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, also known as the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, is a special old house in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Today, it's a museum that celebrates black visual arts from all over the world. You can see many types of art here, like paintings, sculptures, photos, and cool decorative arts. The National Center of Afro-American Artists runs this amazing museum.
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History of Abbotsford House
A Castle-Like Home
Abbotsford was built in 1872. It was designed by a Boston architect named Alden Frink. The house was made for a rich businessman, Aaron Davis Williams, Jr. He made his money from factories and industries.
The house was built in a style called High Victorian Gothic. This style was popular back then. It often used pointed arches and designs that looked like old castles from the Middle Ages. It's interesting because Williams made his money from new industries. But his house looked back to older times.
Changing Owners
Later, Aaron Davis Williams, Jr. had some money problems. He had to sell Abbotsford. A man named James M. Smith bought the house. Smith was born in Scotland in 1811. He came to Boston in 1854. He was in charge of money for a company called Suffolk Brewery. James M. Smith lived in the house until he passed away in 1894.
From Home to School to Museum
By 1923, Abbotsford was a very large house. It was too big for just one family. So, the City of Boston bought it. They used it as a special school for boys.
Then, in 1976, something new happened. The National Center for Afro-American Artists bought the property. They turned the big house into a museum. This was a great change. Now, people from the community can visit and enjoy Abbotsford.
Why Abbotsford is Special
Abbotsford is important to the Roxbury area for a few reasons. First, it is a very beautiful building. It is a grand mansion that stands out. It continues to be important as a museum for the community.
Second, the house is built from a local stone. It is made entirely of Roxbury puddingstone. This is a unique type of rock found in the area.
Finally, this building helps us understand history. It shows how people thought about their homes. It also tells us about their lives in the past.
The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it is recognized as an important historical place.
See also
