William H. Seward House facts for kids
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Seward House Museum
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 33 South St., Auburn, NY |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1816–1817 |
| Website | SewardHouse.Org |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000504 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The William H. Seward House Museum is a special historic home in Auburn, New York. It was built around 1816. This house was once the home of William H. Seward (1801–1872). He was a very important person in American history.
Seward served in many big jobs. He was a state senator and the governor of New York. He also became a U.S. senator. Later, he was a candidate for president. He then served as Secretary of State for presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. The house became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Today, a group takes care of it as a museum. It helps people learn about Seward's life and work.
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Exploring the Seward House
The Seward House is located in Auburn, New York. It is a two-story brick building with a pointed roof. William Seward made many changes to the house over the years. In 1847, he added a two-story tower and a new section. He also added a covered entrance for carriages. Later, in 1866, he added another section and a three-story tower. More carriage houses were built on the property too.
A Look at History
Building the House
The main part of the house was built in 1816. It was built by Judge Elijah Miller, who was Seward's father-in-law. An interesting fact is that a carpenter named John C. Jeffries helped build it. His apprentice, Brigham Young, also worked on the house. Brigham Young later became a famous leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Seward's Life and Legacy
The house stayed in Seward's family until 1951. Then, it became a museum. William Seward lived in this house from 1824 until he passed away. Even though he spent time in Albany and Washington, D.C. for work, this house was always his home.
One of Seward's most famous actions was buying Alaska from Russia in 1867. At the time, some people called this "Seward's Folly." They thought it was a foolish idea. But today, we know it was a very smart move! The house still has many of the original items and furniture from the Seward family.
The Underground Railroad Connection
The original basement kitchen of the house had a secret. It was used as a hiding place for runaway slaves. This was part of the Underground Railroad. This network helped enslaved people find freedom.
Images for kids
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Drawing Room
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Original basement kitchen, later used as a hiding place for runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad
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This carriage was involved in an accident that severely injured Seward. He was also attacked on the same night President Lincoln was shot.
See also
