Dorothy Quincy Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Quincy Homestead
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 34 Butler Road, Quincy, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000095 |
| Added to NRHP | July 01, 1970 |
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead is a very old and important house located at 34 Butler Road in Quincy, Massachusetts. It is known as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a place recognized for its special history. The house was first built in 1686 by Edmund Quincy II. He owned a large piece of land with many buildings on it. Today, the Dorothy Quincy Homestead is a museum. You can visit it sometimes to learn about its past.
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A Look Back: The Homestead's History
The Quincy family was very important in Massachusetts from the 1600s to the 1800s. Many famous people came from this family. This includes several Edmund Quincys and Josiah Quincys. Even John Quincy Adams, who became a president, was related through his mother, Abigail Adams. The family first settled in the area now called Quincy in the 1630s.
Who Lived Here? Important People and Events
The main house you see today was built by Edmund Quincy II. Over time, it became a popular meeting spot for many American patriots. These were people who fought for America's freedom during the American Revolutionary War. Famous visitors included John Adams, who later became president, and John Hancock. This house was also the childhood home of Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott. She was the wife of John Hancock and the first First Lady of Massachusetts.
Saving the Homestead: A Historic Treasure
The Dorothy Quincy Homestead is special because it shows how American buildings changed over more than 320 years. You can see parts of its original 17th-century design. Later styles like Georgian and Victorian were added. In 2005, the Quincy Homestead was officially named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site.
Working Together to Protect History
The state of Massachusetts owns the Homestead. But it's looked after by a group called The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. They work together to keep the house open and preserved. In 1904, the house was in danger of being torn down. Local citizens and the Colonial Dames worked hard to save it. They raised money to buy the property.
The Colonial Dames then made a deal with the state. Massachusetts agreed to pay for big repairs and keep the outside of the house safe. The Dames agreed to take care of the inside. They filled it with old furniture and art from the time period. They also teach visitors about the house's history. This partnership has helped protect the Homestead for over 100 years!
Recent Updates to the Historic House
Since 2005, the Dorothy Quincy Homestead has had a lot of work done on its outside. This project helped make the old building look grand again. Workers painted the house and fixed its windows. These improvements help make sure the Homestead will last for many more years.
Gallery
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"Dorothy Q" House, old Quincy Mansion, Quincy, Mass.
See also
- Quincy Mansion
- Josiah Quincy House
- Quincy family
- List of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Quincy, Massachusetts
