Publick House Historic Inn is a cherished landmark in Sturbridge. Originally a gathering place for travelers and locals, it played a pivotal role in the town’s development during the American Revolution. Today, the inn offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, creating a memorable experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in New England’s past. We spoke with General Manager, Michael Glick, about the inn’s history as well as what visitors can expect during their stay.
Q: How long has the Publick House been open? Can you tell us about the inn’s background?
A: The Publick House was founded in 1771 by Colonel Ebenezer Crafts. Originally planning to become a minister after attending Yale Divinity School, Crafts was drawn to Sturbridge by his college friend, Joshua Payne. He applied to serve as a preacher in the local parish but was passed over in favor of Payne. Crafts returned to Pomfret, Connecticut, where he married and began a military career. Years later, after the heartbreaking loss of two of his children, Crafts returned to Sturbridge. He fell in love with a piece of land owned by Dr. Elisha. Though Elisha was reluctant to sell, Crafts challenged him to a game of cards—and won. With the land now his, Crafts enlisted the help of Payne and his parishioners to build a grand home, part of which was designed to function as a roadside inn. The original building featured public rooms, a large kitchen, and a general store on the ground floor, with 13 guest rooms upstairs. Today, the inn’s original kitchen has become the Tap Room—the main dining area, which now accommodates up to 101 guests.
Q: What can visitors expect when they stay at Publick House?
A: We like to say the Publick House is a small inn with big hospitality—but we’re not as small as you might think. Today, we offer 128 guest rooms across several buildings. The original Main Inn, now expanded, features 17 rooms, many showcasing the original exposed post-and-beam framing. Our Country Motor Lodge, a classic New England-style motel built in the late 1960s, adds 63 more rooms to our property. In 2015, we introduced the Chamberlain House, which offers 20 rooms, most of them suites. Then, in 2018, we opened the Tillyer House, a charming addition with 28 rooms, a wrap-around porch, and direct access to the barn at the back of the property. Both Chamberlain and Tillyer Houses were designed with a rustic, historic feel while providing all the comforts and amenities of modern lodging.
Q: What is your mission?
A: Our mission is to deliver outstanding hospitality while allowing guests to experience old New England.
Q: Is there anything exciting coming up in the future?
A: We don’t have anything planned when it comes to building, but we are always looking forward to the events we hold and the people we can serve throughout the year. We hold approximately 170 weddings per year, so we are continually adding to the base of customers who have a connection with the Publick House.
Q: What does being a part of the Sturbridge community mean to you?
A: We strive to be a responsible steward of the Publick House, recognizing its value as a true gem in the Sturbridge community. Our commitment to supporting the community is unwavering. The Publick House proudly hosts the Sturbridge Historical Society, offering complimentary space and refreshments for their meetings. Additionally, we continue the tradition of the Publick House as a meeting place by hosting both the Sturbridge Lions and Rotary Club meetings.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: The opportunity to provide hospitality and witness the excitement in guests’ eyes when they first see the Publick House is incredibly rewarding. In addition to the Publick House, our company also operates the Concord Colonial Inn in Concord, MA, and the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA. Each of our properties is rich in history, offering guests the chance to enjoy a unique and historical experience.
Publick House invites those visiting Sturbridge to stay at the inn and experience the timeless charm and rich history it has to offer. Click here to learn more!
