Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen

Our Mission

The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen is owned and operated by the Thornton W. Burgess Society. Its purpose is to carry on the educational and conservation work of Thornton Burgess [1874-1965] “to inspire reverence for wildlife and concern for the natural environment.”
Burgess achieved national and international recognition for his children’s stories of “Peter Rabbit” and his animal friends that teach lessons of conservation and love of wildlife.

Our History

The Thornton W. Burgess Society was founded in Sandwich in 1976 as a non-profit educational organization. The Thornton W. Burgess Museum was opened in Sandwich Village displaying books and artifacts from the life of the author. In 1979 the Society purchased the Green Briar Jam Kitchen, which had been in operation since 1903. The Society developed the Green Briar Nature Center while continuing the operation of the historic Jam Kitchen.

Our Services and Programs

Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen offers natural history exhibits, live animals, an award-winning wildflower garden and nature trails through the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area. The Jam Kitchen is a living museum, where jams and jellies have been made since 1903 using old-fashioned, small batch methods. Jam Kitchen products and nature-related items are offered for sale in the gift shop. Special events, children’s nature classes, jam-making workshops and much more are offered. Please call 508-888-6870 for information.

Fees Charged

Admission is by donation.

Hours/Schedule

Open year-round:
April-December, Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 1-4pm.
January-March, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

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