One hundred years ago, John Hays Hammond Jr. embarked on one of the most ambitious projects of his life: building Hammond Castle Museum. But why construct a brand new medieval-inspired castle after already transforming his previous home into a castle-like residence? And why was Hammond absent during the first year of construction, entrusting oversight of the project to one of the Hammond Research Laboratory’s engineers?

Join us tomorrow evening as Collections Director Beth Welin takes us on a fascinating look back at 1926 as we explore the personal, professional, and historical events that shaped Hammond’s life during this pivotal year. Discover how the construction of his extraordinary home and laboratory unfolded, the people who helped bring his vision to life, and the remarkable story behind one of Cape Ann’s most iconic landmarks.

Museum members enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public. Reservations encouraged.

We’re opening the diary, sharing the letters, and exploring the archives to discover what was really happening during the year it all began. There may even be a little tea (with Mussolini) spilled along the way! Reserve Your Seats Here!

A Texas Ranger. A New England Castle. One Extraordinary Family Connection.

Why are we presenting an exhibition about a legendary Texas Ranger-turned-military commander-turned-Sheriff?
Because the story is personal.

John Coffee Hays was the great-uncle and namesake of our founder, John Hays Hammond Jr.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of our new temporary exhibition, “Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays, an original temporary exhibition presented in partnership with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas. Through the loan of museum artwork and the sharing of fascinating stories, this unique exhibition introduces New England audiences to the legendary Texas Ranger captain.

The exhibition traces Hays’s extraordinary journey from joining the Texas Rangers at just 19 years old to becoming one of the most respected military leaders of his era. Notable Rangers who served under or alongside him include Samuel Walker, co-inventor of the Colt Walker revolver, the first practical six-shooter in the Old West, and Flacco, a Lipan Apache chief, who gave him the nickname “Bravo-Too-Much” (aka “Brave-Too-Much”) for his boldness in battle.

The exhibition explores his role in the Texas Republic, the Mexican-American War, the California Gold Rush, and the founding of early California communities, while also examining the complex history of the American frontier and the many cultures that shaped it. Join Curatorial Director John Leysath on September 16 to uncover the remarkable connection and explore “Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays before it opens to the public.

An unexpected exhibition, maybe.
A truly fascinating member of the Hammond family, sure.
A lecture you definitely don’t want to miss? Absolutely!

Discover the story behind the legend. Reserve your place for the opening celebration. Reservations required.

Getting to ‘the Castle’ has never been easier. The Cape Ann Transportation Authority’s free #6 Magnolia bus now stops directly at Hammond Castle Museum, making it simple to visit without a personal vehicle.

• Arriving by personal vehicle for your daytime visit? Availability is limited, and advance reservations are required.

• Arriving by public transportation or rideshare? Walk-ins are welcome, subject to Museum capacity. Because guests arriving without a personal vehicle do not require on-site parking, admission availability may be increased, even when online reservations for guests arriving by car have sold out.

Leave the car behind, skip the parking, and enjoy an easier way to experience Hammond Castle Museum.

Plan your visit at Hammondcastle.org.

The Queens take over the Great Hall and present a high-energy, laugh-out-loud evening hosted by one of Boston’s most iconic Queens and featuring three of the region’s top drag performers!

Join us this week, through Friday afternoon, as we welcome school-aged children, ages 12 and under, for free with a reserved ticket.

Guests will also be able to view our fourth annual Eric Pape fine art exhibition at the Hammond Castle Museum, featuring a significant collection of pen and ink illustrations by Eric Pape (1870 to 1938).

Flexible Arrival Times for Self-Guided Tours: Experience Hammond Castle Museum at your own pace with our flexible arrival times for Self-Guided Tours! Your ticket grants you entry anytime within the Morning or Afternoon session times, based upon your selection, ensuring you can arrive stress-free and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Morning Session: 9:00 am – 11:45 am
Afternoon Session: 11:45 am – 2:30 pm

Please note: the last entrance into the Museum is at 2:45 pm sharp. The Museum and Grounds close promptly at 3:30 pm. We recommend planning at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and interior galleries of the Museum.

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Evening program:
5:30 pm–6:00 pm Networking
6:00 pm–6:45 pm Presentation
6:50 pm–7:30 pm Exhibit Tours

Light refreshments will be served.

