Heritage Plantation of Sandwich, Inc.

Alternative Names

Heritage Museums & Gardens, Heritage Museums and Gardens

Overview

Heritage Plantation of Sandwich, Inc., also known as Heritage Museums & Gardens, is a nonprofit organization located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It is situated on 100 acres of land alongside Shawme Pond. The organization's mission is to celebrate the landscapes and culture of the region, inspiring people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together through horticulture, garden design, outdoor discovery, STEM education, and the exhibition of significant collections[2][5].

History

The land itself has a rich history dating back to the Wampanoag Native Americans, who used the area as a summer garden location. In the late 17th century, the site became part of the Wing family farm, which still has remnants on the property today[3]. The property was later acquired by Charles Owen Dexter, a renowned horticulturist known for his work on rhododendron hybridization. Between 1921 and 1943, Dexter developed thousands of rhododendron seedlings on the estate[1]. In 1967, Josiah K. Lilly III and his wife acquired the property to establish Heritage Plantation of Sandwich. The organization officially opened to the public on June 15, 1969[3].

Attractions and Collections

Gardens and Grounds

• Rhododendron Collection: The site is famous for its extensive rhododendron collection, including 125 of the 145 known Dexter cultivars. These flowers typically bloom from Memorial Day weekend to mid-June[1][4].
• Other Horticultural Features: The grounds also feature over 1,000 varieties of daylilies, an extensive hosta collection, holly, herb, heather gardens, and more than a thousand varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers[1][2].
• The Old East Mill: This historic windmill, built in 1800, was restored between 1999 and 2000 and offers interior viewing on special days[1].
• Labyrinth and Maze Garden: The site includes a labyrinth designed by Marty Cain and the Hart Family Maze Garden, both added to enhance visitor experiences[1].

Museum Collections

• Automobile Collection: The J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum houses a world-class collection of American automobiles, including a White Motor Company Steam Car once owned by President William Howard Taft[1][4].
• Folk Art and Carousel: The museum features American folk art and a working 1908 Looff Carousel, originally from Meridian, Mississippi[1][4].

Educational and Family-Friendly Activities

• The Hundred Acre School: This STEM-based school offers active learning for students from preschool through first grade[2].
• Hidden Hollow: Certified as an Outdoor Nature Classroom, this area encourages families to explore and appreciate nature together[2].

Mission and Impact

Heritage Museums & Gardens seeks to foster a deeper understanding of culture and the environment by connecting people to their shared heritage. It attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and has surpassed five million cumulative visitors since its opening[3]. The organization contributes to community development through educational programs and collaborative activities.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage_Museums_and_Gardens [2] https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/about-us/ [3] https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/about-us/heritage-history/ [4] https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2018/06/visit-cape-cod [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-2704457