Historic homes, haunts, and hotels

Mount Vernon is often considered to be the first house museum in the United States. The home of America’s first president, George Washington, was handed down to several of his descendants who had found the upkeep to be a financial strain. In 1858 the Mount Vernon Ladies Association purchased the property for the distinct purpose of preserving it as an important part of the young nation’s history. Since then, numerous homes have been transferred to or purchased by non-profit preservation organizations dedicated to the presentation and interpretation. Some of these homes were known specifically for their celebrated owners such as presidents and other national luminaries, others such as the mansions in Newport are known primarily for their opulence, and still others such as mid-century modern homes are known for their distinctive and influential architectural style. Here is a look at some of the best house museums across the United States

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The best house museums in the U.S., mapped

By Patrick Sisson

Curbed

June 26, 2017