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1 acre | Established 1972 |
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In 1735, at the age of twenty-five, Colonel John Ashley built this house—the oldest in Berkshire County—for his Dutch bride, Hannah Hogeboom. The Ashley House was the center of social, economic, and political life in south Berkshire County in the eighteenth century. The famous Sheffield Declaration (PDF-83K), a petition against British tyranny and a manifesto for individual rights, was drafted in the upstairs study of the house and published in 1773. The cause for abolishing slavery in America was strengthened in the celebrated 1781 Massachusetts state court battle that freed the Ashleys' slave, Elizabeth Freeman (nicknamed "Mumbet") under the new state constitution. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the Ashley House exemplifies early 18th century architecture. House furnishings and items date from the 18th and early 19th centuries. |
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Facilities |
| The Ashley House gift shop sells post cards and several books on Mumbet. Public restrooms are located nearby at The Trustees' Bartholomew's Cobble Museum and Visitor's Center. |
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| Tours |
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Visit this anchor site on the African American Trail where Mum Bett took a courageous stand for freedom that helped end slavery in Massachusetts. Explore Colonial life and times with the Colonel Ashley family. Guided house tours offered Saturdays and Sundays, May 24 – Columbus Day | 10am – 5pm. Last tour departs at 4pm. Members: FREE. Nonmembers: adult $5, child (6-12) $3. Group house tours for 15 or more receive a discount; call 413/298-8146. |
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| Literature |
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Mumbet: The Story of Elizabeth Freeman and If They Close the Door on You, Go in the Window are available for sale during house tours. It can also be mail ordered over the phone by calling the Western Regional Office at 413/298-8146.
More information about Mumbet can be found at:
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| Useful Links |
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| Property Acquisition History |
| The Colonel John Ashley House was purchased by The Trustees of Reservations in 1972. |
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Telephone:
413-229-8600
E-mail:
westregion@ttor.org
When to Visit:
Grounds: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. House: Open for guided tours Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 3 hours if also visiting Bartholomew's Cobble.
Admission Fees & Permits:
Grounds: Free to all. House Tours: Trustees Members free. Nonmembers: adult $5, child (6-12) $3. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount; call for details.
Regulations / Advisories:
Photography is not permitted inside the house.
How to Get There:
From Rt. 7 south in Sheffield, turn right onto Rt. 7A and follow for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Rannapo Rd. and follow for 1.5 mi. Turn right onto Cooper Hill Rd. Entrance and parking (10 cars) on left. Please do not park on side of Cooper Hill Road.
Road Map:
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