Overview
- Location: Portsmouth
- Category: Arts & Culture
- Hours: Open Daily June 15-October 15; Mon-Sat. 11am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm Last tour at 5:00pm
Located just steps away from major hotels, restaurants, and
river cruises, the Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden (1763) is a
National Historic Landmark that has been open to the public as an
historic house museum since 1912. One of America's finest Georgian
mansions, the house overlooks the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth's
waterfront, and in addition to its exquisite interiors and fine
antique furnishings, has fascinating stories to tell, and extensive
flower gardens for visitors to explore.
The house was built for merchant John Moffatt, and during the
Revolution it was the home of General William Whipple, one of New
Hampshire's three signers of the Declaration of Independence, and
his wife Katharine Moffatt Whipple. It was also home to two
enslaved servants, Prince Whipple and Windsor Moffatt who were
among the 20 signers of Portsmouth's 1779 Petition of Freedom. In
1817 the house passed to John Moffatt's great-granddaughter, Maria
Tufton Haven Ladd, who, with her husband Alexander, raised 13
children in the house. One of her sons, Alexander Hamilton Ladd,
lived in the house from 1862 until his death in 1900.
The extensive terraced gardens behind the house remain largely as
designed by Alexander Hamilton Ladd. A 300-foot axis path flanked
by formal gardens leads to grass steps that climb to the upper
flower beds. An English damask rose planted in 1768 and an enormous
horse chestnut tree planted in 1776 by General Whipple and his
enslaved servant Prince Whipple are particular highlights.
The Museum Shop carries gifts inspired by the collection, and a
wide variety of books on local history, architecture, and antiques
and decorative arts as well as items for children. Heirloom plants
from the garden are also on sale throughout the open season.
The garden is available for event rentals, and is a popular choice
for outdoor weddings for up to 110 guests.
Buy Tickets
Attraction Terms & Conditions
Each Ticket issued pursuant to the standard offer is valid for use through January 31, 2010. All orders are subject to credit card approval and billing address verification. The billing address will be verified with your credit card company so you must use the exact address that your statements are sent to. Print at HomeŽ ticket orders are available immediately and accessible via your confirmation email.
All tickets are non-refundable/non-returnable. We are unable to issue exchanges or refunds after a purchase has been made including but not limited to lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed tickets. Ticket package and prices are subject to change without notice.
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