     
 | Property Description | 1 acre | Established 1972 | The Ashley House was once the center of social, economic, and political life in 18th-century Sheffield. With five enslaved workers in his household, Col. John Ashley was also the largest slave owner in the town. Built in 1735 on the west bank of the Housatonic River, the Ashley House was moved in 1930 to its current location. Now the house survives to tell stories of freedom and forms part of the Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail. While the Ashley family and other English colonials fought for autonomy from British government, and drafted the Sheffield Resolves, an enslaved woman within the household struggled for – and won – her own freedom. The successful 1781 court case of Elizabeth Freeman (Mum Bett) was instrumental in ending slavery in Massachusetts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ashley House exemplifies early 18th century architecture with house furnishings and items date from the 18th and early 19th centuries. |
| 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. |
| | Tours | 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. |
| | Literature | 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: |
| | Useful Links | |
| | 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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