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Crosby Mansion
                                   
                   
                    
                                                      

Brewster, MA
Built in 1888


Join "The Friends of Crosby " for
Crosby Mansion Family Fun Day!
Saturday June 17th - 1pm-4pm on the Lawn!
Ages 3-103 - $10 per Family Up to 6 people

Stellar Performance Line Up Magic, Juggling, Circus and More!

Refreshments available, games, free parking, public restrooms,
Handicap accessible
163 Crosby Lane Brewster, MA 
Tickets - Family Pass $10 cash at the Gate.

SERVICES

"MAKE THE MANSION YOURS"

  • Crosby Reception Hall

  • Beach Cottages


 

  • Public Tours

  • Private Bookings

  • Volunteering

  • Docent Training

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join "The Friends of Crosby " for

Crosby Mansion Family Fun Day!

Saturday June 17th - 1pm-4pm

Ages 3-103 ! - $10 per family up to 6 people

Stellar Performance Line Up - Magic, Juggling, Circus, and More!

Rotating schedule - arrive between 1pm - 3:30pm

refreshments available, games, free parking, public restrooms, handicap accessible 

163 Crosby Lane Brewster, MA 

TIX - Family Pass - $10 cash at the gate.

Up to 6 people.

 

FRIENDS OF CROSBY VOLUNTEER DRIVE!

Sat. June 3, 2023  -  10am-12pm

Discover more about the group dedicated to maintaining the mansion's craftsmanship and storied past.

The Friends are a working group meeting regularly to

accomplish mansion projects. 

*Add your name to their list of activities from gardening, painting, carpentry, archival research, live docent training for SUMMER OPEN HOUSE TOURS, and more! 

*Email Properties Manager Richard Archer if you are interested  or just show up!

rarcher@brewster-ma.gov

SUMMER OPEN HOUSE TOURS 2023!

Sun. July 2 - Wed. August 30

EVERY Sun. & Wed. ALL SUMMER

Self-guided with a map. Explore at your leisure. 

Live docents throughout the mansion!

A $6 donation is kindly appreciated per adult.

Kids 12 and under enter for FREE.

  • We recommend allowing at least one hour to explore all three floors of the mansion and grounds.

  • Crosby Mansion is handicap accessible on the first floor, grounds, and restrooms. Please call 508-896-1744 for more information or specific arrangements. 

  • Proceeds go to the upkeep of the property. 

 

 "Make the Mansion Yours!"
 

Upcoming Events

ABOUT US

OUR WORK

The Saving of Tawasentha

The mansion was named “Tawasentha” by its original owners, Albert and Matilda Crosby, based on an excerpt in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Song of Hiawatha".

ABOUT US

TODAY

 

The Town of Brewster and the Friends of Crosby Mansion invite you to enjoy the relaxed splendor of Crosby Mansion and learn about the storied past of this living mansion. We currently offer public and private tours, function rentals, and volunteering through The Friends of Crosby, who continue the loving restoration they began in 1992.

ORIGINS OF THE MANSION

Built during the period of 1876-1888, Crosby Mansion, named Tawasentha by its original owners, is located on the west side of Crosby Lane. The mansion overlooks the famous Brewster Flats on Cape Cod Bay. Owners Albert and Matilda Crosby travelled to Europe in the mid-1870s, bringing worldwide influences home to the Cape to be incorporated into its design. It is a magnificent Colonial Revival being designed with tasteful French and Asian influences, among others.

In 1888, the builder, Mr. Frank H. Hinckley of Yarmouth, invited the public and press to inspect the newly built house while the Crosbys were visiting Paris. Attendees marveled at the gas light and indoor plumbing – the first house on the Cape to incorporate all of these features.

Throughout its grand three stories, English oak, Indian mahogany, English tiled fireplaces, and other handcrafted materials from around the world, transformed by local craftsmen, are still observable today. Matilda Crosby often had her woven rugs brought onto the front lawn for parties with the Nickersons.

Please JOIN US for a fun, relaxed afternoon of local lore from a time that, in many ways, still exists at Crosby Mansion.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MANSION

  • 1876 - 1888 – The mansion build is completed by the Hinckley Co.

  • 1928 – After the passing of Albert and Matilda, the property passed to her two grandnieces. Unable to maintain the large mansion, they had to sell... more on that at our live tours!

  • 1930s – Martha Atwood bought the property and formed the Cape Cod Institute of Art.

  • 1950s – The property became the Gold Coast Inn and Restaurant.

  • 1970s – Dr. Spago ran a successful summer camp for young women.

  • 1985 – The state acquired the property as part of a bayside adjunct to Nickerson State Park. It fell into advanced disrepair. 

  • 1992 – The Friends of Crosby Mansion petitioned the state and began its massive restoration.

  • 2023 – The Town of Brewster and the Friends of Crosby continue the fastidious upkeep for its unique history, character, and the public's enjoyment. In the spirit of Matilda and Albert we move progressively forward with the activities of the mansion, motivated by the living energy that it continues to exude. 

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CONTACT

How Can We Help?

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163 Crosby Lane  

P.O. Box 1888

Brewster, MA 02631

Properties Manager

Richard Archer

rarcher@brewster-ma.gov

508-896-1744

OPENING HOURS:

Public Summer Tours 2023

Every Sunday and Wednesday

ALL SUMMER 

11am - 3pm

Sun. July 2 - Wed. Aug. 30

 

For function rental information or private bus tours please contact us.  

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