Pierce Manse
Explore the 19th-c. Greek Revival home of U.S. President Franklin Pierce, filled with original furnishings and brought to life by passionate guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Pierce Manse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 19th-c. Greek Revival home of U.S. President Franklin Pierce, filled with original furnishings and brought to life by passionate guides.
"Fascinating place to visit with incredibly passionate and knowledgeable guides!"
🎯 Arrive on Time for Tours
Tours are guided and start promptly. Arriving a few minutes early ensures you don't miss the introductory video and the start of the tour.
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions – they love sharing details about President Pierce and his family!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Furnishings
Throughout the Manse
See many original pieces from the Pierce family, offering a tangible connection to the 14th U.S. President and his era.
Passionate Volunteer Guides
Guided Tours
Experience history brought to life by enthusiastic guides sharing captivating stories and facts about President Pierce.
Greek Revival Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the elegant 19th-century Greek Revival style of Franklin Pierce's former home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Arrive Ready to Learn
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive on Time for Tours
Tours are guided and start promptly. Arriving a few minutes early ensures you don't miss the introductory video and the start of the tour.
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions – they love sharing details about President Pierce and his family!
📸 Respect the Artifacts
Many furnishings are original to the Pierce family. Be mindful and avoid touching artifacts to help preserve them for future visitors.
⏳ Allow for the Full Hour
The tour, including an introductory video, typically lasts about an hour. Plan your visit accordingly to fully enjoy the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive on Time for Tours
Tours are guided and start promptly. Arriving a few minutes early ensures you don't miss the introductory video and the start of the tour.
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions – they love sharing details about President Pierce and his family!
📸 Respect the Artifacts
Many furnishings are original to the Pierce family. Be mindful and avoid touching artifacts to help preserve them for future visitors.
⏳ Allow for the Full Hour
The tour, including an introductory video, typically lasts about an hour. Plan your visit accordingly to fully enjoy the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pierce Manse for its rich history and the exceptional passion of its volunteer guides. Many are impressed by the number of original furnishings and the engaging stories shared, which bring President Franklin Pierce and his era to life. While the tours are highly informative, some may find the historical focus better suited for those with a keen interest in the subject.
"Wonderful history with many original pieces within the home and period of our prior president. Staff were very seek and our guide (Paula) incredibly passionate and knowledgeable of so many facts of stories of President Pierce, his family, and era. Fascinating place to visit!"
Mike Courchesne
"Loved learning about our 14th President. The volunteer guides were enthusiastic and quite knowledgeable. The tour was about 1 hour with an introductory video."
Johnna Bartholomew
"Historical visit of the 14th president's home: interesting and informative. It's all volunteer, and they really have a passion."
Cecelia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pierce Manse is located in Concord, New Hampshire. Visitors typically drive to the location. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby. Check the official Pierce Manse website for the most current directions and parking information.
Public transport options to Pierce Manse may be limited depending on your starting point. It's best to check local Concord transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if driving is not an option.
The address for Pierce Manse is 194 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301. It's helpful to input this into your GPS for accurate navigation.
Concord offers several other historical sites and attractions. You could potentially combine your visit with the New Hampshire State House or the New Hampshire Historical Society Museum, both located nearby.
Driving times can vary, but from Boston, MA, it's approximately a 1.5-hour drive. From Manchester, NH, it's about a 30-40 minute drive. Always check traffic conditions before you leave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Pierce Manse is typically by donation or a set tour fee. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential admission requirements.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially as Pierce Manse operates seasonally and tours are guided. This ensures you secure a spot on your desired date and time.
Pierce Manse is open seasonally, typically from May through October. Hours can vary, so consulting their official website for the current operating schedule is essential before planning your visit.
Information on discounts for Pierce Manse tours, such as for seniors, students, or groups, is usually available on their website. It's worth checking for any special offers or membership benefits.
Pierce Manse primarily offers guided tours to ensure visitors gain the full historical context. Self-guided visits are generally not available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A guided tour of Pierce Manse, including an introductory video, typically lasts about one hour. This allows ample time to explore the home and learn about its history.
Inside Pierce Manse, you'll see many original furnishings and artifacts from the Pierce family, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life. The architecture itself is also a highlight.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide upon arrival or check for posted signs. Often, non-flash photography is permitted in certain areas, but always confirm first.
While children can visit, the tour focuses on historical details which might be more engaging for older children and adults. The guides are usually accommodating, but it's best to gauge your child's interest in history.
The best way to experience Pierce Manse is by taking a guided tour. The volunteer guides are passionate and share unique stories that enrich the visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's advisable to ask your guide or look for signage upon arrival. Non-flash photography might be allowed in some areas, but always confirm before snapping pictures.
The exterior of the Greek Revival manse offers beautiful architectural shots. Inside, focus on capturing the details of the original furnishings and the historical ambiance, respecting any photography restrictions.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's highly unlikely to be permitted. Always check official regulations.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots. A versatile lens that can capture both wider architectural views and close-up details of artifacts would be ideal.
Pierce Manse generally offers standard guided tours. Dedicated photography tours are uncommon. Your best bet for capturing unique shots is during a regular tour, being mindful of other visitors and the guide's instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider preparing your children beforehand by sharing some basic information about Franklin Pierce. The passionate guides are often happy to tailor their explanations slightly for younger audiences if informed. The one-hour duration of the tour is manageable for most school-aged children.
📚 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
This is a chance to delve into the personal life of a U.S. President often overshadowed by political turmoil. The Greek Revival architecture and the preserved artifacts provide a rich, immersive experience. Plan to spend the full hour to absorb all the fascinating details and stories the guides have to share.
🏛️ Architecture Admirers
While the interior is rich with historical artifacts, the exterior and the layout of the home itself showcase the architectural trends of the time. The guided tour will likely touch upon the design elements and the historical context of its construction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life and Legacy of Franklin Pierce
Despite his often controversial presidency, Pierce remains a significant figure in American history. Visiting Pierce Manse offers a unique opportunity to connect with his personal life and the era in which he lived. The home, preserved with many original items, provides a tangible link to his family and his roots in Concord, New Hampshire. The passionate guides at the Manse often share lesser-known anecdotes and historical context that paint a more nuanced picture of the man and his times, moving beyond the political narratives.
Many visitors express surprise at how interesting Franklin Pierce was, noting that he is often overlooked in historical discussions. The guided tours at Pierce Manse aim to rectify this by highlighting his personal journey and the domestic sphere of his life. The dedication of the volunteer staff ensures that this historical site remains a valuable resource for understanding a pivotal, yet often misunderstood, period in American history.
Experiencing Pierce Manse: A Guided Tour
During the approximately one-hour tour, visitors will explore the rooms of the 19th-century Greek Revival home, many of which are furnished with original pieces belonging to the Pierce family. This provides a rare and authentic glimpse into the domestic life of a U.S. President. The guides are adept at highlighting the significance of these artifacts and the architectural features of the house, offering context for the period.
Visitors consistently praise the guides for their dedication and the quality of information provided. It's recommended to arrive a few minutes early for the tour and to be prepared to ask questions. The guides are eager to share their passion and ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for Franklin Pierce and his historical significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit