Exploring Century House Inc’s Rich History
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

If you’ve ever driven down South Main Street in Acushnet, you’ve seen it: the big, white, colonial-style building with the welcoming glow. That’s The Century House, a local landmark. It has hosted more celebrations than almost any other spot on the South Coast.
Nestled in Acushnet, Massachusetts, The Century House stands as a premier, family-owned banquet facility. It has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s.
Key Takeaways
- The Century House in Acushnet has a rich history, originally known as Gaudette’s Pavilion, rebranded in 1984.
- This family-owned venue specializes in hosting weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events for over 50 years.
- Recent renovations modernized the space while preserving its historic charm, making it versatile for any occasion.
- The Century House has received accolades like ‘Best Event Venue’ in Bristol County for 2023 and 2024, reflecting its dedication to exceptional service.
- Planning an event is straightforward; interested parties can contact the experienced team for inquiries and reservations.
Table of Contents
- Exploring Century House Inc’s Rich History
- Brief Introduction
- A Rich Legacy of Ownership and Evolution
- Accolades and Recognition
- Embracing Community Events and Celebrations
- A Historical Perspective: The Town of Acushnet
- Your Practical Guide to Booking an Event
- Planning Your Unforgettable Event: What Are the Room Options?
- How Does The Century House Compare to White’s of Westport?
- Is The Century House the Right Choice for Your Next Celebration?
- Q&A – Century House in Acushnet
Brief Introduction
Originally named Gaudette’s Pavilion when purchased by the Goulart family in 1974, it underwent a significant rebranding to The Century House in 1984 to honor its historical significance. Since then, it has evolved into a beloved venue known for hosting memorable events.
The Century House has established itself as a cornerstone of the South Coast community, specializing in a wide range of events, from weddings and milestone anniversaries to corporate gatherings and community celebrations. For over 50 years, it has been the trusted choice for families planning significant occasions. It bridges tradition with modern elegance.
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A Rich Legacy of Ownership and Evolution
The story of The Century House begins with the Goulart Family, who recognized its potential and purchased the venue in 1974. Under their stewardship, which has now spanned two generations, the facility has evolved into a premier destination for events. The business is now led by siblings Karen Conastra, Michael Goulart, Jeff Goulart, and Sherri Goulart.

8TFive Studio was brought in to collaborate with Virginia DesRoches and team on the interior renovations of the lobby. This included a full renovation and removal a load bearing wall that divided the entrance lobby. Opening the space up from the main vestibule as well as within the lobby space itself was a priority for the owners to create a more welcoming and usage space. In case many of you don’t remember, the existing lobby was adorned with ceiling tiles, carpet, a non-functional brick fireplace, and floor to ceiling mirror wall prior to the remodel.
This notable transformation began to occur in 2017, when extensive renovations were initiated to modernize the venue. Updates to the lobby and two smaller function rooms in 2018 continued the improvements. Renovation of a grand ballroom in 2019 brought both charm and functionality to the historical building. As a result, guests had a beautifully refined space while making lasting memories.

Accolades and Recognition
The Century House has earned a solid reputation as a top venue in the region, receiving accolades such as the 2023 and 2024 “Best Event Venue” in Bristol County and being highlighted in the 2023 South Coast Almanac. These honors reflect the venue’s commitment to delivering exceptional service. They also show a welcoming environment to all who walk through its doors.
Embracing Community Events and Celebrations
With its exquisite function spaces, The Century House is an ideal choice for a range of important gatherings. It has been the backdrop for countless weddings, anniversaries, banquets, and corporate events. The venue appeals to those who seek a blend of history and elegance.

Its well-appointed rooms can accommodate both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, making it a versatile venue for any occasion. The Main Ballroom was recently renovated along with adjacent bathrooms. It is the perfect venue for a large special occasion you might be looking to celebrate with friends and family.
A Historical Perspective: The Town of Acushnet
Acushnet is not just home to The Century House; it is a town steeped in history itself, originally purchased from the Wampanoag in 1652. The venue’s historic roots within this vibrant community further enhance the experience. This provides a backdrop rich with culture and tradition.
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Your Practical Guide to Booking an Event
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate gathering, booking your event at The Century House is straightforward. Interested parties can reach out to the experienced team for inquiries and reservations.
- Event Inquiries: To secure a date for your event, call directly at (508) 995-1950. The team will provide information on availability and assist you with the planning process.
Knowing details like your approximate guest count and preferred event date will help ensure a smooth and efficient inquiry. This allows the team to provide tailored options for your special occasion.

