The Freeport Historical Society is again offering Summer Tours of the Historic Pettengill Farmhouse and grounds as a way for the public to learn more about this remarkable homestead. These tours offer a rare opportunity to view and learn about the house, which is generally open only once a year, on Pettengill Farm Day. Join a docent as they describe the history of the farm and saltbox, built about 1800 and sustained over generations without the modern conveniences of central heating, running water, or electricity. The house resides on 140 acres that supported a saltwater farm and dairy, most recently by Mildred Pettengill and her brother Frank.
Participants can sign-up for a 90 min tour of the farm and house, which includes a viewing of the rare sgraffiti wall etchings of ships and marine life. The scheduled tours are as follows:
Wed June 26 at 1:00 PM
Thurs July 18 at 9:00 AM
Tues Aug 13 at 5:00 PM
Fri Aug 23 at 9:15 AM
Fri Sept 13 at 11:00 AM
Cost is $12 per person for the general public and $10 for FHS members.
Details:
Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance since at least 4 people (maximum 10) are required for the tour to occur. (Go to freeporthistoricalsociety.org or call 865-3170.) If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to rain (the event will feature a walk around the grounds) or because of too few participants, those signed up will be rescheduled to another date or their money refunded.
Attendees meet at the gate entrance at the end of Pettengill Road, and we will carpool to the site. Spontaneous participants are welcome to join in at the start location, but they should first confirm that the tour is happening. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven surfaces and bring along bug spray. If walking is difficult, participants can choose to remain near or in the house.
Tours are also available on request with a minimum of 4 participants. Contact Jesse at info@freeporthistoricalsociety.com or 865-3170 to schedule a time.
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