Pierce Manse

The New Hampshire Political Library, in partnership with the Pierce Brigade, operates the Pierce Manse in Concord, NH.

 

Take a step back in time by touring President Pierce's historic home. Using hands-on objects, primary source documents, and visual clues in the historic house, visitors will learn about life in the mid-19th century, Franklin Pierce and his family.

 

Tours available for students groups and the general public. Click here for information about public tours, hours and admission prices. See the Onsite Educational Programs details about  student programs located at the Pierce Manse.

  

PLANNING A VISIT WITH YOUR STUDENTS 
 
The Pierce Manse is open to school groups year round by appointment. School visits must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. When possible we will gladly coordinate your school visit to accommodate other museum stops in Concord. Traveling workshops must be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance. 
 
Student Group Admission to Pierce Manse
Students: $3 each
One adult chaperone per 10 children admitted at no charge.
Additional adults: $5 each.
Click here for general admission information

 

Traveling Workshop Fees
$65 per class (limit 30 students), $55 for each additional same-day workshop
 
PROGRAM LENGTH
Tours of the Pierce Manse, onsite Political History programs and Old North Cemetery walking tours last for one hour each.
 
GROUP SIZE
The Pierce Manse provides an intimate setting where students and visitors can interact with artifacts and historical pieces from the 19th Century. Maximum group size for Manse student tours is 30 students at one time. Larger groups (30-60 students) interested in both tours of the Manse and Political History/ Old North Cemetery programs can be accommodated in back-to-back programs. Groups of this size should allot a minimum of two and a half hours for a visit. Please contact us with questions regarding group size and scheduling. When possible, please have your group divided into small groups prior to arriving at the Pierce Manse. This will ensure that your tour can begin on time.
 
LUNCH/ SNACK
Visiting student groups are invited to have lunch on the Pierce Manse lawn, weather permitting. The Pierce Manse does not currently have picnic tables on the grounds, but groups are welcome to bring picnic lunches and eat outdoors. When scheduling your visit, please mention if your group will be having lunch or snack on site so we may plan accordingly. We ask that groups wishing to eat on the premise practice a "pack it in, pack it out" policy for trash. Our residential location does not permit a dumpster and we do not have the capacity to dispose of large amounts of garbage. Chaperones will be asked to be responsible for collecting trash after snack or lunchtime and taking it with them when they depart. We apologize for any inconvenience and are happy to provide trash bags if needed.
 
MUSEUM ETIQUETTE
Standard museum etiquette applies at the Pierce Manse and in the exhibit galleries. A visit to the Manse affords students the opportunity to get a closer look at a Presidential home and furnishings from the mid 19th century and groups are allowed into each room. The Political Gallery contains memorabilia items that are part of the library's permanent collection and must be protected. Items and furnishings should not be touched unless tour guides indicate otherwise. Multiple groups may be passing through the house at one time, so it is important that students use appropriate inside voice levels and that there is no rough housing while inside the Manse. Please review museum etiquette with your students prior to arriving and communicate clearly with chaperones about their role in maintaining these boundaries.
 
GIFT SHOP
The Pierce Manse stocks a small gift shop in the Franklin Pierce exhibit area with items for purchase. Typical items include books, pencils, postcards, traditional children’s games, etc. Students are welcome to purchase items from the gift shop after their visit to the Pierce Manse. Gift shop purchases are left to the discretion of adult chaperones and will not impact tour scheduling.