Stephen Phillips House facts for kids
The Stephen Phillips House is a special historic house and museum in Salem, Massachusetts. It is part of the McIntire Historic District and was designed by a famous architect named Samuel McIntyre. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about its past.
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A House with a History
The story of the Phillips House began with Elias Hasket Derby. He was one of America's first millionaires, earning his money from sea trade. When he passed away in 1799, his daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband, Captain Nathaniel West, received his farm in Danvers, Massachusetts.
Building a Grand Home
Elizabeth and Nathaniel decided to build a large country house on the farm. They spent a lot of money to make it a grand estate. The house was finished in 1806. After a divorce, Nathaniel left the property. When Elizabeth died in 1814, her three daughters inherited the house.
Moving the House to Salem
One of the daughters died in 1819. Nathaniel then inherited part of the estate. He decided to move four rooms of the house to Salem. This is where the museum stands today. After moving the rooms, he added a hallway, a third floor, and a back section.
The Phillips Family Era
In 1911, Stephen W. Phillips bought the house. He moved in with many family furnishings that had been passed down for five generations. He lived in the house until he died in 1955. The house still looks much like it did when he lived there. It holds a unique collection of items from the Phillips family's many travels around the world.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the Phillips House is a historic house museum. It is owned and managed by an organization called Historic New England. The museum is open for public tours. This means you can visit and explore the house to see how people lived long ago. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This listing helps protect important historical places.
Images for kids
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A map of Salem from 1820
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