Hancock-Clarke House
Weekends only until May 29, then open daily May 29-October 31, 2021, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
​36 Hancock Street
781-861-0928
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Built in 1737, this house was the parsonage for the town of Lexington during the 18th century. Visit the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke where patriot guests John Hancock and Samuel Adams were awakened by Paul Revere and his famous warning in the early hours of April 19, 1775. Highlights: First Shot: The Day the Revolution Began orientation film, Treasures of the Revolution exhibit, Colonial herb garden.  Last tour of the house begins at 4:00 PM.

For Group Reservations, please contact the Education and Interpretation Manager at 781-862-3763 or ckauffman@lexingtonhistory.org
Tour Information:
  • Times:  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, every hour
  • Capacity:  10 visitors per tour group
  • Price: Adult(16+): $10. | Child(6-16): $5. | Under 6: FREE
  • Tour Length: 45 minutes
​What to Expect
  • Due to the tight interiors of the historic house and as a precaution to our staff who have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated, all visitors and staff will wear masks for the time being. This policy will be reassessed later in the season as public health metrics continue to improve.
  • 6 feet of social distancing will be observed during tours.
  • Tour sizes will be no more than 10 people.
  • Visitors who feel ill or decline to follow the health guidelines are not permitted to attend the tour. A refund will be issued.

Hancock-Clarke House Herb Garden

A garden of traditional herbs of the 1775 period at the Hancock-Clarke House was created in 2010 following the restoration of the house. It is maintained by the Lexington Field & Garden Club’s Morning Study Group. Members work in pairs April to November to keep the garden well maintained.

This teaching garden is divided into three sections: culinary, medicinal, and aromatic/household with 42 herb species. The uses of these herbs have been carefully researched. Plant labels show the common name, the Latin name, and the 1775 use (sample text below).
Lemon Balm
Melissa Officinalis
1775 Medicinal Herb
For sores, insect bites, and overcoming melancholy
Called the ′′elixir of life’’
This is the third Morning Study Group herb garden, the first having been started over 50 years ago. The garden has won two awards and is toured by other garden clubs, schoolchildren, and visitors. Visitors to the Hancock-Clarke House often pause and sit on the stone bench to admire and learn about these fascinating herbs.

In the rear of the house is an heirloom Roxbury Russet apple tree. A 19th century barn stands at the foot 0f the driveway.
“[The Hancock-Clarke house has] a great introductory video”
 - Trip Advisor ®