Called the “Father of Radio Control” and dubbed “the Electronic Sorcerer” during his lifetime, John Hays Hammond Jr. lived a complex life and left an eclectic legacy.
During a remarkable career, Hammond pioneered innovations across multiple fields of invention.
Hammond held over 400 domestic patents, ranging from systems of remote control torpedoes to kitchen appliances, and from early color television devices to pipe organ pedals.
Hammond Castle Museum was built between 1926 and 1929 to serve not only as the inventor’s private residence, housing a vast collection of antiquities and other artifacts, but also as a new site for his extensive Radio Research Laboratory.
Throughout the 2023 season guests can enjoy a completely updated Invention Room, showcasing exciting new perspectives on Hammond’s work as a scientist, inventor and engineer, as well as a brand-new set of rotating exhibits on various topics.
Hammond Castle Museum welcomes guests to tour the many rooms of the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr., renowned as one of the most prolific American inventors of the 20th century and famously known as the Father of Radio Control.
HOURS:
Open from April 6 – January 4 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm with the last self-guided tour entrance at 2:45 pm. The Museum, Museum Shop and Grounds close sharply at 3:30 pm. The Museum is open most national holidays including Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Museum will be close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
We offer multiple ways to visit the Museum including:
Guided Tours:
Led by a member of Hammond Castle Museum’s talented tours staff, Guided Tours of the Museum last approximately 35-40 minutes and cover basic information about the history of the building and its inhabitants. Major areas covered include parts of the former Laboratory, the vast Great Hall, and the breathtaking Courtyard. After visitors learn about these areas, they have the opportunity to explore numerous other rooms in the former Hammond residence and the exhibits within.
Self-Guided Tours:
Explore & enjoy the Museum with one of our many tour options: The Hammond Castle Museum Self-Guided Tour Booklet provides extensive and detailed information about the history of the building and its inhabitants, as well as a suggested route to follow through the galleries. On most days, the last ticket for self-guided tours is sold at 2:45 pm to allow time for visitors to fully explore the museum which closes promptly at 3:30 pm.
Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight:
(Available every Thursday night in July, August, September and October.)
Hammond Castle Museum’s Spiritualism & Candlelight Tours are an opportunity to explore the history of the Spiritualist movement and the occult side of the Museum’s past. From John Hays Hammond Jr.’s attempts to communicate with supernatural entities using a Faraday Cage, to Irene Fenton Hammond’s extensive astrological writings under a mysterious pen name; throughout this 55-minute fully-guided specialty tour, the dramatic gothic-inspired architecture of the building and night-time atmosphere will set the stage for a fun and informative seasonal experience unlike any other! Electronic candles will be provided for optional use by visitors for the duration of the Spiritualism & Candlelight Tours. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a free optional picnic from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, weather permitting. The lawn closes at 7:00 pm sharp. Not recommended for Children under 13.
Gloucester Gratis Days – Complimentary Self-Guided Tours for Gloucester Residents:
In keeping with our founder, John Hays Hammond, Jr.’s original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum is please offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular season which runs through the beginning of November. Guests should plan at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and galleries of this historic museum. Self-guided tours allow visitors to move through the galleries of Hammond Castle Museum at their own pace. The Hammond Castle Museum Self-Guided Tour Booklet provides extensive and detailed information about the history of the building and its inhabitants, as well as a suggested route to follow through the galleries. Proof of residency for all Gloucester Gratis Days reservations is required upon check-in at the Museum.
