Porter House Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ellsworth-Porter House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Ellsworth-Porter House, home of the Porter House Museum
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 Location in Iowa
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| Location | 401 W. Broadway, Decorah, Iowa |
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| Built | 1867 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Part of | Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District (ID76000813) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000702 |
| Added to NRHP | August 6, 1975 |
The Porter House Museum is a special house in Decorah, Iowa, that is now a museum. It used to be the home of Adelbert Field Porter (who lived from 1879 to 1968) and his wife, Grace Young Porter (who lived from 1880 to 1964). Grace's parents also lived there.
On August 6, 1975, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is known there as the Ellsworth-Porter House. The house is built in the Italianate style. You can find it at 401 W. Broadway in Decorah. It is also part of the Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District, which is another historic place.
History of the Porter House
The Porter House was built in 1867. It was first built for a merchant named Dighton B. Ellsworth (1822–1896). He was an English immigrant who moved to Decorah from New York in 1855.
After Mr. Ellsworth passed away, his family sold the house in 1898. Francis and Emma Young bought it. In 1904, their daughter Grace married Adelbert Field Porter. Adelbert was known as "Bert." He grew up in the house right across the street on Broadway.
The Young family's house then became the home for Bert and Grace. Francis and Emma Young also lived there until they passed away. Bert and Grace did not have any children.
The Porter House Museum Today
In 1966, Bert Porter gave the house to the Winneshiek County Historical Society. He wanted it to become a museum. The museum first opened its doors to the public in 1969.
In 1980, the museum became its own organization. It is now run by a group of directors. This means it is an independent museum.
What's Inside: The Porter Collection
Bert and Grace Porter loved to travel and explore. Bert especially enjoyed collecting things from nature. He gathered many items during his trips across North America, South America, and Asia.
His collection includes beautiful morpho butterflies from South America. The museum also features the unique rock wall around the property, which Bert helped build. You can also see the family's personal belongings. These include old papers, books, furniture, and china dishes.
