Highfield Hall Hosts Fairies & Scientists

In Falmouth be sure to visit Highfield Hall and Gardens to enjoy art exhibits, gardens, workshops, performances or even just a picnic on the impressive grounds.

The History of Highfield Hall

The 19th century estate was constructed in 1878 for the Beebe family, heirs to a mercantile fortune. The sprawling grounds, acres of woodland, and lavish buildings were enjoyed by the family until 1932 when the last Beebe died, and the property bounced around to a variety of owners. It was purchased in 1949 by DeWitt TerHeun, a lover of art and theater who converted the estate as a training ground for student actors. After TerHeun’s death in 1962 the property was slated for residential development, but the plans were held up and fell through.

The estate was purchased in 1972 by Josephine and Josiah K Lilly III who gave 400 acres of the Beebe woodlands to the town for preservation, and the buildings and grounds to a local arts organization. Sadly, the Tanglewood building was demolished in 1977 and Highfield Hall spent two decades neglected and subject to vandalism. After a close call with demolition in 1994 the community rallied behind the structure, working to obtain and restore the property to its current glory. The renovations were completed by 2007 when the hall opened for its first full year of operation. Since then, the hall has welcomed over 125,000 visitors.

The Gardens of Highfield Hall

The woods of Highfield Hall have pleasant trails, with gardens that are are immaculate and serene. The Sunken Garden replicates the Beebe Family’s original herbaceous garden as documented, and the West Garden was the family’s flower cutting garden. Beebe woods offers 387 acres of land with trails and old carriage roads. The 2012 Beech Tree Path meanders through the stand of beaches planted by the family.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors and Veterans, Free for kids 17 and under, active military, and members. They are open Tuesday – Friday from 10am to 4pm. Opening 10am on Saturday and Sunday as well, but closing at 2pm. The trails, gardens and Music Garden on the grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

Programs, Exhibitions, Concerts, Classes and More!

In addition to the impressive grounds, visitors can enjoy world class concerts, workshops, classes, art exhibits, cultural programs, and more. From their Juneteenth Celebration to a Walk & Talk in the Beebee Woods with the 300 Committee, there is something for all interests at the Highfield Hall.

This summer Highfield Hall hosts In Flux: Perspectives on Artic Change, through July 14th, sponsored by the Woodwell Climate Research Center.   The exhibit is a collaboration of 4 visiting artists and one staff member, exploring the impacts of climate change, affecting every species on this planet, and the ways in which to address it. Public panel discussions and speaker events this summer will explore the connection between science and art, while encouraging public attention around the climate crisis.

The fairy houses are back for 2024 featuring The First Environmentalists. This years juried exhibition features environmentally sensitive constructions made from all natural materials, to even encourage the fairies to be mindful of their carbon footprint, no matter how small.  Kids and families can learn to make their own fairy houses at Highfield Hall workshops this July.

There is a busy calendar of events at Highfield Hall and Gardens for every age group and interest, including outdoor estate tours, cooking demonstrations, piano concerts and curatorial tours of the current exhibitions.  You can even get your pets in on the fun with a canine costume parade, the annual Hounds of Highfield event taking place on June 23rd.

Next door, the Highfield Theatre also hosts performances by the College Light Opera Company. The non-profit theater organization trains up and coming college performers in an 11-week intensive program that produces 9 musicals and operettas. Check out their current schedule to find a show for you.

Check out our Gardens & Farms to visit more gardens on the Cape or the Cape Cod Museum of Art for more art exhibitions.