Wednesday Wanderings: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House

A few steps past the bustling urban center of Harvard Square, Brattle Street leads into a quiet, leafy tree-lined neighborhood. The beautiful old stately mansions put one in mind of another era, a more genteel time, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see a horse and buggy come down the street, or to hear the swish of a long skirt around a corner. Just past St. John’s Memorial Chapel and the warm stone buildings of Lesley University and the Episcopal Divinity School, an elegant sign alerts passersby that they have reached the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one time headquarters of George Washington’s army.

I first discovered Longfellow’s House, a National Historic site managed by the National Park Service, last summer when a literature-loving friend and her history-studying daughter came to visit. They had added the house to their list of “must-sees” in Boston, but I admit I was lukewarm about going at first. Longfellow? A familiar name, but one firmly stuck in the background of my memory.

“The Song of Hiawatha? The Courtship of Miles Standish? Paul Revere’s Ride?” my friend prompted, her voice rising with each title. “Listen, my children, and you shall hear/ Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere?”

Oh, THAT Longfellow! So ingrained are those poems in my elementary school memories that I took them for granted, but here was the house of the man who had penned those words. Here lived the man who, along with his friends Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, created a new genre of writing: American literature. Together they told truly American stories, which differed greatly from British literature. They told the stories of the birth of a new nation, while political figures created new American forms of democratic governance, and painters forged American art. What a heady and exciting time that was, and Boston and the surrounding areas are full of reminders of that early history. The Longfellow House is indeed a “must-see” when in Boston.

The house and grounds are meticulously maintained, having stayed in the Longfellow family continuously until they were given to the National Park Service. Henry’s daughter Alice had kept the original furnishings, and everything except the carpets and draperies are as they were when the family lived there. The formal garden has been recreated, complete with rare heirloom plants, exactly as Henry had designed it. This beautiful garden is open to the public and a table of art supplies and small stools invite visitors to sit and draw awhile.

There are tours of the grounds, some of which are expertly lead by that very same history-studying young friend who now volunteers there, and hourly tours of the house. The Rangers provide wonderful descriptions and information about the history of the house and the family. I found myself lingering over every story as this famous writer came alive for me. Our tour guide, Rob, peppered his commentary with poetry recitations, making his visitors sigh just a little. Spoken out loud, poetry really does reach right into the heart.

The tour is free, as are the weekly poetry reading and concerts. The schedule for this summer is HERE and more information can be found HERE. Their Facebook page posts historical tidbits and other information throughout the year.

I went back this Wednesday with a friend for the garden tour and another walk through the house, and it was just as engaging the second time around. Afterwards, we wandered the streets nearby, marveling at the beauty of each house.

Finding ourselves back at Harvard Square, back in the 21^st century,

hungry after our long trip through history, we decided to indulge in a more modern American tradition: hamburgers and fries at the Shake Shack. Also highly recommended!

Longfellow House

Our excellent tour guides, Rob and Steve, and Mr. Longfellow himself.

The house seen through the gardens.

The entry hall and bust of George Washington.

View of the formal garden and gazebo

Art supplies for those who want to linger in the garden