Northumberland Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Northumberland Historic District
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Priestley Memorial Church is a contributing property in the district
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Fourth and A Sts., North Shore RR and Wheatley Ave., Northumberland, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 27 acres (11 ha) |
| Architectural style | Early Republic, Italianate, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 88002313 |
| Added to NRHP | November 18, 1988 |
The Northumberland Historic District is a special area in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is a list kept by the US government to protect important historical places. This district was added to the list in 1988.
It's like a treasure chest of old buildings and places that show what the area was like in the past. The most famous spot in the district is the Joseph Priestley House, which is so important it's called a National Historic Landmark. Another key building is the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library, also known as the "Dr. Joseph Priestley House."
The district covers about 27 acres. It's generally found near 4th Street, A Street, the North Shore Railroad, and Wheatley Avenue. In 1988, there were over 100 buildings that helped make the district special, called "contributing structures."
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, objects, or sites that are important together because of their history, architecture, or culture. When an area is named a historic district, it means people want to protect its unique character and history.
Important Buildings in the District
The Northumberland Historic District is home to some very important buildings. These places tell stories about the past and show different styles of architecture.
The Joseph Priestley House
The Joseph Priestley House is the most famous building here. It's a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest honor a historic place can get in the United States. Joseph Priestley was a famous scientist and philosopher. He discovered oxygen! His home is a great example of early American architecture.
The Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library
Another important building is the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library. This building is also known as the "Dr. Joseph Priestley House." It serves as a library today, but it also has a rich history connected to the area.
Architectural Styles You Can See
The buildings in the Northumberland Historic District show off several interesting architectural styles. These styles tell us about the time period when the buildings were constructed.
- Early Republic: This style was popular in the early years of the United States. Buildings often look simple and grand, like the ones built after the American Revolution.
- Italianate: This style became popular in the mid-1800s. You might see buildings with low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tall, narrow windows. They often have decorative brackets under the eaves.
- Queen Anne: This style was popular in the late 1800s. Queen Anne homes are often colorful and have lots of different textures and shapes. Look for towers, turrets, bay windows, and decorative shingles.
Protecting Our History
Having a historic district helps protect these old buildings and the stories they tell. It means that changes to these buildings are often carefully reviewed to make sure their historical look is kept safe for future generations.
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