Museum of Old Newbury Cushing House
Step into early 19th-century New England at the Cushing House, a Federal-style home filled with period furnishings and local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Seasonal opening for tours
Museum of Old Newbury Cushing House
Best Time
Seasonal opening for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into early 19th-century New England at the Cushing House, a Federal-style home filled with period furnishings and local history.
"A great little gem of a museum that tells the region's history in an engaging way."
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to 10 people. Call ahead for larger groups or to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The outdoor gardens are free and open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a lovely, accessible experience.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Federal-Style Architecture
The House Itself
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved early 19th-century home, showcasing exquisite Federal design.
Period Furnishings & Exhibits
Interior Rooms
Explore rooms filled with authentic furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of the families who lived here.
Local History & "Tombstone Tuesdays"
Exhibits & Special Events
Discover the rich history of Newburyport and its residents, with unique insights from special programs like 'Tombstone Tuesdays'.
Enchanting Gardens
Outdoor Grounds
Wander through the free-to-access gardens, a peaceful retreat offering beautiful scenery from dawn till dusk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must do things in Newburyport MA
My boyfriend and I are heading there for our anniversary and would love any suggestions on things to do/places to check out. We’re looking for cool spots to eat, scenic areas to visit, or just fun activities/shops! Holy so many suggestions thank you guys!!
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to 10 people. Call ahead for larger groups or to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The outdoor gardens are free and open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a lovely, accessible experience.
Is anyone familiar with Newburyport?
Hi r/Boston. I've lived here for awhile now but have unfortunately neglected some seemingly hidden gems outside of the city. I was looking to shoot to Newburyport for a little day trip this weekend. Is anyone familiar with it? I don't need any crazy attractions, I'm love a…
Newburyport or Salem (first week of May)?
Hi guys, I'll visit Boston for a few days and after that I'd like to visit Newburyport or Salem, on my way to Portland ME. I'd like to visit some quaint town with "New England vibes", so at the moment I'm leaning towards Newburyport. However, I'm concerned that in early May…
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is available for free on High Street and Fruit Street, making access convenient.
♿ Limited Accessibility
Be aware that historic homes like this are not fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Last months in MA … what is something I must do before leaving?
Hi all - I moved to MA in January 2020 for school, unbeknownst to me, a pandemic would bring the world indoors. I thought I was going to have all the fun in the world, and explore the state and live grandly while here. However, after graduation, I’ve been working like a dog, and…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tours in Advance
Tours are limited to 10 people. Call ahead for larger groups or to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The outdoor gardens are free and open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a lovely, accessible experience.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is available for free on High Street and Fruit Street, making access convenient.
♿ Limited Accessibility
Be aware that historic homes like this are not fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.
📅 Check Seasonal Hours
The museum operates seasonally, typically June through October. Always verify hours before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cushing House for its well-preserved state and the engaging, informative tours led by knowledgeable guides. The house's rich history and the stories of the families who lived there are a major highlight. While the interior tours are a primary draw, the free and accessible gardens also receive positive mentions, offering a pleasant outdoor experience.
"I had such a good tour here. House is in terrific shape and a guest gets to see quite a bit of it. Very interesting history of the families that lived here. Tour is reasonably priced and well-led. I would recommend a visit."
Michael Miller
"I toured the Museum of Old Newbury back in June. This was is a fun and family-friendly excursion.
The Cushing House is open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m during the regular season of the first Thursday in June through the Sunday of the first full weekend in October. The cost for a guided tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth, and free for both members and residents of the “Old Newbury” towns. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the museum website or in person at the door. Tours are currently limited to ten people, so call ahead if your group is larger.
I noticed that tours do not appear to follow a script and must vary widely depending on the guide. Like most historic houses, this museum is not accessible to those with limited mobility.
The outdoor section of the museum is free and open to the public between dawn and dusk. Parking for the museum is free on High Street and Fruit Street.
I greatly enjoyed my time at the museum and look forward to visiting the gardens again in the future when the weather is less sporadic."
Abigail Epplett
"Great tour about Newbury history and excellent collections! A stunning house!"
Clara Read
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Newburyport, MA. Free parking is available on High Street and Fruit Street.
Information on public transportation options is not readily available, but driving and parking on-site are convenient.
You'll find free parking available on High Street and Fruit Street near the museum.
Yes, the outdoor gardens are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, even if you're not taking a house tour.
Absolutely! Newburyport is a charming coastal town and makes for a wonderful day trip from Boston, with the Cushing House being a key attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Cushing House is typically open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during its regular season (June to October). Always check their website for the most current hours.
Admission for a guided tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for youth. Members and residents of 'Old Newbury' towns get in free.
Yes, tickets can be purchased in advance on the museum's website or in person at the door.
Yes, there are discounted rates for seniors ($8) and youth ($5). Members and residents of 'Old Newbury' towns are free.
Guided tours are the primary way to see the house interior. Tours are limited to ten people, so booking ahead is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are led by knowledgeable guides and offer a deep dive into the history of the families and the house. The content can vary based on the guide.
Unfortunately, like many historic houses, the Cushing House is not fully accessible to those with limited mobility.
The outdoor section of the museum is free and open from dawn to dusk, offering a pleasant space to stroll and enjoy the grounds.
Yes, the museum hosts special events, such as 'Tombstone Tuesdays' and an annual garden tour, which are very popular and often sell out.
Tour lengths can vary depending on the guide and group engagement, but generally allow for a thorough exploration of the house and its history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies inside historic houses can vary. It's best to check with your guide or museum staff upon arrival regarding interior photography rules.
The exterior of the Federal-style house and the surrounding gardens offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Newburyport itself is very picturesque, with its historic architecture and waterfront. Plum Island also offers great scenic and wildlife photography.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for interiors. For exteriors and gardens, a versatile lens will serve you well.
Yes, the gardens are a great place for photography, and since they are free to access, you can spend as much time as you like capturing their beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit