The Massasoit Historical Association

&

The  Maxwell  House

of

Warren, Rhode Island

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Due to concern during these extraordinary times all public events and activities are regrettably postponed until further notice.

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The Maxwell House

59 Church Street,

(at the corner of Church and Water Streets)

Warren, Rhode Island

Home of

The Massasoit Historical Association

(The link contains a detailed history of the Association  and also  our  latest  community  service activities)

59 Church Street,

 The Maxwell House was built between 1752 and 1756. The house, believed to be the oldest brick dwelling in Warren, is distinguished by the distinctive Flemish bond pattern of the brickwork, a field stone foundation, and a large central chimney. The 10 room house with attic and cellar, has 6 fireplaces, 2 beehive bake ovens, an exposed beam kitchen ceiling and a later clapboard biffy.  The Maxwell House is owned by The Massasoit Historical Association and is maintained as a working museum.

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Open for Tours

by chance and appointment  (401-245-0392)

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.

Chicken rotates in front of the fire

The bake oven takes  between 1 1/2 hours and 2 hours to come up to temperature depending on when it was used last.

Bread would have been cast directly onto the oven  floor .

 Bread from the second baking comes out with a lighter colored crust than from the first.

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Tables are set to educate guests about 18^th 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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Our publications:

FIXING UP  A Bilingual Handbook for Older Homes 

Fireplace Cooking at the Maxwell House (out of print)

also available:

Images of America: Warren

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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 hosts

Eighteenth Century Dining Experience

open to the public by reservation.

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(View pictures of other 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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Pictures from

 Events  and Activities

Historical Games Night, March 2, 2020

Holiday Open House Nov 23, 2012

December 1, 2012

Mad Hatter Tea, March 31, 2012

Historic Images  from the Collections of the Massasoit Historical Association

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In Memoriam

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View a map locating The Maxwell House

Schedule of Events at The Maxwell House

Eighteenth Century Dining Experience 

Contact:  Telephone & E-Mail

Membership Information

The Massasoit Historical Association

Post Office Box 203

Warren, Rhode Island, 02885