The Trustees - Crane Estate

The Trustees - Crane Estate For information, hours, events, tickets, and more, please visit our website at thetrustees.org/craneestate! http://www.facebook.com/thetrustees
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Welcome to the Facebook community for the Trustees of Reservations' Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The spectacular Crane Estate encompasses more than 2,100 acres in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The Estate is made up of three properties: Castle Hill, a National Historic Landmark that is the home of The Great House, a spectacular venue for weddings and corporate events, guided tours, and progra

ms. Crane Beach, a popular public beach and summer destination; and the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a natural treasure boasting many rare plant and animal species. The Trustees of Reservations preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We'd love to hear from you in our main Trustees Facebook community, too.

The Great House is OPEN today, September 7, for the holiday.Great House Hours: 10AM-4PMGrounds & Gardens Hours: 9AM-5PMR...
09/07/2026

The Great House is OPEN today, September 7, for the holiday.

Great House Hours: 10AM-4PM
Grounds & Gardens Hours: 9AM-5PM

Register in advance for guided tours or grounds admission: thetrustees.org/place/castle-hill-on-the-crane-estate/

The land that is now the Crane Estate has been shaped by many stories, some that are well known, and some that have yet ...
09/05/2026

The land that is now the Crane Estate has been shaped by many stories, some that are well known, and some that have yet to be shared. One important story that has been obscured is the story of enslaved people on Choate Island, including Jane and Violet, two enslaved girls who came to their final resting place on Choate Island in the early 1750s. Jane and Violet were two of the 7 children of Edward and Sabina, Africans enslaved by the Choate Family on their Island Farm in the 1700s. In the early 1750s, the teenaged girls fell ill after working late in the cold barn and are buried on the Island. In spring 2026, The Trustees will install a historic marker to recognize this important story, thanks to research and advocacy by a local student and a descendent of Edward and Sabina.

Come learn more about this important history and visit the site at which this story took place during this kayaking and hiking tour focused on the history of Jane, Violet, and their family.

Join us on September 12 for Sharing Hidden Histories Kayak and Hike. Register today: thetrustees.org/event/449278/

The land The Trustees cares for is shaped by many stories—past and present. Some are well known; many more still wait to...
09/04/2026

The land The Trustees cares for is shaped by many stories—past and present. Some are well known; many more still wait to be learned, uncovered, and shared.

One such history is that of the enslaved people who lived on Choate Island, part of the Crane Estate’s Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich. Ned and Sabina were enslaved there in the 1700s with their seven children, including daughters Jane and Violet. In the early 1750s, the teenage sisters became ill after working late in a cold barn. Family papers from the time suggest Jane and Violet died soon after and are buried on Choate Island.

This spring, The Trustees installed an historic marker on the island to formally acknowledge enslaved peoples’ lives and this painful history. It is an important step, made possible because people both inside and outside The Trustees championed the memory of Jane, Violet, and their family.

That effort was driven in large part by Maddie Jay, a local civics student, and Debbie Bynoe, a descendant of Ned and Sabina. Through their research and advocacy, Jane and Violet’s story moved from the margins of archived records into the living history of Choate Island.

Read the full story here: https://thetrustees.org/content/bringing-hidden-histories-to-light/

Join us on September 12 for Sharing Hidden Histories Kayak and Hike to learn more about this important history and visit the site at which this story took place during this kayaking and hiking tour focused on the history of Jane, Violet, and their family. Register here: https://thetrustees.org/event/449278/

It's that time of year again! Choate Island Day 2026 tickets are now live!Spend a day with us in celebration of Choate I...
09/03/2026

It's that time of year again! Choate Island Day 2026 tickets are now live!

Spend a day with us in celebration of Choate Island – the crown jewel of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Here, deer and foxes roam through fields that once housed herds of sheep, and osprey fly over breathtaking views of Essex Bay. The island was first home to indigenous farmers and fishers, then to generations of the Choate family, and was later a retreat for Cornelius and Miné Crane, who loved the place so much they decided to be buried at the summit.

Here is a sampling of events for the day (subject to change):

🌿 Talks on Choate Island life, human, and natural history
🌿 Proctor Barn open house
🌿 Choate House self-guided tours
🌿 Hikes to the Crane Burial Site
🌿 Self-guided walking tour
🌿 Kids scavenger hunt
🌿 Shoreline walk and beachcombing

Tickets sell fast! Register today to secure your spot: thetrustees.org/event/449486/

Only three more months this season to catch a guided tour at Castle Hill!With wonderful walking and hiking paths, curate...
09/03/2026

Only three more months this season to catch a guided tour at Castle Hill!

With wonderful walking and hiking paths, curated gardens, 360-degree views, and glorious architecture, there is something to interest everyone. Choose from seven guided tours of the house, gardens, and grounds with our expert interpreters, or plan a day of your own devising.

Register today to secure your spot: thetrustees.org/program/castle-hill-tours/

Start September right with a guided hike or kayak around the Crane Estate!Register: thetrustees.org/program/craneoutdoor...
09/02/2026

Start September right with a guided hike or kayak around the Crane Estate!

Register: thetrustees.org/program/craneoutdoors/

09/01/2026

Add the Crane Estate to your New England autumn itinerary 🍁🦃

The Great House at Castle Hill will be OPEN on Monday 9/7 for the holiday.Great House Hours: 10AM-4PMGrounds & Gardens H...
08/31/2026

The Great House at Castle Hill will be OPEN on Monday 9/7 for the holiday.

Great House Hours: 10AM-4PM
Grounds & Gardens Hours: 9AM-5PM

Reserve your admssion or guided tour here: thetrustees.org/place/castle-hill-on-the-crane-estate/

08/28/2026

In a world that rushes by, there's a quiet beauty in simply noticing the small moments. 🕊️

Address

290 Argilla Road
Ipswich, MA
01938

Telephone

(978) 356-4351

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