Thank you for considering reserving the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds of Historic Newton for your meeting, birthday party, or other special event. Details about our rental spaces may be found on the page below.

To make a reservation inquiry, please fill out an Online Reservation Inquiry Form. No reservations will be considered until a reservation form has been submitted. 

This form will be used to collect information regarding your reservation inquiry so the Durant-Kenrick Manager can give you a cost estimate and accommodate your specific needs.  If you have any specific questions, you can also contact the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds directly at (617) 641-9142 or email durantkenrick@historicnewton.org. We look forward to hosting your event and coordinating with you in the future.

Submit an Online Reservation Inquiry Form

Photos of the Education Center:

Available Rental Spaces

Education Center 

• Multi-purpose room;
• Holds 100 people standing, 65 seated lecture-style, 36 seated at tables;
• Includes laptop, podium, sound system, LCD projector and screen, and chalkboard;
• 65 chairs, 6 72-inch rectangular tables, 2 48-inch rectangular tables available in rental;
• Complimentary guest WiFi, 330 sq ft Admissions Lobby, coat rack, and 2 accessible bathrooms;
• 3 doors that open up to Terrace;
• Roughly 650 square feet;
• Check the room's Availability Calendar.

Library Meeting Room

• Seats 12 comfortably;
• Large or small meeting table and chairs provided;
• Complimentary guest WiFi, 330 sq ft Admissions Lobby, coat rack, and 2 accessible bathrooms;
• Will always be staffed by a Historic Newton staffer during the rental;
• No food is allowed in this room due to its historic nature;
• Roughly 300 square feet;
• Check the library's Availability Calendar.

Education Center Terrace

• 4 wooden deck chairs with 2 tables;
• Complimentary guest WiFi, 330 sq ft Admissions Lobby, coat rack, and 2 accessible bathrooms;
• Beautiful view of gardens;
• Roughly 800 square feet.

Garden Amphitheater, Grounds, and Gardens

• Amphitheater: 3 stone and grass tiers; roughly 850 square feet;
• Seats up to 65 on chairs and on tiers that create a natural stage with garden backdrop;
• Complimentary guest WiFi, 330 sq ft Admissions Lobby, coat rack, and 2 accessible bathrooms;
• Grounds: 1/2 acre side lot/park with trail, benches, and interpretive signs;
• 1/4 acre back lawn and gardens with orchard, native plants, and educational signs (the entire lot encompasses roughly 1 acre).

Historic House Exhibitions

• 6 period rooms that focus on stories about colonial life, the Revolutionary War, slavery, abolitionism, and the birth of American horticulture;
• Many interactive games and activities for children, families, and adults alike;
• Family Learning Center with additional interactive activities.

Rate Structure

Your reservation for the space is confirmed only with payment of half of the fee as a rental deposit and when this application has been completed and countersigned by museum signatories. Renters who notify Historic Newton in writing 15 days in advance that they wish to cancel the event, will receive their total rental deposit back. The bill must be paid in total 15 days in advance or the event will be removed from the rental schedule.

*All rentals for groups over 20 people have a 3-hour minimum unless otherwise approved by the Director or Manager. Non-Profits may receive a discount of 50% of standard rates.

If the premises are left in an unacceptable state of cleanliness, renters will be charged a cleaning fee of $100. Rentals that are a) serving alcohol and/or b) over 60 guests will be required to leave a $100 cleaning deposit check on file, which will be returned to the renter by the manager following the event if the space is appropriately cleaned.

Rental Hours

Set-up for events shall not begin before 8:00 a.m. and events shall conclude by 10:00 p.m., excluding cleanup time. Cleanup shall be concluded no later than 11:00 p.m.

Handicapped Accessibility

The Educational Center, two bathrooms, and parking are all accessible.  Most of the historic house spaces are accessible.

Parking and Winter Parking

Parking is available in the Durant-Kenrick Lot with the entrance off of Waverley Ave. However, we do ask that those spaces are reserved for persons with impaired mobility if at all possible. The City recommends parking on the even side of Waverley Avenue, Kenrick Street, and Sargent Street. You are urged to remind attendees that they should not park within 5 feet of the neighbors’ driveways. Durant-Kenrick Parking & Transportation Map

Winter Parking: Beginning November 15 through April 15, vehicles are not allowed to park on any City street for longer than one hour between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am. If a “Snow Emergency” is declared, parking is not allowed on any City street and vehicle owners may be ticketed or cars towed. If there is no Snow Emergency, there is no issue parking near the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds during the winter. 

Audio Visual Equipment

To be sure your technology functions well the day of your event, if you require the projector and AV system, please arrange a time with us to test your laptop and presentation ahead of your event.

Miscellaneous Due to Our Unique Historic Status

• A Historic Newton Staff will be present at all times during your event.
• No live flame, heating units, or smoking is permitted indoors.
• No live flame is permitted within 50 feet of the building. 
• No signs may be taped to the wall of the premises except with prior permission.
• No nails, tacks, pushpins or other materials may be used on walls.
• Care should be taken around planted beds and trees.
• No food, drink or animals are allowed inside the historic house with the exception of service dogs.
• Beer, wine, and liquor are permitted if a proper liquor license is obtained from the City of Newton. More information on City of Newton Licensing can be found here. 
• A Newton Police Officer must be on duty during an event when 100+ people are expected. The renter is responsible for this cost.
• Food is not allowed in the Library Meeting Room.

Kitchenette and Catering

There are no cooking facilities. There is a small under-counter refrigerator, sink, and microwave oven open for use during the rental. If you need a reference for a caterer please see our Preferred Caterers List. Remember that no live flame is permitted within 50 feet of the building - including birthday candles and Sterno heaters. 

Submit an Online Reservation Inquiry Form

See photos of rental spaces here