The Dorothy Quincy Homestead c.1680, a historic property owned by the Commonwealth of MA/DCR, is operated as a museum by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a 501(c)3 non profit organization. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the stately Dorothy Quincy Homestead is known f
or its role in early American history, for its architecture and for its association with the Edmund Quincy family, one of the leading early families of Massachusetts whose members played a substantial role in the political and social life of the Commonwealth and who placed their imprint on the property for five generations (c.1635-1763). The original estate covered several hundred acres extending from its present day location to Quincy Bay. The Homestead represents the evolution of over 300 years of American architecture combining Colonial, Georgian and Victorian design. The house is one of the rare Massachusetts examples in which the elements of a 17th century building are still clearly visible, although they have been surrounded by later styles. The current Homestead’s construction began (c.1680) under Edmund Quincy II who inherited his father’s homestead and built his new house near the Furnace Brook and a few hundred feet north of his father’s house. It was two stories with the front facing north and it formed the core of the current Homestead. The house was transformed (c.1706) by Edmund Quincy III who added four rooms and an attic. He also changed the house to front to the west. Another apartment-like addition was made at a later date to provide accommodations for Tutor Flynt, Edmund’s brother-in-law. Edmund Quincy IV inherited his father’s homestead and the upper farm and made interior and exterior enhancements to the house and property. In 1763, he lost the property due to poor financial investments and was the last of the Edmund Quincys to own the property. Ownership passed through several families until 1904 when it was saved from encroaching urban development. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (NSCDA-MA) purchased the 1.8 acre property with the help of Charles Francis Adams, Jr., grandson of President John Quincy Adams, and many Quincy residents. Looking to the long-term protection and preservation of the property, the MA Dames transferred the ownership of the Homestead to the Commonwealth which leased the house back to be furnished, interpreted, and cared for by the Dames. Numerous maintenance, repair and restoration projects have been performed by the NSCDA–MA, the former Massachusetts Metropolitan Park Commission (MDC) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) over the years. This important public/private partnership continues today. All dogs must be on leash per DCR regulations. Admission: Adults $8 and children age 12 and under free. No charge for active military and veterans. Private tours available upon request; fee applies.
