The Maxwell House
Corner of Church and Water Streets
Warren, Rhode Island
Home of
The Massasoit Historical Association
"Use it up, wear it out,
Make do, or do without."
New England maxim
Our old wood shingled roof is used up and worn out.
We are now making due with a blue tarp on the south side while we raise the funds to replace the roof, since we can't do without.
The Maxwell House, situated at the corner of Church and
Water Streets, was built between 1752 and 1756 by the Reverend Samuel Maxwell.
The house, which is the oldest brick dwelling in Warren, is distinguished by the
distinctive Flemish bond pattern of the brickwork, its field stone foundation,
and its large central chimney. The Maxwell House is owned by The Massasoit
Historical Association and is maintained as a working museum.
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Open
for Tours
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission Free
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Located on the waterfront of historic Warren village, The Maxwell House seeks to both educate and entertain its guests.
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In 1975 the Massasoit Historical Association purchased the Maxwell House and began restoration.
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Several fireplaces and a bake oven were removed before the original kitchen firebox configuration was restored.
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During the process of restoration a scaleboard, which is now on display in the Higgins Room at The Maxwell House, was uncovered.
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The
Association makes extensive use of the kitchen fireplace for its down hearth
cooking and foodways program.
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Tables are set to educate guests about 18th
century dining customs.
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The Higgins Room was the first room restored. The red
mopboard is painted plaster rather than being made of wood.
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The second floor of the house continues to undergo
restoration.
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Proceeds from the gift shop help finance the restoration.
Our publications:
FIXING UP A Bilingual Handbook for Older Homes
Fireplace Cooking at the Maxwell House
also available:
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The house is opened to school groups to learn what life
was like in the past.
This first grade visited the Maxwell House after reading Ox
Cart Man by Donald Hall.
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The Association serves
open to the public by reservation.
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It holds Christmas Open House.
(View pictures of Christmases past)
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The Maxwell House, located at the corner of Church and Water Streets, is just a short walk from the East Bay Bike Path and Main Street.
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Historic Images from the Collections of the Massasoit Historical Association
(changed October 12, 2008)
View a map locating The Maxwell House
Schedule of Events at The Maxwell House
Information: Telephone & E-Mail
Pictures
Mad Hatter Tea, March 31, 2007
The Massasoit Historical Association
Post Office Box 203
Warren, Rhode Island, 02885