Mission House - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Address: 19 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01263.

Website: thetrustees.org
Specialties: Historical place museum, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Restaurant.
Opinions: This company has 38 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.3/5.

📌 Location of Mission House

Mission House 19 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01263

⏰ Open Hours of Mission House

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10 AM–4 PM
Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM

The Mission House: A Historical Gem in Stockbridge, MA

For those seeking a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, The Mission House in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, presents an exceptional opportunity. Located at 19 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01263, this meticulously preserved historical place museum and tourist attraction offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Fairbanks family, who resided there from 1818 to 1832. The Trustees of Reservations proudly manages this invaluable piece of American history, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

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About The Mission House

The Mission House stands as a testament to the early days of American abolitionism. It was here, in 1830, that the Fairbanks family, prominent members of the Stockbridge community, bravely sheltered William Still, a runaway slave and future âconductorâ on the Underground Railroad. This courageous act of defiance and compassion solidified the houseâs significance in the fight against slavery. The house itself is remarkably intact, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. Itâs not simply a museum; itâs a living narrative, detailing the daily routines, beliefs, and challenges faced by the Fairbanks family and those they aided. The Trustees have invested heavily in recreating the atmosphere of the early 19th century, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the period.

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Location and Accessibility

The Mission House is strategically situated in the heart of Stockbridge, a charming town renowned for its connection to the Hudson River School of painting and the legacy of Norman Rockwell. Its address, 19 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01263, makes it easily accessible. Furthermore, The Mission House prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, offering a range of features to accommodate visitors of all abilities. Wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking lot are available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this historical landmark. The facility also provides a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a commitment to equal access.

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Points of Interest

Beyond the main house itself, visitors can explore a variety of points of interest:

The Fairbanks Family Residence: Step back in time and imagine life as the Fairbanks family lived, complete with period furniture, clothing, and household items.

The Underground Railroad Exhibit: Learn about the courageous individuals involved in the Underground Railroad and the risks they took to help enslaved people escape to freedom.

The Gift Shop: Browse a selection of books, prints, and handcrafted items related to the history of the house and the region.

Restaurant: The Mission House offers a delightful dining experience with locally sourced menu items, providing a perfect complement to your visit.

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Visitor Feedback and Reviews

The Mission House consistently receives positive feedback from visitors. Currently, it boasts 38 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4.3/5. These reviews consistently highlight the houseâs historical significance, the knowledgeable staff, and the immersive nature of the experience. Many visitors express gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the past and learn about a pivotal moment in American history. Hereâs a sample of common themes found in the reviews:

Theme	Frequency
Historical Accuracy	15
Knowledgeable Staff	12
Immersive Experience	10
Accessibility	8

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Contact Information and Website

For more information about The Mission House, including hours of operation, admission fees, and upcoming events, please visit the Trustees of Reservations website: thetrustees.org. You can also reach them via phone, although a phone number is not currently listed. The website offers a wealth of resources for prospective visitors, including detailed descriptions of the house's history, photographs, and virtual tours.

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Visiting The Mission House is more than just a sightseeing trip; it's a journey into the heart of American history. It's a place where you can connect with the past, learn about the struggles for freedom, and appreciate the courage of those who dared to stand up for what was right. We highly recommend adding this remarkable destination to your itinerary when exploring Stockbridge and the Berkshires.

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👍 Reviews of Mission House

Mission House - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Ryan M.

3/5

Mission House is a colonial era house built by John Sergeant in 1742. Today the house is easy to spot in downtown Stockbridge. The house has nice gardens that are well taken care of. There is plenty of signage outside the house explaining the history of the house and of the Mohican tribe.
As nice as this house the times you can go inside are rather limited. The house is open Thursdays-Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is nice to be able to see the outside the of the house, however it should be open to the public more often. Seeing that many other historic houses, museums, and attractions in the Berkshires are open much longer, this one should join them as well. The Mission House loses a great opportunity to educate by having such a short season. Make sure to call ahead for hours if looking for a guided tour or to go in the house.

Abigail E.

4/5

The museum at Mission House with the mini exhibit on the history of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians was among the best I have visited. The information was eye-opening, concise, and written in plain language. The space was well-lit and easy to navigate. In contrast, Mission House itself was dimly lit and narrow, with rooms visible only behind dirty plexiglass. The entire Mission House complex is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset during the spring, summer, and fall. The gardens are open all year. Both the Stockbridge-Munsee museum and the furniture displayed at Mission House are on the ground floor. The museum is wheelchair accessible, while the house requires a step up to enter the building. Parking is available on street in the lot across the street from the cemetery about a quarter mile down a paved sidewalk.

Julia T.

5/5

Lovely place to stop by for a little bit while in Stockbridge, enjoy the smells of flowers, the shade from the trees, learn a bit of history. Don’t forget to check out the tiny little library! Bring books to trade.

Rebecca

5/5

Nice piece of history! We enjoyed walking here to view the house and gardens when we were doing a walking tour of Stockbridge. Fascinating to read about the history. Free to tour around the small garden area. We did not tour the house.

Mike Z.

3/5

Worth stopping at garden around Mission house if you are visiting Stockbridge.

OEF-OIF D.

5/5

A small house with tremendous history. Tour three structures on the property, each sharing Native American history and traditions as well European. Settlers. Original furniture, clothing, cooking utensils and books throughout John Sergeants home.

Ethan M.

5/5

Mission House is an interesting place to check out in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The house itself is an old building that was originally built with the intention of spreading Christianity to the Mahican people living there. There is an herbal garden as soon as you walk into the fenced area, and there are two buildings people are allowed to go into. Inside one, there was a display of what the house may have looked like using old furniture and such. Some items have descriptions such as where they came from or the date of the item. The second building serves as a small museum for the native people, that were here before the Europeans invaded the land. There was a lot of useful information on poster boards that were displayed on the walls inside. I especially found the timeline to be fascinating. There were also some cool pamphlets available to take, such as one containing recipes for making local foods. When I went, it was free to enter, though that may be because we went on a "field trip" for my work. I would recommend checking out Mission House to learn more about the local history in the Berkshires.

Grant D.

4/5

Small museum featuring Native Americans from the area. Interesting history out in the garden shed too. You can walk into the house but only look into the rooms past the front hall.