About

Museum tours include an overview of Dumfries' significant colonial history as well as a look into the house's historic past. Visitors travel through time as they tour the period rooms decorated in 18th, 19th, and 20th century styles while learning about how the property was used as a vestry by the colonial church, as a book depot by Parson Weems (George Washington's first biographer and author of the cherry tree story), as a law office by Benjamin Botts (Aaron Burr's youngest defense attorney during his 1807 treason trial) and as a home for nearly a century by the Merchant Family. Children and adults love our hands-on colonial store where visitors can touch and explore everyday items from the colonial time period!

The Museum and the Research Library (separate fees apply) operate on a seasonal schedule. Merchant Park (with a picnic pavilion) is open daily to the public from dawn-dusk and is available for event rentals.

May-October: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm - Book your tour online or via phone!

November-April: By appointment only

Programs are offered year-round including a free monthly Children’s Days sponsored by Walmart, Ghost Walks in October, a free Holiday Open House in December, and Charter Day, sponsored by the Town of Dumfries, in May.