Weeden House Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weeden House Museum |
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The house in 2010
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| General information | |
| Type | House |
| Address | 300 Gates Avenue South East |
| Town or city | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 34°43′47″N 86°34′56″W / 34.72972°N 86.58222°W |
| Completed | 1819 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 2 |
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Part of | Twickenham Historic District (ID73000357) |
| Designated CP | January 4, 1973 |
The Weeden House Museum is a special old house in Huntsville, Alabama. It has two floors and was built way back in 1819. The house was designed in a style called Federal style. It was first built for a person named Henry C. Bradford.
Over the years, the house had many different owners. One important owner was John McKinley. He was a very busy person! He worked as a Congressman, a Senator, and even a judge on the highest court in the United States, the Supreme Court of the United States.
From 1845 to 1956, the Weeden family lived in the house for a very long time. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the Union Army took over the house. The Weeden family had to move away to Tuskegee for a while. But after the war ended, they moved back home.
A famous artist and poet named Maria Howard Weeden lived in this house for most of her life. She was known for her beautiful portraits and poems.
After the Weeden family sold the house in 1956, it was changed into apartments. But in 1973, the city of Huntsville bought it. A group called the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association helped fix it up. They then took over the house. In 1981, this private home became a house museum. This means people can now visit it and learn about its history!
Contents
What is the Weeden House Museum?
The Weeden House Museum is a historic building in Huntsville, Alabama. It was built in 1819 and is a great example of Federal architectural style. Today, it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the house and the people who lived there.
Who Lived in the Weeden House?
The house had several owners over its long history.
Early Owners of the House
The first owner was Henry C. Bradford, who had the house built in 1819. Later, it was owned by John McKinley. He was a very important person in American history. He served in the United States Congress as both a Representative and a Senator. He also became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. This is one of the highest jobs in the American legal system.
The Weeden Family's Time in the House
The Weeden family owned the house for over 100 years, from 1845 to 1956. This was a very important period for the house.
Life During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the Weeden family had to leave their home. The Union Army used the house for a time. After the war ended, the Weedens returned and continued to live there.
Maria Howard Weeden's Legacy
One of the most famous people to live in the house was Maria Howard Weeden. She was born in the house in 1846 and lived there for most of her life. Maria Howard Weeden was a talented artist who painted portraits, especially of African Americans in the South. She was also a poet. Her work is still admired today.
How Did the House Become a Museum?
After the Weeden family sold the house in 1956, it was changed into apartments. But people in Huntsville wanted to save this important piece of history.
Saving the Historic Weeden House
In 1973, the city of Huntsville bought the house. A group called the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association worked hard to restore it. They fixed up the house to look like it did in its earlier days.
Opening as a Museum
After all the restoration work, the Weeden House opened as a museum in 1981. Now, people can visit and explore the house. It helps everyone learn about the history of Huntsville and the lives of the people who lived there.
Images for kids
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The Weeden House in 2010.
