Step into a pivotal moment in religious history at Amesbury’s Mary Baker Eddy Historic House. Discover where her transformative journey through healing and teachings in Christian Science began.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to stand and walk moderately
Wildlife
History
The house marks a significant recovery period after Mary Baker Eddy’s accident in Swampscott and the start of her Christian Science teachings.
Conservation
Longyear Museum preserves this site with a focus on minimal environmental impact and maintaining historical integrity.
Longyear Museum
Step into a pivotal moment in religious history at Amesbury’s Mary Baker Eddy Historic House. Discover where her transformative journey through healing and teachings in Christian Science began.
Longyear Museum in Newton, Massachusetts preserves and interprets the historic homes and legacy of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. The museum offers guided historic-house tours and educational experiences that explore Eddy’s life, residence, and foundational moments for her teachings. Exhibits and guided tours focus on properties associated with Eddy, including the Chestnut Hill house at 400 Beacon Street, the Amesbury residence where key events in her life occurred, and the Swampscott and Lynn houses tied to her recovery and early publishing work.
Longyear Museum’s programming emphasizes historical accuracy and contextual interpretation. Knowledgeable guides present documented facts about the homes, their use as residences and headquarters, and the events that connect them to the development of Christian Science. Visitors encounter artifacts, period furnishings, and interpretive displays that illustrate daily life and organizational history during the era when Eddy lived and worked.
The museum serves researchers, students, and visitors interested in religious history, American social history, and preservation of early twentieth-century domestic and institutional architecture. Educational materials accompany tours to support learning and further study. Longyear Museum collaborates with historians and conservators to maintain collections and present information grounded in primary sources and archival research.
Visiting Longyear Museum provides an opportunity to explore the physical places central to Mary Baker Eddy’s life and to understand the origins of Christian Science through guided tours, exhibits, and documented historical interpretation. Tour schedules, admission details, special-event listings, and researcher appointments are available through the museum's official channels for accurate visitor planning and updates.
Tours Offered
3
Chestnut Hill, Amesbury, Swampscott/Lynn
Typical Tour Length
90 minutes
Chestnut Hill guided tour length
Tour Focus
Mary Baker Eddy homes
Historic residences and headquarters
Location
Newton, MA
Museum base for regional tours
Book a tour to walk the rooms where Mary Baker Eddy lived and worked—discover documented history in Newton, MA and nearby historic homes.
Plan for walking and standing
The tour involves some walking and standing, including climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
Respect photography guidelines
Handheld photography is allowed but avoid flash and selfie sticks to preserve the historic atmosphere.
No large bags or food inside
Backpacks and food or drinks aren't permitted inside the house to maintain preservation standards.
Arrive early
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour time to check in smoothly and begin on time.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy footwear is recommended for walking on historic floors and surrounding sidewalks.
Light rain jacket
Protect yourself from occasional rain showers during mild seasons.
spring|fall
Warm layers
Bring layers to stay comfortable with cooler temperatures and indoor/outdoor transitions.
winter|fall
Compact camera or smartphone
Capture the historic interiors and your visit, while following photography guidelines.