Things To Do

Wooden bench along a gravel garden path, amid lush greenery and purple flowers

NPS photo/Sam DiMatteo

There are things to do at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS in every season.

The house sits on two acres of historic grounds, including a shaded lawn and formal garden. The garden and grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk; all are welcome to enjoy them free of charge. Our lawn is your lawn! Bring a book, pack a picnic, or stop by when our Visitor Center is open to borrow games, art supplies, and books for toddlers through adults.

Historically, this house was a hub for literature and the arts. Today, Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters aims to carry on this legacy as a vibrant public gathering place. Community events take place throughout the year.

 

Fall & Winter

  • Front facade of Longfellow House with small orange pumpkins in foreground
    2024-2025 Speaker Series

    This free series of hybrid talks takes place November-April, and explores the enduring resonance of this 265-year-old house.

  • Yellow 3-story mansion with symmetrical facade. Snowy lawn and fence with bows in foreground
    Holiday Open House

    The annual Holiday Open House offers a chance to see the house decorated for this festive season and learn how the Longfellows celebrated.

Summer & Fall

  • Visitors with backs to the camera, ranger facing camera in a Victorian parlor
    How to Visit Inside the House

    The Longfellow House is currently closed for the season. Start planning your visit in 2025!

  • Crowd seated on chairs and blankets on lawn to watch concert
    Summer Arts Festival

    Celebrate poetry, music, and community at the annual Longfellow Summer Festival.

  • Room in historic house with exhibit cases of books and clothing
    Temporary Exhibits

    The changing exhibit gallery features unique objects and stories from the site's museum collection.

  • artist's easel set up under large tree, with group of people around second easel on lawn behind
    Art in the Landscape

    How will the Longfellow landscape inspire you? Bring your own preferred supplies for plein air painting or drawing.

 

Year-Round

  • A woman speaks to seated crowd in front of garden.
    Calendar of Events

    Check our calendar for upcoming programs and events.

  • Black and white image of two men looking at documents on table
    Research

    The archives and museum collections are available to researchers by advanced appointment.

  • Three cell phones in front of bright yellow and orange concentric circles display different features
    Explore the Grounds

    Use the self-guided grounds tour in the NPS App to find stories of a changing landscape and immersive games for all ages.

Last updated: February 14, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

105 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone:

(617) 876-4491

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