Abbotsford (Boston, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Abbotsford
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 300 Walnut Ave., Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | Alden Frink |
| Architectural style | High Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000885 |
| Added to NRHP | September 16, 1987 |
Abbotsford is a beautiful historic house located at 300 Walnut Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, it is home to the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. This special museum celebrates the visual arts created by Black artists from around the world. It features many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and decorative items. The National Center of Afro-American Artists runs the museum.
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The Story of Abbotsford House
Abbotsford is a great example of a building designed in the High Victorian Gothic style. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often used pointed arches on windows and main entrances, which were inspired by the grand buildings of the Middle Ages.
Who Built Abbotsford?
A famous Boston architect named Alden Frink designed Abbotsford. It was built in 1872 for a wealthy businessman named Aaron Davis Williams, Jr. He made his money in industry, a time when factories and machines were changing America. It's interesting that he chose to build a house that looked like a medieval castle, reminding people of a time before big industries.
New Owners and New Uses
After some business problems, Aaron Davis Williams, Jr., had to sell Abbotsford. A man named James M. Smith bought the house. He was born in Scotland in 1811 and moved to Boston in 1854. Mr. Smith was the treasurer of a company called Suffolk Brewery. He lived in the house until he passed away in 1894.
By 1923, Abbotsford was too big for one family. The City of Boston bought it and used it as a school for boys who needed extra guidance. Then, in 1976, the National Center for Afro-American Artists purchased the property. They transformed it into the museum we know today. This change allowed people from the community to enjoy and learn from Abbotsford.
Why Abbotsford is Important
Abbotsford is very important to the Roxbury neighborhood in Boston for several reasons. First, it is a truly beautiful and impressive mansion. It stands out on its site and continues to be a key part of the community as a museum.
Second, the house is built entirely from a local stone called Roxbury puddingstone. This unique rock is found in the area. Finally, Abbotsford helps us understand how people in the past thought about their homes and their lives. It shows how they mixed new wealth with old styles.
The house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it is recognized as a significant historical place in the United States.
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