massachusetts car rental visit their official website at www.plymouthantiquariansociety.org or call (508) 746 0012. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society holds several events throughout the year, so make sure you check out their event schedule. Past events included Children Performance, Antiquarian Golf Tournament, Sacco & Vanzetti Dinner, and a Teddy Bear Picnic.