Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House

Duxbury Rural & Historical Society

Acquired by the DRHS in 1997 through a community fundraising effort, the Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House is perhaps the most architecturally significant building in Duxbury.  Its construction, on a grand scale uncommon in houses of the area, was based on designs by Bulfinch and Asher Benjamin. Nathaniel Winsor, Jr., a carver of figureheads by trade, inherited a thriving mercantile enterprise from his father.

The Winsor family built at least 40 sailing vessels in Duxbury including several large brigs which traded in ports around the world.  When the age of sail passed, the Winsors moved to Boston, began to acquire steamships, and ran one of the first regular clippership lines from Boston to San Francisco.

The Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House, DRHS Headquarters, is open year round. Administrative hours are 9:30 am – 2:30 pm (M-Th). The first floor is open to the public, free of charge, and is self-touring. The first floor is handicap accessible.

Please note: the office is closed on regular bank holidays, and for vacation during the week from Christmas to New Year’s. Because we are a small staff, we encourage you to call before visiting, to ensure someone is in the office.