Longfellow National Historic Site

 

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Sophie A.

Cambridge, MA

9/5/2009

I can't believe we live a few blocks away from this place.  Just found that out today, just got back from visiting a few hours ago.  We decided to go on the 1 PM tour at the last minute and it was more than I expected.  Like everything else, I Yelped it first... why does this only have 4 out of 5 stars?  

We discovered that Longfellow's children/grandchildren made it a point to maintain the place and keep the original items so that future generations could enjoy it.  The tour guide was very knowledgeable and, because we were a small group of 4, he let us explore some of the rooms that are normally roped off.  Everything was beautiful, from the gorgeous garden to the original wallpaper and carpet that they replicated to the T (they had to replace the carpet/window treatments, but they match the originals).  

My favorite room was Longfellow's lounge/office/study, this is where he made history.  Being an English nut, I guess I'm a little partial when I say this, but there's something magical about standing a few feet away from the very pulpit (and it's a pulpit, not a desk) that Longfellow stood behind when he composed the optimistic poems we remember him for today.

I'll stop playing tour guide, but I highly recommend that you visit the Lonfellow house.  I've been to Concord (saw the Alcott and Hawthorne house) and am happy to say that visiting this historic spot was just as enjoyable.  

Plus, like I said, it's easy to get to from Harvard Square.  If you live anywhere in Boston, just take the redline into Harvard Square and walk about two blocks down Brattle Street... that's it.  Plus, admission is only $3.  Fun, affordable, educational... love this place.

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9

Buffy and E.

Roslindale, MA

7/18/2009

Visited the historical site last weekend...the guide that took us on the tour was fantastic.  Her knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious.  

There were numerous children on the tour and all of them were fascinated!!!  A real surprise and definitely attributed to the guide's engaging presentation abilities.

Here is a full write-up of our visit posted on RainyDayMagazine:
http://www.rainydaymag...

Click on any of the images for a larger version.
Sincerely,
Wan Chi Lau
Managing Editor
http://www.rainydaymag...
"We Entertain When It Rains"

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Rhett G.

San Francisco, CA

5/23/2007

I was just a LITTLE too early.

Place opens for tours on June 1st. They were painting and preparing when I showed up, but I got to walk around the grounds a little. Pretty gorgeous. Giant house, gardens, etc, etc.

Just kinda neat to walk around the same yard that George Washington probably paced 200-blah blah years ago, and then brilliant minds like Longfellow, Holmes, etc etc. a few later.

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