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 2025 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 5 – 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:
Experience Hammond Castle Museum at your own pace with our new flexible arrival times for Self-Guided Tours. Your ticket grants you entry anytime within designated periods, ensuring you can arrive stress-free and enjoy your visit to the fullest. Morning Session: 9:00 am – 11:45 am Afternoon Session: 11:45 am – 2:30 pm We recommend planning for at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and interior galleries of the Museum. Explore & enjoy the Museum with one of our many tour options: 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 each Tuesday throughout our entire season through January 4th. 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. Proof of residency for all Gloucester Gratis Days reservations is required upon check-in at the Museum.
Plein Air Artist Reservations
Plein Air artists wishing to enjoy the towering architecture and stunning landscape of Hammond Castle Museum are welcome to do so between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm with a reservation. En Plein Air access to the Museum grounds is available for up to five artists per day during the regular tour season. Access is free, but reservations are required in advance. The Museum reserves the right to refuse access to artists without a reservation. Artists may arrive anytime between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Check-in at the Museum Shop is required prior to setting up your station. When selecting your spot on the grounds, please be mindful not to impede the path of other visitors. Please note: Watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds. Artists wishing to enter the Hammond Castle Museum at the conclusion of their painting session may purchase an admission ticket on-site at the Museum Shop prior to 2:45 pm. The Museum and the grounds close to the public at 3:30 pm.
