Wistariahurst

Wistariahurst

Wistariahurst
Location Holyoke, Massachusetts
Coordinates 42°12′17″N 72°37′4″W / 42.20472°N 72.61778°W / 42.20472; -72.61778Coordinates: 42°12′17″N 72°37′4″W / 42.20472°N 72.61778°W / 42.20472; -72.61778
Built 1848
Architect Multiple
Architectural style No Style Listed
NRHP Reference #

73000295

[1]
Added to NRHP April 23, 1973

Wistariahurst is a historic former estate located at 238 Cabot Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It was built in 1848 for William Skinner, the owner of a successful silk spinning and textile business. The oldest part of the mansion was built while Skinner lived in the nearby town of Williamsburg, and was moved to Holyoke in 1874 when he relocated his business there after a devastating flood. Additions were made to the premises in 1913 and 1927. The buildings and grounds were owned continually by the Skinner family until 1959, when Katharine Skinner Kilborne, the youngest child of William and Sarah Skinner, and her heirs gave Wistariahurst to the City of Holyoke for cultural and educational purposes.[2] It is now operated as the Wistariahurst Museum, and is open to the public.[3]

The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1]

Visiting today

Wistariahurst Museum today provides a view of the lives and tastes of the two generations of the Skinner family that lived in it. The museum features original leather wall coverings, columns, elaborate woodwork and an interesting tale of how two generations perceived and used the house very differently. The museum's permanent collection includes decorative arts; paintings and prints, textiles, and a rich manuscript collection of family and local papers. The museum offers a wide variety of programs and events, including workshops, concerts, lectures, and demonstrations. The museum is also available for private rental and group tours.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. "NRHP nomination for Wistariahurst". Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  3. "Wistariahurst Museum". Wistariahurst Museum. Retrieved 2013-12-10.


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