Visit
Salisbury Mansion
The Mansion was built in 1772 by Stephen Salisbury, with an attached storehouse from which he sold imported goods. Today the mansion is a living museum and the only historic house within the city of Worcester.
Architecture
More than A Home
Salisbury Mansion was built to be one-third house and two-thirds store. It measures 60 x 38 feet and faces due south. The west end is the original house—sitting room (originally the kitchen)/parlor on the first floor with two chambers above. All other rooms date to remodeling of the former store space in 1819/20.
The exterior and west-end rooms are Georgian in style (1720s-1770s). The 1829/20 rooms and south porch are Federal (1780s-1820s).
How Did The Museum Get involved?
Occupancy
The house was family occupied for nearly 80 years (1772 to 1851), Stephen 1772-1797; Stephen & Elizabeth 1797-1829; Widow Elizabeth 1829-1851. After that, it was occupied by rental tenants. After the last Stephen’s death, it became the property of Worcester Art Museum.
It was eventually sold to the organization today known as the Worcester Center for Crafts. In the 1950s a group of local individuals formed the Salisbury Mansion Associates (SMA) to acquire the house to save it from further modifications or razing.
From 1980-1984 the Museum of Worcester restored it to reflect life in Worcester in the 1830s. The museum assumed ownership in 1985 when SMA merged with the museum.
In 1929, WAM moved the mansion from Lincoln Square to their current location, formerly the Salisbury family orchard. The service ell, which had been added on the north side, was torn down. The small 1790 “wareroom” (warehouse) next door was also moved. The new location placed the buildings next to Stephen II’s 1838 Greek Revival mansion.
Visit
Special Events + Occasions
Today, the mansion can still be toured and appreciated in all it’s splendor. Be sure to stay on the lookout for special events hosted at the mansion like the “Home for the Holidays” or “Candlelight Tours” which typically happen towards the end of the year.
Please keep in mind that access is limited due to the constraints of the historic nature of the building. There is no elevator to the second floor and interior doorways limit access to first floor spaces and restrooms. Please call 508-753-8278 for details/more information.