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 and museum in Decorah, Iowa. It used to be the home of Adelbert Field Porter (who lived from 1879 to 1968) and his wife, Grace Young Porter (1880–1964). Grace's parents also lived there until they passed away. This house is important because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1975. It is also known as the Ellsworth-Porter House.
The house looks like an Italianate style building. You can find it at 401 W. Broadway in Decorah. It's part of a bigger area called the Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District, which is also listed as a historic place.
A Look Back in Time
The house was built in 1867 for a merchant named Dighton B. Ellsworth. He was born in England and moved to Decorah from New York in 1855. After he died in 1896, his family sold the house in 1898 to Francis and Emma Young.
In 1904, the Youngs' daughter, Grace, married Adelbert Field Porter. Adelbert, also known as "Bert," grew up in the house right across the street. The Youngs' home then became the home for Bert and Grace, as well as for Francis and Emma Young, until they passed away. Bert and Grace did not have any children.
Becoming a Museum
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. Later, in 1980, it became its own independent organization, managed by a group of directors.
What You Can See Inside
Bert and Grace Porter loved to travel and explore. Bert especially enjoyed collecting things from nature during his trips across North America, South America, and Asia. His amazing collection includes beautiful morpho butterflies from South America.
The museum also features the unique rock wall around the property, which Bert Porter helped build. You can also see the family's personal belongings, like old papers, books, furniture, and china. These items help tell the story of the Porter family and their lives.
