Thornton W. Burgess Museum/Green Briar Nature Center

Send to Friend

Write Review

Report Error

Museums

Official Website: Thornton W. Burgess Museum/Green Briar Nature Center
Location: Burgess Museum, Rte. 130, Sandwich, MA map
Phone:(508) 888-6870
In/Outdoor: Indoor
Cost: $

Others to Consider: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Museum of Science, National Heritage Museum, Old Statehouse Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Thornton W. Burgess Society, a non-profit educational organization founded in 1976 to carry on the pioneering conservation work of author/naturalist Thornton W. Burgess (1874 - 1965) operates two facilities.

Green Briar Nature Center offers interpreted nature trails and a spectacular wildflower garden.

Natural history programs for children and adults are offered year-round and include classes, field trips, guided walks, and workshops on the natural sciences. New this year are our nature-related birthday parties. Outreach programs to area schools and other institutions are also an important part of Green Briar’s services to the community. Members of the education staff visit schools, nursing homes and clubs offering slide presentations, lectures and classes.

Green Briar is also home to the Robert S. Swain Natural History Library, which has a collection of books, periodicals and other materials on the natural history of the Northeast, particularly the eastern Massachusetts region. Books are available for reference or loan to members of the Society.

Adjacent to Green Briar is the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area, home of Peter Rabbit and many of the other Thornton Burgess animal characters. Walking trails are open to the public.

The Thornton Burgess Museum:< features a variety of memorabilia relating to the life and times of Thornton Burgess - the famed children’s author and native son of Sandwich, MA. Visitors can browse a variety of books, toys, games, and household goods that feature some of Burgess’ most famous characters including Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, and Jimmy Skunk. Also: a gift shop, featuring Green Briar Jam Kitchen products, educational toys and games, storybooks, and Cape Cod goodies, plus the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center.

Outside the museum, visitors can stroll through the Tussie Mussie herb garden and enjoy the beautiful views of Shawme Pond.

Burgess animal storytimes are conducted on a regular basis during the summer months.