Due to COVID-19, only the grounds of Cogswell’s Grant are open to the public, daily from dawn to dusk. Please visit in a group no larger than ten, wear a face covering, and maintain at least six feet of distance from others. There is no charge to explore the landscape but we hope you will consider making a donation or becoming a member.

Cogswell’s Grant was the summer home of Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little, preeminent collectors of American decorative arts in the mid 20th century. In 1937, the Littles purchased this 18th-century farmhouse overlooking the Essex River as a family retreat and place to entertain. They restored it carefully, trying to preserve original 18th-century finishes and carefully documenting their work. In more than 50 years of collecting, they sought works of strong, even quirky character, and in particular favored objects with their original finishes and New England histories.

The Littles decorated the house for visual delight rather than historic accuracy. The result is rich in atmosphere and crowded with collections of things — paintings, redware, painted furniture, stacked Shaker boxes, weathervanes and decoys — that have since come to define the country look.

Open for tours June 1 – October 15, Wed. – Sun., 11am – 4pm.  Tours on the hour.

Our historic house museum features a stunning collection of American folk art, and is the perfect addition to a day spent in Essex enjoying antique shops and fried clams.

Group Contact

Kristen Weiss

kweiss@historicnewengland.org

(978) 768-3632

Complimentary Policy

Tour leader and bus driver receive complimentary tour admission.

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