Prescott Townsend House
Beacon Hill townhouse where Prescott Townsend hosted the Boston Mattachine Society from 1957-73 — a decade before Stonewall.
Visitors praise the Prescott Townsend House for its informative and engaging tours, often highlighting knowledgeable guides and its value as a historical Boston site. However, several reviewers expressed significant disappointment due to last-minute cancellations and conflicting information about opening hours, leading to unexpected closures.
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Wonderful tour and experience guided by Elizabeth. A must see for Boston history.
This is an historic house which is currently owned by the NSCDA and is their HQ in MA. It's not a classic house tour with meticulously recreated rooms, rather there are a variety of rooms across the floors which represent the different families who lived in the home whilst also showcasing the pieces collected by the NSCDA too. Prescott is probably the most notable of the owners (and a really fascinating guy!) but the Dexter (gilded age era) and Colburn (early 19th century merchant) families are both interesting too! It also means you get to see how the house changed- for instance Prescott's library became the Dexter's dining room. If you're into costumes, they were also showing some of the hats from their collection too today! My guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and friendly and so passionate about the house. I really would recommend taking a look around! You can book your tour on the website and the hours do vary- it seems to be either 11 or 3 for the tours (usually just one per day) and they're not daily so do check before you travel!
Great time at this hidden gem! Our tour guide Clio was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Definitely a great way to spend the afternoon.
I was so disappointed in this location. We planned one of our vacation days around being able to visit this house (since the days they are open are highly limited) only to have them cancel all tours at the last minute. We showed up and found a paper posted on the front door saying closed. When we called to ask about private tours (which are an option according to their info) we were told they were not offering any. We walked in the rain to the location only to be turned away. I would avoid or at least use caution when trying to visit this house and don't expect a helpful staff.
Not open. We called and they said come on by, but when we arrived they told us via intercom that they were closed.
Location "Little Women"
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Last updated on 21 August 2026