Fairbanks House 1641
This is perhaps the earliest and most important house of the 17th century standing in Massachusetts. It has suffered from practically no detrimental alterations except the removal of the original casement windows many of which, however, are preserved in the house. It retains many fine open timber ceilings, very rare moulded sheathing and weatherboarded wainscot.
Fairbanks House parlor fireplace
Second floor bedroom
No other house in America has remained in such unspoiled condition, keeping all it’s historic details in original condition. There is a certain charm to the sloped floors of the house, though it looks difficult to walk around on the second floor. The roof line and even the walls are bowed from extreme age.
It would be interesting to find out what preservation they have done to keep the house in good shape for 370 years. Visit the Fairbanks House Museum from May to October, open Tuesday–Saturday every week.
Complete drawings of the building show the original wrought-iron door hardware with detailed hinges and simple door latches.(( Image source: Historic American Building Survey ))
Completed
1637
| Fairbanks House Museum | Early Colonial |
|---|---|
| 511 East Street, Dedham, MA 02026 | Official Website ≫ |
| National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places #66000367 | Tours from May through October |