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Built in 1888 - Brewster , MA
"Make the Mansion Yours"
Welcome to Crosby Mansion!
Upcoming Events
Summer Tours 2025
​The Friends of Crosby and the Town of Brewster invite you to visit this local icon for self-guided tours. FOC docents are on hand to answer your questions and share Mansion lore! Step back in time and learn the amazing tale of Albert and Matilda Crosby, and the storied history and architecture of this lovingly restored jewel of Brewster.
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​ We kindly ask a $7 donation per adult at the door. Children 12 and under enter for FREE.
Onsite Parking, Handicap accessible on the First floor, Grounds, and restrooms. ​
Last entry 2pm
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Sun. June 29 - Open House 11am-3pm
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Wed. July 2 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. July 6 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed July 9 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. July 13 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. July 16 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. July 20 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. July 23 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun July 27 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. July 30 - Open House 11am-3pm
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Sun. August 3 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. August 6 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. August 10 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. August 13 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. August 17 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. August 20 - Open House 11am-3pm
Sun. August 24 - Open House 11am-3pm
Wed. August 27 - Open House 11am-3pm
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See you in Spring 2025 for
Brewster in Bloom!
Saturday and Sunday May 3rd & 4th.
11am-3pm (last entry 2pm)
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OUR WORK
The Saving of Tawasentha
The mansion was named “Tawasentha” by its original owners, Albert and Matilda Crosby, based on an excerpt in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Song of Hiawatha".
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ABOUT US
TODAY
The Town of Brewster and the Friends of Crosby Mansion invite you to enjoy the relaxed splendor of Crosby Mansion and learn about the storied past of this living mansion. We currently offer public and private tours, function rentals, and volunteering through The Friends of Crosby, who continue the loving restoration they began in 1992.
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ORIGINS OF THE MANSION
Built during the period of 1876-1888, Crosby Mansion, named Tawasentha by its original owners, is located on the west side of Crosby Lane. The mansion overlooks the famous Brewster Flats on Cape Cod Bay. Owners Albert and Matilda Crosby travelled to Europe in the mid-1870s, bringing worldwide influences home to the Cape to be incorporated into its design. It is a magnificent Colonial Revival being designed with tasteful French and Asian influences, among others.
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In 1888, the builder, Mr. Frank H. Hinckley of Yarmouth, invited the public and press to inspect the newly built house while the Crosbys were visiting Paris. Attendees marveled at the gas light and indoor plumbing – the first house on the Cape to incorporate all of these features.
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Throughout its grand three stories, English oak, Indian mahogany, English tiled fireplaces, and other handcrafted materials from around the world, transformed by local craftsmen, are still observable today. Matilda Crosby often had her woven rugs brought onto the front lawn for parties with the Nickersons.
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Please JOIN US for a fun, relaxed afternoon of local lore from a time that, in many ways, still exists at Crosby Mansion.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MANSION
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1876 - 1888 – The mansion build is completed by the Hinckley Co.
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1928 – After the passing of Albert and Matilda, the property passed to her two grandnieces. Unable to maintain the large mansion, they had to sell... more on that at our live tours!
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1930s – Martha Atwood bought the property and formed the Cape Cod Institute of Art.
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1950s – The property became the Gold Coast Inn and Restaurant.
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1970s – Dr. Spago ran a successful summer camp for young women.
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1985 – The state acquired the property as part of a bayside adjunct to Nickerson State Park. It fell into advanced disrepair.
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1992 – The Friends of Crosby Mansion petitioned the state and began its massive restoration.
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2025 – The Town of Brewster and the Friends of Crosby continue the fastidious upkeep for its unique history, character, and the public's enjoyment. In the spirit of Matilda and Albert we move progressively forward with the activities of the mansion, motivated by the living energy that it continues to exude.
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How Can We Help?
General inquiries below.
*BOOKINGS 2025: We are currently booking for 2025. We have a few remaining Function and Cottage Rental times.
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163 Crosby Lane
Brewster, MA 02631
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Richard Archer
Properties Manager
Event rentals
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