Guided History Tour at Hearthside House Museum & Moffett Mill

For those curious about the stately stone house on Great Road, one of the oldest highways in the country, or those who are passionate about history, an in-depth tour through the Hearthside House (c.1810) will be given by docents dressed in attire representing the 200 years that families lived here.  Known as “the House that Love Built,” this home has been lovingly preserved since being purchased by the town in 1996. Stories about the most notable owners are set against the backdrop of this fully-furnished home with a significant collection of antiques throughout.  This magnificent example of a federal-style house was home to 11 different families.  Learn about the love story behind the building of the house, the renowned owners including the Talbot family who ran a hand-weaving business on the third floor with antique looms and spinning wheels, and the last owner who collected antique weaponry and cars and was the town's historian.  Also about the servants who cared for the property and the families.

The first tour starts at 12:30 and begins every half hour, with the last admission at 2:30. Group size is limited for the tours which last 90 minutes. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through greatroadheritagecampus.org

New information and stories are continuing to be uncovered and new artifacts being added, so there is always something different for visitors to see and learn about.  Hearthside is not open for regular hours, but does offer an active schedule of programs and tours throughout the year till the end of December, which may be found on its website.  The April 21st tour is the opening of the 2024 season.  

As an optional tour offered on this day is a trip to the Moffett Mill (c. 1812), which is “frozen in time.”  The Mill tour is only accessible through the Great Road Heritage Campus shuttle van, which runs between Hearthside and the Mill for each group tour. This rare relic from the early Industrial era along the Moshassuck River features the original workings of a custom shop that provided a variety of tools and equipment that were made for area farms, businesses, and residents alike. Limited group size for each 40-minute tour and advance reservation is also recommended. Admission to the Mill is included with the Hearthside tour, or just tour the Mill alone at $5.  Check in at Hearthside is required to pay admission and take the shuttle.

Hearthside is an award-winning house museum and one of four historic structures along Great Road that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Hearthside, an all-volunteer organization, have worked to preserve each of the 19th century buildings owned by the town, serve as stewards of them, and open the properties known as the Great Road Heritage Campus to the public through tours and programs.  The Campus buildings include Hearthside, the Moffett Mill, Pullen's Corner One Room Schoolhouse and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop.  Each has individual schedules, as well as combined tours, throughout the year.  To view the schedules, visit the website.