Step back in time at the Hamilton House, a beautifully preserved 18th-century riverside estate that offers an immersive look into Maine’s colonial past and early 20th-century revival. Perched above the scenic Salmon Falls River in South Berwick, this stately home and its immaculate gardens provide an idyllic setting for history lovers, garden enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

Recommended For

History Buffs: Tour a restored 1785 estate filled with antique furnishings, rare wallpaper murals, and Colonial Revival elegance.

Garden Lovers: Stroll through lovingly manicured perennial gardens overlooking the river—once a passion project of the home’s owners.

Educational Groups: Book grade-specific learning programs on colonial life, architecture, and the local environment.

Art & Design Enthusiasts: Explore murals, glassworks, and rugs thoughtfully curated by early 20th-century collectors.

What to Expect

  • Guided Tours: All visits include a docent-led tour of the home and gardens to ensure you don’t miss key stories and details.
  • Architecture & Furnishings: Built in 1785 and redesigned in the Colonial Revival style in the late 1800s, the home blends original architecture with antique and handcrafted decor.
  • Riverfront Gardens: Enjoy stunning views and thoughtful landscaping, including a marble fountain, cottage garden, and flower-lined pathways.
  • Accessibility: While the home isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, the first floor is accessible, and staff can assist with accommodations upon request.

Permanent Exhibits

  • Hand-Painted Wallpaper Murals: Commissioned after the Tysons’ 1905 trip to Italy, these whimsical, Renaissance-inspired scenes were painted by George Fernald and blend seamlessly with the natural beauty outside. A second mural series captures the local Piscataqua region.
  • Colored Glass Collection: Artful displays of Sandwich Glass, color-coordinated by room—look out for the rare dolphin-shaped candlesticks in the drawing room.
  • Hooked Rugs: Many decorative textiles in the house were handcrafted by women, each rug unique and rich with history.

Educational Programs

Hamilton House offers hands-on, curriculum-aligned programs for students from kindergarten through middle school. Topics include colonial history, early American architecture, environmental science, and the legacy of Maine’s riverside estates.

  • Program Options: Vary by age group; materials and scheduling available online.
  • Group Size: Minimums and maximums may apply—check details when booking.
  • Picnic Area: Outdoor spaces may be available for classes to enjoy lunch after their visit.

Shopping

Stop by the charming museum shop for a curated selection of local history books, gardening items, and souvenirs. Your purchase supports the preservation of Hamilton House and Historic New England’s mission.

Visitor Info

Map:


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