The 1809 Hedge House is one of Plymouth’s finest examples of Federal period architecture, featuring octagonal rooms in the main block and a rare intact carriage house. Built by shipowner William Hammatt, the house was originally located on Court Street, where Memorial Hall is today.
In 1830 merchant Thomas Hedge purchased the house and added a three-story ell to accommodate his large family. The Hedges owned a Main Street store, a waterfront counting house, and Hedges Wharf, which once surrounded Plymouth Rock. Thomas Hedge was one of Plymouth’s early industrialists and entrepreneurs, investing in the town’s first whaling ventures, building a candle factory to process whale oil, and partnering with his brother Isaac in a brick manufactory.
The house was lived in by Hedge family members until the death of the last resident, Lydia Hedge Lothrop, in 1918. Threatened with demolition to clear the way for the construction of Memorial Hall, the house was rescued by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society. The Society bought the house for $1 in 1919 and arranged to have the building moved to Water Street.
From its current Water Street location, the recently restored Hedge House Museum overlooks scenic Plymouth harbor. Period rooms reveal the richness of 19th-century social and domestic life, with faithfully reproduced wallpaper and carpeting, China Trade treasures, American furnishings, paintings, textiles, and toys on display. The Rose T. Briggs Memorial Garden features brick pathways and flowering perennials.
Private Tours
A private tour of the Hedge House can be booked by calling 508-746-0012 or emailing info@plymouthantiquarian.org to check availability. Minimum fee for private tours is $30.
Special Openings
The Hedge House will be open for tours during several special events in the summer and fall. See dates below and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional events and open hours.
- July 11, 2025 First Fridays 5 pm – 8 pm, free admission
- August 22, 2025 Members and Community Partners Reception, free admission for members and Community Partners only
- August 23, 2025, Antiquarian Summer Fair, 10 am to 5 pm, admission charged
- September 5, 2025 First Fridays 5 pm – 8 pm, free admission
- September 6, 2025 Thirsty Pilgrim Beer Festival, house open 12:30 to 3:30 pm
- September 7, 2025 Thirsty Pilgrim Beer Festival, house open 12:30 to 3:30 pm
- October 11, 2025 New Plimmoth Gard encampment, house open, hours TBD
- October 12, 2025 New Plimmoth Gard encampment, house open, hours TBD
