John Greenleaf Whittier House

The John Greenleaf Whittier House in Amesbury is an 1808 farmhouse where the American poet and abolitionist lived for more than 40 years. The home contains multiple rooms across two floors with original furnishings and personal items that reflect his daily life.

Whittier acquired the property in 1836 and made it his home during the most intense period of his literary and political work. The house was expanded several times and became a gathering place for poets, reformers, and friends who visited during his productive years.

The garden served as an important space for Whittier's creative work and inspired many of his poems. Visitors can see the rooms where the poet wrote and spent time with family and friends.

The house opens from May through October and can be explored on guided tours that lead through various rooms and the surrounding grounds. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the tours include stairs and uneven floor levels throughout the home.

A separate hat museum sits on the property grounds and displays a standalone collection of headwear spanning different time periods. This unusual combination makes the visit about more than just the poet's literary legacy.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.85560,-70.93560

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:28