Historic House Tour at Mary Baker Eddy in Chestnut Hill

Duration

90-minute guided tour

About

400 Beacon Street was the final home of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of Christian Science—and one of the most well-known women in the U.S. in the early 1900s. Walking into the house today, you will step back to 1908, to the time when Mrs. Eddy and her household moved into this gracious building. More than a private residence, it served as the executive headquarters of the Christian Science movement from 1908 to 1910. As such, it was both home and workplace to the approximately 20 men and women who worked alongside Mrs. Eddy.

Through engaging exhibits and informative guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Mrs. Eddy’s labors and achievements during this period—including founding The Christian Science Monitor, a daily newspaper—as well as the details of day-to-day life in the early 20th century.

Please note the following important information prior to registering:

• The tour involves standing, walking, some climbing of stairs, and only limited opportunity for sitting. (An elevator is available for those needing it, as are a few folding chairs at some locations.) If a wheelchair is needed, please indicate this when you purchase tickets. After completing your ticket purchase, please call Longyear's Visitor Services to secure a wheelchair and/or indicate any other accessibility needs (617.278.9000).
• Advance ticket purchase is recommended, but not required. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tickets purchased are non-refundable but can be transferred to a different date. For assistance transferring your ticket, please call us at 617.278.9000.
• We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled tour time.
• Your tour will begin in the visitor center, which is at the rear of the house.

Directions and Parking:

The house is located at 400 Beacon St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. Free parking is available.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is 400 Beacon Street accessible? Yes, the main house and carriage house are accessible. The tour involves standing, walking, some climbing of stairs, and only limited opportunity for sitting. (An elevator is available for those needing it, as are a few folding chairs at some locations.) If a wheelchair is needed, please indicate this when you purchase tickets. In addition, please call Longyear's Visitor Services to secure a wheelchair (617.278.9000).

Bag policy Backpacks and large bags are not permitted. We encourage you to leave even small bags in our lockers, but any bag larger than 4 by 7 inches must be stored there before you start the house tour.

Food and beverage policy Food or drinks, including water bottles and children’s drink containers, are not permitted inside the main house or the carriage house.

May I take photographs? Yes. Photography taken from a handheld device is permitted for personal use. Flash photography is not allowed, nor is the use of selfie sticks. No photos or videos, whether of the inside or outside, may be used or published in print or online for any commercial, academic, or other purposes.

Are strollers allowed in the buildings? Strollers are not permitted in the house, and parents should plan on carrying very young children during the tour. Strollers are permissible when touring the grounds and carriage house.