Crowninshield–Bentley House facts for kids
The Crowninshield–Bentley House is a very old house in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built around 1727 to 1730 in a style called Georgian, which was popular during the Colonial period in America. You can find it at 126 Essex Street, in a special historic area of Salem. Today, the Peabody Essex Museum owns the house, and you can visit it from June to October to see what life was like long ago.
The house was first built for a sea captain named John Crowninshield. It used to be at a different spot, 106 Essex Street. It's a two-story house with a balanced look. It has five sections on the front, wooden siding (called clapboarded), three small windows sticking out of the roof (dormers), and a front door right in the middle. It's similar to other old houses in Salem, like the Ropes Mansion and the Peirce-Nichols House, which are also owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. Some people think it started smaller, maybe just half its current size, and was made bigger in 1761 and again in 1794. The house was moved to where it is now in 1959-1960, and it was fixed up to look like new.
The Crowninshield family lived in this house for about 100 years, until 1832. A very interesting person who lived there was Reverend William Bentley. He rented a room in the house from 1791 to 1819. He was a well-known minister and kept a detailed diary about life in Salem during his time.
Some people believe this house might have inspired "the old Crowninshield house" mentioned in the spooky story "The Thing on the Doorstep" by H. P. Lovecraft.
Contents
About the House
What is the Crowninshield–Bentley House?
The Crowninshield–Bentley House is a historic home built in the 1700s. It shows us what houses looked like during the Colonial period in America. It's a great example of Georgian architecture, which means it has a very balanced and grand design.
Who lived in the house?
The house was originally built for Captain John Crowninshield, a sea captain. His family lived there for many years. Later, a famous minister named Reverend William Bentley rented a room in the house. He was known for writing a detailed diary about daily life in Salem.
When was the house built?
The house was built between 1727 and 1730. That makes it nearly 300 years old! It has seen many changes in Salem over the centuries.
Where is the house located?
The house is located at 126 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. It's part of a special historic area. The house was actually moved to this spot in the late 1950s to help preserve it.
Visiting the House
Can I visit the Crowninshield–Bentley House?
Yes, you can! The Peabody Essex Museum owns the house, and they open it for public tours. You can usually visit from June to October. It's a fun way to step back in time and see how people lived long ago.
Images for kids
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A map of Salem, Massachusetts from 1820.
See also
- List of historic houses in Massachusetts
- List of the oldest buildings in the United States
