Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
This Georgian mansion holds the remarkable distinction of serving two American icons separated by nearly a century — George Washington strategized Revolutionary War battles from these rooms in 1775-1776, while Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned beloved poems like "Paul Revere's Ride" here decades later. The house preserves over 35,000 original objects spanning 266 years of history, including furniture Washington actually used and Longfellow's personal writing desk. Families explore both the elegant interior rooms where history unfolded and the surrounding landscape that inspired generations of artists. The site's dual legacy as military headquarters and literary sanctuary makes it truly unique among National Historic Sites.
Junior Ranger Program at Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
The Junior Ranger program at this historic site engages kids through interactive activities that bring both the Revolutionary War period and 19th-century literary life to vivid detail. Young historians complete hands-on challenges exploring Washington's strategic decisions and Longfellow's famous poems, earning their badges while walking in the footsteps of these American icons.
- Explore rooms where George Washington planned Revolutionary War strategies
- Discover how famous poems like 'Paul Revere's Ride' were written in this house
- Complete scavenger hunts through historic rooms and beautiful gardens
Program Details
Best Ages for Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
Age ranges are suggested groupings — check at the visitor center for the official Junior Ranger booklet breakdown.
Ages 4–7
The Landscape Junior Ranger program works beautifully for this age group, with its nature scavenger hunt and simple poetry activities they can complete while exploring the gardens. The Junior Ranger Field Kit from the Visitor Center adds hands-on discovery tools that keep little ones engaged outdoors. The House tour might be long for some, but the detective work activities help them focus on finding specific objects.
Ages 8–12
This age group thrives with both the House and Landscape Junior Ranger programs, particularly enjoying the detective work and scavenger hunt elements. They're old enough to appreciate the historical connections between Washington's military strategies and Longfellow's poetry while completing the art and writing activities. The Audio Junior Ranger format also works well, allowing them to choose six favorite activities.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults engage deeply with the complex history explored in both programs, from colonial enslavement to literary achievements. The House Junior Ranger activities challenge them to analyze historical documents and artifacts critically. The Audio Junior Ranger option provides flexibility to explore topics of greatest interest while still earning their badge.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Street parking in this residential Cambridge neighborhood is extremely limited, so we truly recommend using the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square and walking the short distance to the site. Paid parking lots near Harvard Square offer the most reliable option for families driving. Arrive early during peak season as the small site can feel crowded.
Van & RV Notes
Our 22-foot Sprinter won't fit in most Cambridge residential streets, and onsite parking is restricted to handicapped permits only. Harvard Square parking garages have height restrictions, so check clearances carefully — some accommodate our 11.5-foot height while others don't. Street parking with a large van simply isn't practical in this dense neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Friday through Monday during the summer and fall seasons when guided tours operate regularly. The gardens are most beautiful in late spring through early fall, making the Landscape Junior Ranger program particularly rewarding. Winter visits are limited to appointment-only tours, though the grounds remain accessible dawn to dusk year-round.
How Long to Spend
Plan a half-day visit to experience both the house tour and grounds exploration comfortably. The guided house tour takes 30-50 minutes, plus time for Junior Ranger activities and wandering the historic landscape where Longfellow found inspiration.
Don't Miss
The Summer Arts Festival on Sunday afternoons brings live music and poetry to the East Lawn, creating magical family memories in this literary setting. Kids absolutely love using the Junior Ranger Field Kit while exploring the same gardens where Longfellow's children once played — it transforms a simple walk into an active historical adventure.
Fun Facts for Kids
George Washington's horse was stabled in what is now the basement of this house during his headquarters stay
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote 'Paul Revere's Ride' while living here, making this house connected to both the actual Revolutionary War and its most famous poem
The house contains 450 feet of original documents and letters, including correspondence between Washington and his generals
Longfellow's children carved their initials into one of the house's window panes, and you can still see them today
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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