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Home » News » View the Historic Houses Throughout the South Shore
Shoulder Season
March 19, 2025
The South Shore is full of history, from monuments to museums. However, the historic houses throughout the region offer a glimpse into the past that you don’t want to miss. These homes provide a snapshot of everyday life during different periods of American history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the stories of those who lived there. Whether you’re fascinated by colonial architecture, maritime history, or Revolutionary War-era figures, the South Shore’s historic homes have something to offer.
4 Winslow Street, Plymouth
The beautiful Mayflower Society House is an 18th-century mansion owned by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. The house, which sits in the heart of historic Plymouth, is furnished with period pieces and offers insight into life in the colonial and Revolutionary periods. Visitors can tour its elegant rooms and learn about the legacy of the Mayflower passengers.
33 Sandwich Street, Plymouth
The Jabez Howland House is the only existing house in Plymouth where Pilgrims lived. Built in the 1660s, it was home to Jabez Howland, the son of Mayflower passengers John and Elizabeth Howland. Today, the house is a museum featuring 17th-century artifacts, allowing visitors to connect with the early days of the Plymouth Colony.
126 Water Street, Plymouth
One of Plymouth’s finest examples of Federal-style architecture, the Hedge House was built in 1809 by ship owner William Hammatt. The house, now a museum, highlights the region’s maritime heritage and features original furnishings and artifacts from the early 19th century.
27 North Street, Plymouth
The Spooner House is one of the oldest structures in Plymouth, dating back to 1749. It was home to five generations of the Spooner family, with the last resident, James Spooner, leaving the house and its contents to be preserved as a museum. The home remains furnished as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, providing a truly immersive historical experience.
47 Old Oaken Bucket Road, Scituate
The charming Old Oaken Bucket Homestead dates back to the 17th century and is famous for inspiring the poem “The Old Oaken Bucket.” The site includes the historic house, a well, and beautiful grounds, offering visitors a peaceful setting steeped in history.
108 Greenfield Lane, Scituate
Built in 1700, the Mann Farmhouse & Museum provides insight into early American farm life. It is one of the oldest homes in Scituate and serves as a museum showcasing colonial-era furnishings and artifacts.
331 First Parish Road, Scituate
The Cudworth House and its accompanying barn and cattle pound offer a look at life in Scituate during the colonial period. The site was home to Richard Cudworth, a prominent early settler, and today, visitors can explore the well-preserved structures and learn about 17th-century daily life.
120 King Caesar Road, Duxbury
A grand Federal-style mansion, the King Caesar House was built in 1809. It was the home of Ezra Weston II, Duxbury’s largest shipbuilder, who was known by many as “King Caesar.” The house, now a museum, highlights Duxbury’s shipbuilding history and features period furnishings that reflect the wealth and success of the Weston family.
931 Tremont Street, Duxbury
The Bradford House Museum was once home to the Bradford family, descendants of Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower. Today, this 18th-century house is a museum. It explores the role of women in early American society. In particular, it focuses on the four Bradford sisters who lived there in the 19th century.
479 Washington Street, Duxbury
Once belonging to shipbuilder Nathaniel Winsor, Jr., the Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House is a fine example of early 19th-century architecture. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society and offers exhibits on maritime history.
105 Alden Street, Duxbury
The site of a historic love story, Alden House Historic Site preserves the home of John and Priscilla Alden, two of the most famous passengers of the Mayflower. The couple’s courtship was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Courtship of Myles Standish” as one of America’s great love stories. The house has been owned by Alden descendants for centuries and offers guided tours that bring the Aldens’ story to life.
238 Webster Street, Marshfield
Built in 1880, the Daniel Webster Estate is a Queen-Anne style Victorian mansion that was once home of statesman Daniel Webster. One of America’s most influential 19th-century politicians, his property once encompassed much of Marshfield. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which is filled with period furnishings and exhibits about Webster’s legacy.
21 Lincoln Street, Hingham
Despite the name, the Old Ordinary House is anything but ordinary. This 17th-century home once served as a tavern, offering lodging and meals to travelers. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing colonial life, with rooms furnished in period style and exhibits on Hingham’s early history.
181 North Street, Hingham
The historic Benjamin Lincoln House was the residence of General Benjamin Lincoln; a Revolutionary War hero who played a crucial role in the American victory at Yorktown. 11 generations of the Lincoln family called this house home, and today it provides visitors with a glimpse into the life of a prominent military leader.
The historic homes of the South Shore offer a fascinating journey through time, from the Pilgrim era to the Victorian age. Each house tells a unique story about the people who lived there and the history they helped shape. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys stepping into the past, these homes are well worth a visit. Be sure to check each site’s official website for tour availability and seasonal hours. Come immerse yourself in the rich history of the South Shore.