Join us for a special Presentation and Exhibition Preview introducing our two new Spring and Summer exhibitions: Inside the Faraday Cage: The Science of Things That Aren’t So and A Tale of Two Pianos.

Be among the first to experience these new installations ahead of their public opening. Curatorial Director John Leysath will present on Hammond’s 1951 Faraday cage experiments, while Assistant Curator Donovan Lafontaine offers an introduction to the piano exhibition.

Inside the Faraday Cage features a life-size, non-working replica of the experimental apparatus, inviting guests to step inside and explore Hammond’s investigations into ESP alongside physician and parapsychologist Andrija Puharich and psychic medium Eileen Garrett.

Museum Members and VIP guests enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public. Reservations are required. Space is limited.

Hammond Castle Museum will reopen to the community during School Vacation Week, February 16 through February 20! Self-guided tours will be offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with last entrance at 2:45 p.m. On Friday, self-guided tours will begin at noon. During this week, children ages 12 and under are welcome free with a ticket, making it a great time for families to explore together.

On Friday, February 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., our Curatorial Director, John Leysath, will present The History of Medieval Arms and Armor, a longtime kid favorite. Program attendees are welcome to enjoy self-guided tours immediately following.

Learn more and reserve your admission at: www.hammondcastle.org. We hope to welcome you during vacation week.

Tuesday, December 30th is the last of our Gloucester Gratis Days this season, offering the chance for all our Gloucester neighbors to visit the Hammond Castle Museum for FREE, with your proof of residency!

You may have visited the Hammond Castle Museum in the past, but you haven’t seen it like this! Join us as we present our annual, museum-wide holiday installation: Deck the Halls. This season is more festive and lush than before as we partnered with local interior designer, Elaine Quinn.

Learn more about Gloucester Gratis Days here and then reserve your complimentary admission at: https://bit.ly/DTHGratisDays.

Gloucester residents are welcomed for FREE EVERY TUESDAY at the Hammond Castle Museum. Nearly a dozen Christmas trees, dozens of wreaths, garlands and hand-made bows, two Menorahs, and playful 3D printed touches including gumdrop garland and a replica of the castle styled as a whimsical gingerbread house fill the space. Thousands of twinkling lights and flickering candles set the scene while nutcrackers, gingerbread men, and hidden gnomes and elves add a bit of fun for little ones exploring with their families.

Over the last several seasons, we have grown this program, and that tradition of care has long been guided by our Director of Collections, Beth Welin, whose thoughtful eye has shaped its beauty from the start. This year we were also fortunate to have the generous support of Elaine Quinn, of Elaine Quinn Interiors whose time, encouragement, and friendship helped us elevate the experience for the 2025 season.

We invite you to join us and experience the beauty and joy of the season. Proof of Gloucester residency is required at check-in for all those with Gratis Day admission reservations.

– Gloucester Gratis Days Self-Guided Tours are available every Tuesday throughout the entire 2025 tour season from May 6th through January 4th.
– Advance registration is recommended but not required. You may also register upon arrival in the Museum Shop.

Watch a teaser about Deck the Halls here!

Then, reserve your FREE admission here!

Cape Ann favorite and acclaimed singer-songwriter Chelsea Berry returns to the Great Hall at Hammond Castle Museum for two special holiday performances, accompanied by Kristen Miller on cello. Known for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting, Chelsea will perform selections from her holiday album Ring the Bells, along with songs that celebrate joy and togetherness.

On Saturday, December 6, (Doors at 6:30 pm | Performance at 7:00 pm), guests have two ticket options. Those with VIP Tickets arrive at 6:00 pm for an intimate Meet & Greet with Chelsea, including a complimentary champagne toast and preferred seating. Capacity is limited for this exclusive experience. General Admission ticket holders are welcome to arrive for the 7:00 pm performance.

On Sunday, December 7, (Doors at 5:00 pm | Performance at 5:30 pm), families are invited to join in festive sing-alongs, creating a fun and memorable night for all ages.

Chelsea has deep roots on the North Shore and Cape Ann, with past sold-out performances at some of the region’s most beloved venues. Her 2019 concerts at Hammond Castle Museum remain among our most memorable evenings. Over a 25-year career spanning twelve albums, she has toured coast to coast, sharing stages with legendary artists including Mavis Staples, Livingston Taylor, Chris Isaak, and Shawn Colvin.

Reserve your tickets at: https://bit.ly/ChelseaHCM