Bog Voyage: A Cranberry Bog Experience at Benson’s Pond Family Farm

Join Heritage Museums & Gardens for a special off-site experience. Explore a working cranberry bog during a private guided tour at Benson’s Pond Family Farm in Middleboro that features a leisurely walk around the bogs and engaging discussions about the history, traditions, and tools of cranberry farming. After the tour, relax on the patio overlooking the picturesque farm and gain exclusive insights from Jennifer Madden, Heritage’s Director of Collections and Exhibitions, while you enjoy drinks and snacks. Jennifer curated Heritage’s cranberry exhibit, Bountiful Bogs: The Massachusetts Cranberry Story, and manages the largest museum collection of cranberry history in the country. Browse the cranberry-themed farm store and take home a pound of fresh cranberries grown at Benson’s Pond.

Located an approximately 30-minute drive from Heritage Museums & Gardens, Benson’s Pond is a third-generation family-owned working cranberry farm located in Middleboro that uses regenerative and organic farming practices. The 80-acre property includes 45 acres of vibrant cranberry bogs and supporting woodlands featuring stunning vistas and meaningful history.

Participants will drive their own vehicles and meet up at the farm at 9:45 am. The experience will begin with a private 90-minute tour that features a leisurely walk around the bogs. Stepping into this unique working landscape, you’ll discover the history of cranberry farming and of Benson’s Pond Farm. As you explore the bog, you’ll learn about the process of cranberry cultivation as you hear about different cranberry varieties and the nuances of each growing season, and observe historic tools and specialized equipment unique to cranberry farming.

After the tour, relax on the outdoor patio overlooking the picturesque farm and enjoy refreshing cranberry drinks and tasty snacks. The cranberry conversation will continue with Jennifer Madden, Heritage’s Director of Collections and Exhibitions who manages the largest museum collection of cranberry history in the country and curated the Bountiful Bogs: The Massachusetts Cranberry Story exhibit currently on view in Heritage’s Special Exhibitions Gallery. She’ll provide insight into why Benson’s Farm was featured in the Current Issues section of the exhibition and will keep us engaged in discussions about the rich history of this native Massachusetts fruit that traces its roots back through thousands of years of Wampanoag use and generations of agricultural tradition.

Time will be included for browsing the cranberry-themed farm store for local crafts, cranberry sauces, chocolates, candles, and more. Each participant will take home a one pound bag of fresh cranberries grown at Benson’s Pond Farm.

Program Details:

• Participants will drive their own vehicles and meet up at 9:45 am at Benson’s Pond Farm, located at 6 Pine Street in Middleboro, MA, 02346.
• The tour takes place rain or shine. Refreshments, conversation with Jennifer Madden, and shopping can be enjoyed indoors.
• The tour area is sandy, grassy, and can be wet and muddy. Please dress for these conditions and for the day’s weather. Most of the tour will be outside. Sneakers, boots, or waterproof shoes are suggested.
• There can be ticks on the bogs so repellent along the legs is suggested.
• Accessible options are available. Please reach out to Caroline Lochner, Manager of Public Programs at clochner@heritagemuseums.org or 508-888-3300, ext. 155 for more information.
• A restroom trailer is available with running water and an accessible bathroom.
• A water bubbler is available, but it is recommended to bring your own water in a refillable bottle.
• A bog tour release form is required by Benson’s Pond prior to admission and will be provided in advance. Participants are asked to return completed forms to Heritage by September 26.

Advance registration is required. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 25

Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support. Program Registration Fee: $40 Members, $45 Non-Members