Hammond Castle Museum

Photograph by Lovely Valentine Photography + Video

John Hays Hammond Jr., known as “The Father of Radio Control,” was one of America’s most prolific inventors and a protégé of Guglielmo Marconi, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell. Built from 1926 through 1929, and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle’s architectural style is a mix of a medieval castle, medieval French village, and a Gothic cathedral. It was custom built to encompass Hammond’s private residence, laboratory, and museum quality collection of architectural elements from his travels throughout Europe. Also on display is Hammond’s extensive list of patents, his work with radio control and his work on guided torpedoes for the military.

Visitors to the Museum can explore many of the rooms, including the Great Hall, indoor courtyard, inventions exhibit room, library, War Room, and much more. Visitors may also enjoy the beauty of the castle grounds and rocky Atlantic coast.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Museum offers guided tours and numerous educational and cultural events throughout its season. Annual Memberships are offered.

At nearly a century old, Hammond Castle Museum is not handicapped accessible. Advanced ticket reservations are encouraged. Reserve your tickets at www.hammondcastle.org.

Address

80 Hesperus Avenue Gloucester, MA 1930

Driving Directions

Drive North on Route 128 until you reach exit 14. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Route 133 toward Gloucester. Stay on route 133 until the end of that highway. With the harbor in front of you take another right onto Route 127 South (Western Avenue). About a mile and a half down Route 127 south look for a left hand turn marked Hesperus Avenue. You can see the green street sign about a third of the way up a telephone pole on your left, but more importantly there is a small blue sign on a that pole which says “Hammond Castle”. Turn left at these signs and the Castle Parking Lot is three quarters of a mile down Hesperus also on the left. You will see the entrance. Park and walk to the East end of the parking lot and walk down the stairs. The castle itself is straight ahead of you.

Website

http://www.hammondcastle.org

Notes & Advisories

In addition to guided tours, Hammond Castle Museum offers a number of educational programs and prearranged tour opportunities for school and tour groups. Hammond Castle Museum is not handicapped accessible.

Categories

  • Historic Resources
  • Museums

Accessibility

  • Appropriate for all ages
  • Parking Available
  • Restrooms Available
  • Self-Guided