Massachusetts

Scenes from Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA

A visit to Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA, is the perfect day trip for fans of New England architecture, antiques, and more.

By Heather Marcus|Jun 04 2018| Print icon

I live in a small, solid 1946 Cape in New Hampshire that I am slowly renovating, but I often dream of living in a grand, older home and imagine what I would do with all of that enviable space. When I need a little architectural inspiration, I feel fortunate that New England has so many preservation societies and museums dedicated to keeping early New England history alive. One such place is the lush, tree-lined main thoroughfare of Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA, where you’ll find a treasure trove of classic regional architecture and home furnishings.
The Visitor Center at Hall Tavern hosts open hearth cooking demonstrations throughout the year.

The Visitor Center at Hall Tavern hosts open hearth cooking demonstrations throughout the year.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The visitors center at Hall Tavern in Deerfield, MA, hosts open-hearth cooking demonstrations throughout the year.
Credit: Heather Marcus Running through the heart of town, Historic Deerfield is a mix of private residences and school buildings (the Bement School and Deerfield Academy both have campuses here), along with a collection of properties that are open to the public. Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield Inc. is an outdoor history museum that celebrates the heritage of the Connecticut River Valley through education and preservation. Tours of 12 furnished houses (some guided, some self-guided) that span 1730 to 1850 make up the official Historic Deerfield experience, along with visiting the Deerfield Inn and the museum gift shop and bookstore. Here’s a closer look at my visit to Deerfield, MA, earlier this year.

SCENES FROM HISTORIC DEERFIELD, MA

Colonial era homes flank the tree lined main Street.

Colonial era homes flank the tree lined main Street.

Credit: Heather Marcus
Colonial-era homes flank the tree-lined main thoroughfare in Deerfield, MA.
Credit: Heather Marcus
The brick exterior of Stebbins House circa 1799 offers self-guided tours showcasing Federal period furnishings.

The brick exterior of Stebbins House circa 1799 offers self-guided tours showcasing Federal period furnishings.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The exterior of the Asa Stebbins House, built in 1799.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Ashley House's, circa 1734, ornate front door.

Ashley House’s, circa 1734, ornate front door.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The ornate front door at the Ashley House, which dates back to 1734.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Ashley House in foreground houses furnishings of the Connecticut River Valley elite with Sheldon House circa 1755 with furnishings of a typical farming family.

Ashley House in foreground houses furnishings of the Connecticut River Valley elite with Sheldon House circa 1755 with furnishings of a typical farming family.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The Ashley House (foreground) and c. 1755 Sheldon House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
During my visit, I toured the interiors of the Wells-Thorn House and the Hinsdale and Anna Williams House. Historic Deerfield has sought to present historically accurate colors, furnishings, and wall coverings in all of its properties, based on found records. The Wells-Thorn House takes you on a visual journey through different time periods spanning 1725 to 1850, with light and form and color evolving from one room to the next. I was surprised by the way the rooms within one house could experience so much change, and in many cases, by the unexpected decorating choices. The oldest rooms, dating back to 1747, had small windows that let in little light, but those dark, small multifunctional spaces evolved over time into bright and open single-use rooms 100 years later. You quite literally experience that transition through history as you navigate each room.
Downstairs bedchamber at Wells-Thorn House with period furnishings including a canopied bed.

Downstairs bedchamber at Wells-Thorn House with period furnishings including a canopied bed.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The downstairs bedchamber at the Wells-Thorn House, with period furnishings including a canopied bed.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Window seat and interior shutters in the library room at Wells-Thorn House.

Window seat and interior shutters in the library room at Wells-Thorn House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A window seat and interior shutters in the library room at the Wells-Thorn House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Bedside leather trunk with nail head details in one of the upstairs bedrooms at Wells-Thorn House.

Bedside leather trunk with nail head details in one of the upstairs bedrooms at Wells-Thorn House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A bedside leather trunk with nailhead details in one of the upstairs bedrooms at the Wells-Thorn House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
I’m not a huge fan of wallpaper, but there were some bold patterns and colors in the Williams House, remodeled in 1817, that were a pleasant surprise and made me rethink my hard line on painted walls only. The symmetry of the house was an important aspect of design as well, especially in terms of exterior choices. The windows lined in perfect rows might run through a closet in an interior space, but from the outside, the point was achieved beautifully. I particularly loved the army of identical Windsor chairs in almost every bedroom at the Williams House. They would serve as extra seating for entertaining.
The north side view of the Williams House remodeled in 1817 and is representative of the household of village's prosperous residents.

The north side view of the Williams House remodeled in 1817 and is representative of the household of village’s prosperous residents.

Credit: Heather Marcus
The north side view of the Williams House, originally built in 1730, is representative of the village’s more prosperous residents.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Nesting robin in the transom window at the front entry of Williams House.

Nesting robin in the transom window at the front entry of Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A nesting robin in the transom window at the front entry of the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Ornate wallpaper in one of the downstairs parlors of Williams House.

Ornate wallpaper in one of the downstairs parlors of Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
Ornate wallpaper in one of the downstairs parlors of the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
A pair of windsor chairs just off the kitchen at Williams House.

A pair of windsor chairs just off the kitchen at Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A pair of Windsor chairs just off the kitchen at the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Kitchen cabinet inside the Williams House.

Kitchen cabinet inside the Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A kitchen cabinet inside the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
A pair of wooden hangers in the vintage wallpapered closet of an upstairs bedroom at Williams House.

A pair of wooden hangers in the vintage wallpapered closet of an upstairs bedroom at Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A pair of wooden hangers in the wallpapered closet of a Williams House bedroom.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Wallpapered upstairs hallway in Williams House.

Wallpapered upstairs hallway in Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A view of the upstairs hallway in the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
Yellow wallpaper, a canopied bed and a row of windsor chairs line a wall in an upstairs bedroom at Williams House.

Yellow wallpaper, a canopied bed and a row of windsor chairs line a wall in an upstairs bedroom at Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A canopied bed and a row of windsor chairs in an upstairs bedroom at the Williams House.
Credit: Heather Marcus
A colonial picket fence draws a line along the extensive lawn at Williams House.

A colonial picket fence draws a line along the extensive lawn at Williams House.

Credit: Heather Marcus
A colonial picket fence draws a line along the Williams House’s extensive lawn.
Credit: Heather Marcus
My visit to historic Deerfield, MA, was all too brief, but it was a morning well spent being inspired by the design of the past. There are workshops on the history of honeybees and hearth cooking demonstrations most summer months that very likely will draw me back for another visit — not to mention all of the other houses left to explore. Have you ever visited Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA? This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE: Guide to New England Architecture Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield, MA The Yankee Candle Village Store in South Deerfield, Massachusetts

Heather Marcus

Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.

More by Heather Marcus

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  1. Historic Deerfield is a genuinely lovely place to visit. It’s a bit like time travel and I highly recommend the Deerfield museums, as well. Beautifully managed organization.

    Reply
  2. Pingback: Wonderful English Decorating, Decluttering Tips, and More: Friday Finds - Town & Country Living

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