Institutional District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Institutional District
|
|
Worcester Memorial Auditorium
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Properties on Lincoln and Wheaton Squares and on Salisbury and Tuckerman Sts., Worcester, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1843 |
| Architect | Young, Ammi B., et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Greek Revival, Georgian Revival |
| MPS | Worcester MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000554 |
| Added to NRHP | March 05, 1980 |
The Institutional District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a special area filled with important public buildings. It's like a historical neighborhood where many government and community buildings are grouped together. This district is located just north of downtown Worcester. You'll find it around Lincoln Square and Wheaton Square, and along Main, Salisbury, and Tuckerman Streets.
This historic district includes famous places like the Worcester County Courthouse, which was built in the 1840s. It also has the War Memorial and the Memorial Auditorium. The old Worcester Historical Society building is here too, at 39 Salisbury Street. The Worcester Art Museum, built in 1897, is part of this district, along with an armory building from around 1890. This entire district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, recognizing its importance.
A Look at the Past: The Salisbury Family
Before this area became known for its public buildings, much of it was owned by the Salisbury family. The first Stephen Salisbury opened a store in Lincoln Square way back in 1772. His grandson, Stephen Salisbury III, became a very important local businessman.
In the 1880s, Stephen Salisbury III started giving away or selling parts of his family's land. He donated land for several key buildings, including the Central Church, the Boys' Club, the Art Museum, the Auditorium, and the War Memorial. He was also a major supporter of the Worcester Art Museum, even leaving his family's art collection to it. The Salisbury Mansion and Store, which the museum now owns, are located just outside this special district.
Important Buildings in the District
The Institutional District is home to many significant buildings, each with its own history. These buildings show different styles of architecture, like Classical Revival and Greek Revival. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Worcester County Courthouse, 2 Main Street (1845): This historic courthouse was designed by Ammi B. Young. It had additions built in 1878 and 1899 to make it larger.
- Worcester War Memorial, Lincoln Square (1935): This memorial was created by Lucius W. Briggs and Frederic C. Hirons. It honors those who served in wars.
- Worcester Boys' Club (1930), Lincoln Square: Designed by Frost, Chamberlain & Edwards, this building served as a club for boys.
- Worcester War Memorial Auditorium (1932): Also designed by Lucius W. Briggs and Frederic C. Hirons, this large auditorium is a key landmark.
- Central Church, Salisbury Street (1885): This church was designed by Stephen C. Earle.
- Worcester Historical Society, 39 Salisbury Street (1981): This building housed the local historical society.
- Worcester Woman's Club (also known as Tuckerman Hall), 10 Tuckerman Street (1902): This beautiful building was designed by Josephine Wright.
- Worcester Industrial Technical Institute (also known as Worcester Voke), 2 Grove Street (1909): This institute provided technical training.
- Worcester National Guard Armory, 44 Salisbury Street (1890): Designed by Fuller & Delano, this armory had an addition in 1907.
- North High School, 46 Salisbury Street (1889): This historic school building was also designed by Fuller & Delano.
- Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street (1897): Designed by Stephen C. Earle, this museum is a major cultural spot.
Gallery
-
Worcester Industrial Technical Institute
-
Worcester County Courthouse
-
Worcester Woman's Club (Tuckerman Hall)
-
Worcester Art Museum (interior)
-
Worcester Boys' Club
-
Worcester National Guard Armory
-
Central Church
-
North High School (1889 building)
-
"1898" statue in Wheaton Square
