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 beautiful old house in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was built around 1808. People also call it the Caleb Cushing House. This large home is built in the Federal style. It has a lovely garden too. It was once the home of a very important person named Caleb Cushing. He was a diplomat, which means he helped represent his country to other nations. Today, the house is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a special place recognized for its history.
Contents
Exploring the Cushing House
The Cushing House is a four-story brick mansion. It is built in the Federal style. This style was popular in the United States after the American Revolution. The house has entrances at the front and sides. There are two chimneys on each side of the building.
House Design and Features
The house looks like a flattened cube. It has five windows placed evenly across the front and sides. The main entrance has a small, fan-shaped window above it. This is called a fanlight. A similar fan shape is above the window right above the main door.
The Gardens and Grounds
Outside the house, visitors can explore a garden from the 1800s. There are also fruit trees growing on the property. You can see a historic outhouse, a cobbled yard, and a carriage house. These features show what life was like long ago.
Inside the Museum
The Cushing House is now a museum. It holds many interesting collections. You can see old silver, furniture, and portraits. There are also antique clocks and needlework. The museum has old fans, hatboxes, and toys from the 1800s. These items come from New England, Asia, and Europe.
Special Collections
One special room is the China Trade Room. It shows beautiful art from the early China Trade. This includes four Chinese paintings of coastal areas. The museum also has a large collection of clocks. Some were made by local clockmakers like David Wood and Daniel Balch. In one bedroom, you can see a carved cradle from the 1600s. There is also a unique three-sided crib.
Art and History
Many oil paintings hang in the house. These include a portrait by Cecilia Beaux of Margaret Cushing. There are also paintings from 1801 by John Brewster, Jr. These show members of Newburyport's Prince family. The museum also keeps old maps, photographs, and family history records.
The House Today
The Cushing House is now home to the Historical Society of Old Newbury. This group helps preserve the history of the area. You can take guided tours of the house. These tours are offered between Memorial Day and Columbus Day each year.
A National Historic Landmark
The Cushing House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. In 1984, it became part of the Newburyport Historic District. The house is important because of its connection to Caleb Cushing.
Caleb Cushing's Importance
Caleb Cushing was a very important diplomat in the 1800s. His biggest achievement was the Treaty of Wanghia. He negotiated this treaty in 1844 with the Qing dynasty of China. This treaty was the first time the United States gained similar rights to other powerful countries. Before this, countries like the United Kingdom had more special rights in China. Cushing's work helped the United States become a stronger player on the world stage.
See also
