Cushing House Museum and Garden facts for kids
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Caleb Cushing House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Cushing House Museum, Newburyport, Massachusetts
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 98 High Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts |
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| Built | ca. 1808 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Newburyport Historic District (ID84002411) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000327 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated CP | August 2, 1984 |
The Cushing House Museum and Garden is a historic house in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was built around 1808. This beautiful house was once the home of Caleb Cushing, a very important diplomat. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about history. It is also a special place called a National Historic Landmark.
Contents
What Does the House Look Like?
The Cushing House is a large, four-story brick mansion. It was built in the Federal style, which was popular in the early 1800s. The house has entrances at the front and sides. There are two chimneys on each side.
The house has five windows on the front and sides. They are placed in a balanced way. The main front door has a small, fan-shaped window above it. This design is repeated above the window right above the door. Outside, you can explore a garden from the 1800s. There are also fruit trees, a small outdoor building, and a cobbled yard. You can also see the old carriage house.
What Can You See Inside?
Inside the Cushing House, you will find many interesting collections. There is old silver, beautiful furniture, and portraits of people. You can also see antique clocks, fancy needlework, and old fans. There are even hatboxes and toys from the 1800s. These items come from New England, Asia, and Europe.
The China Trade Room shows items from early trade with China. These include four paintings of Chinese coastal areas. The house has a large collection of clocks. Some were made by local clockmakers like David Wood. In one bedroom, there is a carved Dutch cradle from the 1600s. Many oil paintings hang in the house. These include a portrait by Cecilia Beaux.
The museum also keeps old maps of the area. There are also many photographs. You can find information about local families too.
Who Was Caleb Cushing?
Caleb Cushing was a very important person in American history. He was born in 1800 and lived until 1879. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. They help make agreements between countries.
Cushing's most important achievement was the Treaty of Wanghia. He negotiated this treaty in 1844 with the Qing dynasty of China. This was the first time the United States made a treaty with China. It gave the U.S. similar rights to those that other powerful countries had. This treaty was very important for American trade and relations with China.
A Special House in History
The Cushing House is now home to the Historical Society of Old Newbury. You can take guided tours of the house. These tours are offered from late May (Memorial Day) to early October (Columbus Day).
The house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. This means it is a place of great importance to American history. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In 1984, it became part of the Newburyport Historic District. The house is important because of its connection to Caleb Cushing. His work as a diplomat, especially the Treaty of Wanghia, made a big difference in American history.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Massachusetts
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Massachusetts
Images for kids
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Vintage postcard of the front door of Cushing House, Newburyport, Massachusetts.