Planning Your Unforgettable Event: What Are the Room Options?
With its reputation for hosting some of the South Coast’s most memorable moments, The Century House is a natural choice for any significant celebration. While it’s famous for classic weddings, its versatile spaces are perfect for a wide range of important gatherings. For generations, local families and organizations have trusted the venue for:
- Weddings and Receptions
- Anniversary and Milestone Birthday Parties
- Bridal and Baby Showers
- Corporate Banquets and Holiday Parties
- Reunions and Funeral Luncheons
To accommodate these different events, The Century House offers several function room options. The grand Main Ballroom is the largest space, easily welcoming up to 250 guests for a wedding with a spacious dance floor under elegant chandeliers. For more intimate affairs, smaller rooms provide a cozier setting perfect for parties of 50 to 100 people. This flexibility ensures you can find the right fit for your guest list. You can host a massive celebration or a modest, personal gathering.
Beyond the practical details of capacity, what truly sets these rooms apart is their timeless character. Instead of a generic hotel conference room, you get a space with warmth, history, and charm. The classic decor, from the beautiful woodwork to the tasteful lighting, provides a stunning backdrop that requires little extra decoration to feel special. Of course, an unforgettable event isn’t just about the setting; it’s also about the food that brings everyone together.

by Matthieu Joannon (https://unsplash.com/@matt_j)
How Does The Century House Compare to White’s of Westport?
When planning a special occasion on the South Coast, you’ll quickly find that a few trusted names come up repeatedly. Many people wonder about the difference in a Century House vs. White’s of Westport experience, as both have hosted generations of celebrations. The best way to compare them is not by asking which is “better,” but by asking which style fits the story you want to tell. In the end, your choice ultimately comes down to the atmosphere you envision for your day.
The Century House offers a journey into classic New England. Its value lies in its authentic historic character—the warm wood, the sense of intimacy, and the weight of 250 years of history. It’s ideal for those who dream of a romantic, timeless, and personal setting. In contrast, venues like White’s are often designed for modern grandeur, offering expansive, contemporary ballrooms built to accommodate the largest of guest lists with polished efficiency. This addresses the need for a banquet hall capacity for large events, but with a distinctly different feel.
If you’re searching for one of the most unique and affordable event venues South Coast MA has to offer by prioritizing genuine historic charm over modern scale, The Century House provides a backdrop that feels both significant and deeply personal.
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Is The Century House the Right Choice for Your Next Celebration?
With its unique history, modern renovations, and commitment to service, The Century House in Acushnet stands out as a remarkable venue for any significant event. Whether you’re celebrating a momentous occasion or planning a corporate gathering, The Century House offers an unforgettable experience.
In the heart of Acushnet, this venue is more than just a banquet hall; it has become a cherished landmark where the South Coast community gathers to create lasting memories.
Q&A – Century House in Acushnet
The Century House is a premier, family-owned banquet facility located in Acushnet, Massachusetts. It has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s and specializes in hosting various events such as weddings, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings.
The Century House was originally named Gaudette’s Pavilion when it was purchased by the Goulart family in 1974. It was rebranded as The Century House in 1984 to honor its historical significance.
The Century House is currently managed by the Goulart family, specifically siblings Karen Conastra, Michael Goulart, Jeff Goulart, and Sherri Goulart. The management has spanned two generations since the family’s acquisition of the venue.
The Century House underwent extensive renovations that began in 2017 and continued through 2019. These updates included modernizing the lobby, renovating two smaller function rooms in 2018, and updating the grand ballroom in 2019, enhancing both charm and functionality for guests.
The Century House has earned recognition as a top event venue, receiving titles such as the “Best Event Venue” in Bristol County for both 2023 and 2024. It was also highlighted in the 2023 South Coast Almanac, reflecting its commitment to exceptional service and hospitality.

Neil has over 20 years’ experience on a range of large (15,000 sf) and small (500 sf) residential, non-profit, and commercial projects with a small business focus. He has two kids with his wife, Victoria, and loves family time camping, hiking, and traveling. While he grew up in New England, Neil is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan!





