Martin House Farm is a rare example of an 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting.
In 1930 after 200 years of the Martin family continuously living there, the farm was given to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Susan Taber Martin Allien. Susan was an 8th generation Martin and a member of NSCDA-NY. In 1979 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Martin House Farm is a rare example of the 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting. It consists of the house, two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by stone walls and woodlands.
John Martin (B. 1674) purchased 63 acres of undeveloped land in 1715, on which the house was built around 1728. The original house was a one room dwelling with a loft and an outside chimney. Over the years the house was expanded first with a lean -to in the rear followed by a major expansion which created an 8 room cottage with a center chimney, a gambrel roof, wooden shingles and white trim. In the late 19th century an ell was added to the rear and the design of the house has not been altered since then.
The house with original wide board flooring and corner posts is furnished with a number of Martin family pieces. Mrs. Alliens collection of American and English antiques includes many rare and unique pieces any antique lover would appreciate. The bedsteads (ca 1750-1820) are dressed in reproduction fabric and hand sewn by members of the NSCDA. Worth noting are several samplers as well as spinning wheels and looms used on the second floor for demonstrations.
The 1814 kitchen retains its original fireplace with iron crane and is equipped with appropriate cooking utensils and a side bake oven. Above hang a Martin family musket and powder horn. Also on display is a beautiful pewter collection.
The barns have recently been restored. The hay barn is used by the farmer and the fields have been actively cultivated in summer months since John Martin purchased the land. The older stone barn provides an exhibition place and venue for special events.
Beyond the on going historic preservation efforts at Martin House Farm, the House has notable educational outreach programs to promote the other missions of the NSCDA which include educating the public of the foundation of our country and promoting patriotism.
HOURS OF OPERATION 2017
Sunday July 9, Old Fashioned Day 10-3 pm
OPEN HOUSES 1-4 PM
Sundays:
July 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
Admission: $5 adults, children under 12 are free.
We are a Blue Star Museum and admission is free for active military and their family
