Noah Webster House facts for kids
|
Noah Webster Birthplace
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 227 South Main St., West Hartford, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Built | 1747 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000886 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 29, 1962 |
The Noah Webster House is a special museum in West Hartford, Connecticut. It's where a famous American writer named Noah Webster grew up. He was born there in 1758. Noah Webster became known for creating the first American dictionary! This house is so important that it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
Contents
About the Noah Webster House
The main part of the Webster House is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of wood and has a big chimney in the middle. The house was built in 1747.
Who Built the House?
Experts studied the house in 2020. They found a name, Daniel Webster, written in the fireplace. Daniel Webster was likely Noah's grandfather or great-grandfather. He probably built the house and lived nearby.
When Was the House Built?
In 2024, scientists did a special study. They looked at the wood in the house. This study confirmed that the house was built in 1747. It was part of a large farm, about 120 acres big.
Changes to the House Over Time
Over the years, the house had some additions. A small brick room was added, probably for a kitchen. Later, a wooden section was built at the back. In the 1970s, a new building was added. It looks like a barn and is now part of the museum.
Noah Webster's Early Life and Work
Noah Webster was born in this house in 1758. His father took out a loan on the farm. This helped Noah go to Yale College.
Noah Webster's Big Idea
After college, Noah came back home. He worked as a teacher in local schools. He became very interested in words and language. This led him to create new books.
Creating the American Dictionary
In 1783, Noah published a spelling book. This was just the start of his big project. In 1828, he published his famous Dictionary of the American Language. This dictionary sold millions of copies. It set the rules for dictionaries and spelling books that we still use today.
Visiting the Museum Today
People lived in the house until 1962. Then, it was given to the town. In 1966, it opened as a museum.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has many items connected to Noah Webster. You can see early copies of his dictionary. There are also his "Blue-backed Spellers." You can also find china, glassware, a desk, and two clocks that he owned.
West Hartford Historical Society
The Noah Webster House is also the home of the West Hartford Historical Society. This group helps preserve local history.
Plan Your Visit
You can visit the museum from Monday to Saturday. It is open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For more details, check out the museum's website: www.noahwebsterhouse.org.
See also
