About The Mission House |
1/2 acre |
Journey back in time at this Colonial-era house and museum, a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Sergeant.
What makes the Mission house a special place?
Located on Main Street in Stockbridge, this National Historic Landmark was home to the first missionary to the Mohican Indians. It not only provides a glimpse into Colonial history but also the Native American tribe that lived here.
In the mid-1730s, the Mohicans living in western Massachusetts gave permission for a young minister to live among them. The Rev. John Sergeant lived in a simple cabin until he married Abigail Williams in 1739 and built the Mission House c.1742.
Originally located on Prospect Hill in Stockbridge, this National Historic Landmark was carefully disassembled, moved, and restored between 1926 and 1930 by Miss Mabel Choate (then owner of nearby Naumkeag, which is now also a Trustees property) at its present location on Main Street.
From 1928 to 1933, noted landscape architect Fletcher Steele designed the Colonial Revival garden, which features a colonial-style dooryard garden of circular brick paths enclosed by a cypress fence. A kitchen garden divided by crushed stone walkways contains 100 herbs, perennials, and annuals that had culinary or medicinal value to early colonists. A replica of an old cobbler shop serves as the entrance to the property.
The house showcases an outstanding collection of 18th-century American furniture and decorative arts. A grape arbor in the Well Courtyard behind the Mission House leads to a small Native American museum that tells the story of the Mohicans through artifacts gathered by Mabel Choate in the early 1930s and stories and perspectives from Mohicans today. The red barn behind the Mission House serves as The Trustees’ Berkshires regional office.
When to Visit
Open Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day, daily, 10AM – 5PM. Allow a minimum of half an hour, 1.5 hours if taking a house tour.
Regulations & Advisories
- Photography is not permitted inside the house.
- Dogs are not allowed on the property.
- The red barn behind the Mission House serves as the Trustees’ Berkshires Regional Office.
Directions
19 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA
Telephone: 413.298.3239 x3000
E-mail westregion@ttor.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From the intersection of Rt. 7 and 102 in Stockbridge Center, take Rt. 102 (Main St.) West 0.2 mi. The Mission House is located on right at the corner of Main St. and Sergeant St. Limited roadside parking.
Admission
When to Visit
Open Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day, daily, 10am. to 5pm. On Fridays in July and August, the house is open until 6pm. Allow a minimum of half an hour, 1.5 hours if taking a house tour.
Fees and Permits
Trustees members: FREE. Nonmembers: Adult $6; Child (6–12) $3. Pre-booked groups of 15 or more receive a discount; call 413.298.3239 for details. Admission fee includes tour.
Property History
The Mission House was built c.1742 by Rev. John Sergeant, who had established a mission for Mohican people in the southern Berkshires. Originally located on Prospect Hill, this National Historic Landmark was carefully disassembled, moved, and restored by Miss Mabel Choate at its present location on Main Street between 1926 and 1930.
Property Acquisition History
Gift of the Stockbridge Mission House Association in 1948.
Programs
Tours
- Tour the home of the first missionary to the Stockbridge Mohicans and visit the Indian Museum. Guided house and garden tours offered Memorial Day weekend – Columbus Day, 10am – 5pm. Last tour departs at 4pm. On Fridays in July and August, the house is open until 6pm. Last tour departs at 5pm. Trustees Members: FREE. Nonmembers: Adult $6, Child (6–12) $3. Group tours offered by appointment and groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
- Enjoy a family-friendly Quest that explores what Stockbridge village was like when it was known as Indian Town. Call 413.298.3239 x3000 for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
| Position | Location |
|---|---|
| Event Helper | Naumkeag, Ashley House, |
| Garden Greeter | |
| History Researcher | William Cullen Bryant Homestead, |
| History Researcher | William Cullen Bryant Homestead |
| Photographer | Naumkeag, Ashley House, |
| Survey Taker | Naumkeag, |
Work Parties
There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.
Maps and Resources
Free brochure with map of the garden with admission.
Planning Your Visit
Community Links
Mohican Nation
Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.
Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:
- Protect wildlife and plants.
- Guard against all risk of fire.
- Help keep air and water clean.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
- Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
- Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
- Enjoy and share the landscape with others.
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Tell Us What You Think
Announcements & Alerts
Upcoming Things To Do
Other Trustees Properties You Might Like:
Ashley House
Sheffield, MA
Monument Mountain
Great Barrington, MA
Naumkeag
Stockbridge, MA
