The NHA is committed to ensuring that its facilities, exhibitions, and events are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
We recognize that the 17th, 18th, and 19th-century architecture of many of our sites may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities and we work hard to ensure guests with disabilities have a wonderful and inclusive experience. Interpreters in the Historic Sites will be glad to provide directions to accessible areas, and we are prepared to make accommodations as needed.
If you have specific needs, please let us know in advance by contacting the Visitor Services Coordinator at operations@nha.org or 508-228-1894, ext. 117.
Service animals are welcome at all NHA locations. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
Fire Hose Cart House
Fire Hose Cart House has limitations of authentic 19th-century architecture and the building is not wheelchair-accessible.
Steps, cobblestone surfaces and a narrow doorway may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Fire Hose Cart House. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
No public restrooms available.
Friends Meeting House
The Friends Meeting House has limitations of authentic 19th-century architecture and is not wheelchair accessible. The interior of the meeting house is viewable, and may be accessed by negotiating two steps from the Research Library, which is wheelchair accessible via a ground-level entrance off of Ray’s Court. Please contact Library Staff in advance to arrange access.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Friends Meeting House. We follow the federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
A restroom is located on the first floor of the Research Library off the Whitney Gallery. A wheelchair-accessible restroom is located on the ground floor of the Research Library, accessible via a ground-level entrance off of Ray’s Court. Please contact Library Staff in advance to arrange access.
Greater Light
The public part of the house is wheelchair-accessible. The gardens are not wheelchair-accessible and are reached via a short gravel path and three stone steps with a secure handrail.
Service animals are welcome to visit Greater Light. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
A wheelchair-accessible restroom is located on the first floor of the house for Historic Site visitors.
Hadwen House
The Hadwen House has limitations of authentic 19th-century architecture. The public spaces of the house are entered from a path with two steps and the front porch which has three steps with a handrail.
The Hadwen House is wheelchair-accessible on the first floor. An elevator lift is available for use through the back garden entrance from Pleasant Street.. The second floor of Hadwen House is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Hadwen House. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
There is a restroom on the first floor available for Historic Site visitors.
Museum Shop
The NHA’s Museum Shop is wheelchair-accessible.
Well-behaved pets are welcome to visit the Museum Shop.
Old Jail
The Old Gaol House has limitations of authentic 18th-century architecture and is not wheelchair-accessible. Steep stairs and narrow doorways may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible kiosk with information about this historic site.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Old Gaol. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
No public restrooms available.
Old Mill
The Old Mill has limitations of authentic 18th-century architecture and the building is not wheelchair-accessible.
There is a considerable grass slope leading up to the mill.
Tall steps and narrow doorways may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Old Mill. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
No public restrooms available.
Oldest House
The Oldest House has limitations of authentic 17th-century architecture and is not wheelchair-accessible. The first floor is entered through two steps and a wide door. Steep stairs to the second level may present difficulties for those with physical disabilities.
The property has gentle slopes and the gardens are wheelchair-accessible.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Oldest House. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
No public restrooms available.
Research Library
The Fair St. Research Library is accessible by wheelchair. All public floors can be reached by elevator. Wheelchair access is via a ground-level entrance off of Ray’s Court. If you have mobility and/or access concerns, please contact us in advance of your visit, and we can help make arrangements.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Research Library. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
Restrooms are on the First Floor off the Whitney gallery and on the ground level. The ground level restroom is wheelchair-accessible.
Whaling Museum
All of the Whaling Museum’s exhibits are accessible by wheelchair, and all public floors of the Museum can be reached by elevator. The public elevator is equipped with Braille signage and gives auditory signals.
Service animals are welcome to visit the Museum. We follow the Federal government’s guidelines on service animals. The NHA welcomes dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability, but please leave pets at home.
WHEELCHAIR AVAILABILITY
Non-motorized wheelchairs are available for visitors to use at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis. You can request them at the Ticketing Desk in the main lobby.
LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive Listening devices are available for lectures, films and presentations in Gosnell Hall and films in the Candle Factory theater. Please see the front desk or an Interpreter for a device.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available on the first floor in the Timeline hallway. Additional public restrooms are available at the entrance to the Discovery Center.