Author: Patrick Browne

Antiquarian Summer Fair, August 24

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s 74th old-fashioned Summer Fair will be held on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Hedge House, 126 Water Street, Plymouth. Shoppers can browse the fair tables for attic treasures and collectibles, second-hand books, gifts, crafts, and vintage and contemporary jewelry. Some of Plymouth’s finest home cooks contribute fresh-made goods to the Bake Table. It all takes place under a tent on the Hedge lawn, making this a rain-or-shine event.

The Antiquarian Fair also features a raffle with chances to win a 10-ft. kayak with paddle, a tour and beer tasting for 10 people courtesy of Mayflower Brewing Company, kid’s bicycles, specialty-themed gift baskets, and more. Raffle tickets are now available at $1 each or 6 for $5 at the Antiquarian Society main office at the Hedge House. Call 508-746-0012 or email info@plymouthantiquarian.org to arrange a time to stop by and purchase your raffle tickets. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event. The drawings will be held at 5 p.m. on August 24. Winners do not need to be present for the drawing but all prizes must be picked up in Plymouth.

The historic 1809 Hedge House will be open for tours during the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, $5 for Plymouth resident adults, and $2 for Plymouth resident children. Members of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society are admitted for free.

All proceeds support the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s mission to preserve and share local history. Founded in 1919, the Plymouth Antiquarian Society is Plymouth’s largest organization dedicated to preserving historic houses and landmarks. Serving as Plymouth’s historical society, the nonprofit organization interprets the community’s post-Pilgrim history in three historic museums dating from the late 17th to the early 19th century.

Special Tuesday Tour Hours at the Hedge House

We are excited to announce new special hours for guided tours at the Hedge House Museum, 126 Water Street in Plymouth. The house will be open for tours on Tuesdays from June 25 to July 30, from 10 am to 1 pm. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 5-12). For Plymouth residents, tickets are $5 per adult and $2 per child. Members of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society are admitted for free. All proceeds support the Society’s mission to preserve and share local history.

Built in 1809 by shipowner William Hammatt, the house is considered one of the finest examples of federal architecture in Plymouth. In 1830 merchant Thomas Hedge, one of Plymouth’s early industrialists and entrepreneurs, purchased the house and enlarged it. When the house was threatened with demolition in 1919, it was rescued by the newly formed Plymouth Antiquarian Society and moved to its current location in 1924. It has been operated as a museum and the headquarters of the Society ever since. Period rooms of the Hedge House, restored to their 19th century appearance, feature faithfully reproduced wallpaper and carpeting, China Trade treasures, American furnishings, paintings, and textiles.

In addition to these special Tuesday hours, the Hedge House, as well as the Society’s other museums, the Spooner House and the Harlow Old Fort House, are also open during special events and by appointment for private tours. Those interested in a private tour are encouraged to call 508-746-0012 or email info@plymouthantiquarian.org to check availability and book a tour in advance. The minimum fee for private tours is $30.