Member savings apply.

Details:

• Wednesday, February 18
• Check-in at the Museum Shop begins at 5:45 pm.
• The Experience ends: 8:00 pm

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Please note: As one of our major fundraisers of the season, all proceeds from this event will support the ongoing restoration and preservation of the historic Hammond Castle Museum. Our members enjoy Ticket Presale for this premier event. Member savings are not applicable. Admissions tickets will be released to the public on 1/13/2026.

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It is with the utmost delight that this author reports a most charming daytime affair is soon to grace the social calendar. All members of society, young and old alike, are warmly invited to partake in an afternoon of refinement, indulgence, and genteel amusement.

The Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at Hammond Castle Museum shall take place on Saturday, February 28, offering guests of every generation a rare opportunity to enjoy elegance by daylight. One may expect an afternoon rich with conversation, courtesy, and more than a few raised teacups.

Guests will be graciously received and escorted to a beautifully appointed tea setting, where Her Majesty the Queen, attended by her ever-watchful ladies-in-waiting, will observe the room with keen interest. Every delicate sip, polite smile, and charming exchange may be noted, for even at tea, appearances matter.

The afternoon will begin with a celebratory toast, featuring champagne for adult guests and sparkling cider for the young ladies and gentlemen in attendance, setting a festive tone worthy of the season.

A live pianist will provide a refined musical accompaniment as guests enjoy a curated afternoon tea service featuring an array of fine teas, delicate sandwiches, and exquisite confections, thoughtfully prepared by Sugar Magnolia’s. Throughout the afternoon, the entire Museum will be open for self-guided exploration and photographs, allowing guests to wander the castle’s passageways and capture memories worthy of the society pages.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to don their finest daytime attire, practice impeccable manners, and enjoy the occasion, for even in the soft glow of afternoon, nothing escapes the Queen’s notice.

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Hammond Castle Museum will present a celebration of the restoration and conservation of a large group of pen and ink illustrations by artist Eric Pape, (1870 to 1938), from the collection of award-winning photographer Bruce Haley. These illustrations were recovered from Pape’s “Locked Studio” some 60 years after his death and have not been publicly exhibited in over a century. Included are illustrations previously published in ‘The Arabian Nights, Tales of Wonder and Merriment,” Fairy Tales and Stories by Hans Christian Andersen,’ ‘Notre Dame de Paris,’ ‘Rip Van Winkle, and The Legends of Sleepy Hollow’,’ and Shakespeare and The Heart of a Child.’ This exhibition is curated by Dr. Gregory Conn

Generously sponsored by Dr. Gregory Conn and Dr. Sagrario Ortega.

Self-Guided Tours of the Museum will be included with this special temporary exhibition admission.

More information and tickets coming soon. Stay up to date on this and all upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

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10:30 am – 11:30 am: Presentation followed by the opportunity to enjoy a Self-Guided Tour of the Museum.

Join Curatorial Director John Leysath for a presentation on the history and engineering of medieval European armaments. On display will be a selection of replica helmets, armor pieces, and weaponry from the medieval to Renaissance periods, including several objects from the collection that have not been on public view in years. This hour-long presentation will explore the evolution of armor and weapons throughout the Middle Ages, as well as the science behind their construction and use. It will include a discussion of the career paths of knights and blacksmiths and a demonstration of how their equipment was cleaned and maintained. A short question-and-answer session will conclude the presentation.

Admission includes a self-guided tour of the Museum following the program. Arms and Armor is ideal for ages 10 and up.

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Let your child’s imagination soar and join us as we welcome school-age children to explore the home and innovative legacy of one of America’s most prolific inventors, John Hays Hammond Jr. Dive into the world of science, technology, and creativity with self-guided tours that allow visitors to move through the Museum’s galleries at their own pace. Little ones can embark on an animal-themed scavenger hunt designed to keep them engaged throughout the Museum. Older kids will love engaging with our digital panel featuring original games inspired by Hammond and his contemporaries’ groundbreaking innovations, such as ‘Frequency Hoppers’, which brings history and science to life in a fun and interactive way. Let them experiment with sound in the whispering gallery, marvel at Hammond’s inventive spirit, and explore the Museum’s unique passages and rooms showcasing a blend of science, history, and art.

As a repeated Reader’s Choice Best of North Shore winner by Northshore Magazine and a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award recipient for the last four consecutive years, you can trust that your visit will be an unforgettable experience. As a STEAM organization (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), we also celebrate our role as a historic house museum and lapidarium, emphasizing works of stone and marble in ways that set us apart. This fusion of disciplines makes Hammond Castle Museum a true New England treasure.

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Our Holiday Celebration & Illumination Lighting marks the official start of the season. Beginning with twinkling lights that guide you down the stairs to the Museum, guests are welcomed into a magical holiday scene as the Castle and its romantic arches come to life.

We are delighted to host the students of Alexandra Grace Music, who will perform an outdoor concert beginning at 5:15 p.m. Guests can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while taking in the festive performance.

Inside the Great Hall, children are invited to visit the craft table to decorate their own gingerbread men, which will be displayed as part of our Deck the Halls museum-wide holiday installation.

Visitors will also enjoy the illumination of our iconic 12th- and 13th-century Arches, Bell Tower, and Drawbridge. Those eager to experience the beauty of the Hammonds’ historic home and see the Great Hall dressed for the holidays are welcome to do so and will have free access to the smaller rooms leading down to and including the Great Hall, all adorned for the season.

This program is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Donations are always greatly appreciated and will support the ongoing preservation and restoration of the Museum.

Please note: Not all portions of the Museum will be open to guests. Guests will only have access to the Great Hall and rooms leading down to the Great Hall.

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We look forward to welcoming guests back for public tours in early April.

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Step inside the breathtaking home of one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century, John Hays Hammond, Jr. In keeping with our founder’s original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum is pleased to offer free self-guided tours to Gloucester residents every Tuesday during the holiday season, Museum-wide temporary exhibit, Deck the Halls.

Proof of residency for all Gloucester Gratis Days reservations is required upon check-in at the Museum.
Advance registration is recommended but not required. You may also register upon arrival in the Museum Shop.

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Join us for the 2025 Holiday Season as we proudly present our seventh annual “Deck the Halls by Candlelight” holiday celebration.

Begin your evening as you come upon our holiday illumination, where holiday lights set the Castle and its iconic arches aglow. From there, embark on a fully guided Candlelight Tour through the Hammond Castle Museum. Inspired by John Hays Hammond Jr.’s preference for working through the night at the encouragement of his mentor, Alexander Graham Bell, these tours highlight the Hammonds’ lives within their home while showcasing the Museum in a new light. Guests are invited to carry the provided miniature electronic lanterns as they explore each space.

Inside, the Museum is transformed with lush, opulent décor inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Each room is reimagined with its own holiday theme, from White Birch and Christmas trees to sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows. From nature’s bounty of fruits and greenery to the warm glow of candlelight, every detail creates a feast for the senses.

Along the way, you will encounter a royal guard of nutcrackers standing watch over a gingerbread house replica of the castle. Children and the young at heart will delight in spotting playful elves and gnomes tucked into corners and alcoves. This year’s celebration will also shine with the light of two menorahs, honoring the traditions of Hanukkah within the Museum’s holiday splendor. For the first time, the décor includes special design elements created in partnership with Elaine Quinn Interiors of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, bringing fresh artistry to this much-loved tradition.

Check-in begins 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Please allow extra travel time for seasonal traffic.

Museum Members enjoy exclusive discounts on these specialty tours.

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