Oldest House Jethro Coffin House
Step back in time at Nantucket's oldest house, a 1686 saltbox home offering a glimpse into colonial life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Oldest House Jethro Coffin House
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Nantucket's oldest house, a 1686 saltbox home offering a glimpse into colonial life.
"A wonderful step back in time, offering insight into what life was like centuries ago on Nantucket."
🎟️ Check Opening Dates
This historic house is seasonal! Confirm it's open before you plan your visit.
🚶♀️ Combine with Other Sites
Your ticket often includes other NHA properties. Plan a history-filled walking tour!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Saltbox Architecture
Exterior
Marvel at the iconic saltbox design, a testament to 17th-century colonial building techniques.
Jethro Coffin's Legacy
Interior
Explore the rooms where Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner lived, imagining life centuries ago.
Proximity to Lily Pond Park
Near Lily Pond Park
Enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding the house, with Lily Pond Park offering a tranquil escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Access & Tickets
Immerse Yourself in History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Check Opening Dates
This historic house is seasonal! Confirm it's open before you plan your visit.
🚶♀️ Combine with Other Sites
Your ticket often includes other NHA properties. Plan a history-filled walking tour!
🌳 Enjoy the Surroundings
The house is near Lily Pond Park. Take time to appreciate the peaceful setting.
💡 Pre-visit History
Watching a history video beforehand enhances the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Opening Dates
This historic house is seasonal! Confirm it's open before you plan your visit.
🚶♀️ Combine with Other Sites
Your ticket often includes other NHA properties. Plan a history-filled walking tour!
🌳 Enjoy the Surroundings
The house is near Lily Pond Park. Take time to appreciate the peaceful setting.
💡 Pre-visit History
Watching a history video beforehand enhances the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Jethro Coffin House for its historical significance and the knowledgeable guides who bring its past to life. The house offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century Nantucket life. However, some visitors have noted issues with seasonal access and availability, with occasional instances of being unable to enter due to unannounced closures or lack of staff.
"A very knowledgeable fellow named Bill gave me two excellent walking tours, including one that took us to the Jethro Coffin House. Fascinating. I am already planning my next visit in October, and hope to track him down! I visited last week and could not enter."
Jim Coffin
"Jethro coffin house is the oldest house on Nantucket. Set it off a beautiful Hill near Lily Pond Park it is a seasonal attraction that house is many Antiquities and offers insight into what life was like 200 years ago on the beautiful island of Nantucket. It is one of many buildings associated with The Nantucket historical Association and purchasing tickets to one grants you entrance into all the other facilities all well within walking distance of each other."
Tommy Rebik
"Was looking for a big tree to play with and I found it here. Such a lovely quite cool park. Especially if you are into large fractaling tree branches.
The tree is free not sure about the little house 😆"
Auhm Soo Good
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jethro Coffin House is located on Nantucket, Massachusetts. It's accessible by ferry from the mainland. Once on the island, it's a pleasant walk from many central locations, situated near Lily Pond Park.
Parking can be limited in Nantucket's historic areas. It's often best to walk or consider island transportation options if you're not staying nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Jethro Coffin House is a seasonal attraction. It's crucial to check the Nantucket Historical Association's website for current operating dates and hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Admission fees apply, and tickets often provide access to multiple Nantucket Historical Association properties. Check the NHA website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Tours are typically offered to provide historical context. It's best to inquire about tour availability and schedules when purchasing your ticket.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a preserved saltbox home showcasing furnishings and artifacts that offer insight into 17th-century life on Nantucket.
While children can visit, the experience is more geared towards adults interested in history. The house is small and requires careful navigation.
Yes, knowledgeable guides often lead tours, sharing fascinating details about the house's history and its inhabitants.
Built in 1686, it's the oldest surviving house on Nantucket and represents the early settlement and architectural styles of the island.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the staff on-site regarding restrictions on interior photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the saltbox house against a clear sky is picturesque. The surrounding grounds, especially near Lily Pond Park, also offer lovely photo opportunities.
Typically, interior photography may be restricted to protect the historic artifacts. Always ask for permission from the staff before taking photos inside.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing your visit with a stroll through the nearby Lily Pond Park can be a great way to balance historical exploration with outdoor fun. The park offers a more relaxed environment for younger children to enjoy. Remember to check the NHA's website for any specific family-oriented programming or events they might offer during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make the most of your visit, consider walking to the house if you are staying in or near Nantucket town. The island is quite walkable, and this saves on transportation costs. Packing your own snacks and water can also help keep expenses down, as dining options on Nantucket can be pricey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 17th-Century Nantucket Life
Visiting the Jethro Coffin House offers a tangible connection to the island's founding families and their way of life. The interior, preserved with period furnishings and artifacts, allows visitors to imagine the daily routines, challenges, and simple pleasures of those who lived here centuries ago. The Nantucket Historical Association meticulously maintains the house, ensuring its historical integrity is preserved for future generations.
Beyond its architectural significance, the house is situated in a beautiful area near Lily Pond Park. This setting adds to the overall experience, providing a peaceful environment to reflect on the history contained within its walls. It's a place where history feels not just observed, but experienced.
Navigating Your Visit: Tickets and Access
A significant benefit of visiting the Jethro Coffin House is that your admission ticket often serves as a passport to other NHA properties across Nantucket. This offers exceptional value, allowing you to explore multiple historic sites, museums, and gardens with a single purchase. This integrated ticketing system makes it convenient to plan a comprehensive historical tour of the island, with many sites being within walking distance of each other.
While spontaneous visits are possible, especially during the shoulder seasons, booking tickets in advance is a wise strategy, particularly if you're traveling during Nantucket's peak tourist season. This helps guarantee your entry and can save you time waiting in line. The NHA also provides valuable historical context through guided tours, which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the house's rich past.
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