Lippitt House Museum

Lippitt House Museum One of America's best-preserved Victorian interiors, an 1865 mansion in the heart of Providence, RI. www.lippitthouse.org
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Preserve Rhode Island’s 1865 Lippitt House Museum offers guided tours by online reservation, special exhibitions, lectures, art installations, concerts, and family programs. A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best preserved Victorian interiors in America, allowing visitors to step into Providence’s Golden Age. Following the Lippitt family's example of public service, the Museum's cultural programming promotes civic engagement, the arts, and history of Providence.

Step back in time to a wintery February evening in 1875 at Lippitt House for an inside peek into the daily life of a Vic...
01/31/2025

Step back in time to a wintery February evening in 1875 at Lippitt House for an inside peek into the daily life of a Victorian household.

Henry Lippitt has yet to be elected governor, and Mary Ann Lippitt is laying the foundation to open Rhode Island’s first school for the Deaf. Their house is occupied by their six children and six live-in domestic servants. What did Mary Brooks, the cook, prepare for dinner this evening? Were Henry Lippitt and his sons discussing the supporters of the new Prohibition Party? Will anyone go see Mr. E.L. Davenport play Macbeth at the Providence Opera Hall this month? Enjoy the beautifully preserved interiors of Lippitt House aglow on this evening twilight tour.

Whether you have been to Lippitt House Museum before or not, “Lippitt After Dark” is for you!

This evening tour will be offered at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 26th and Thursday, February 27th.
Tickets available at https://www.preserveri.org/calendar.

"Before and After" shots are satisfying, but they also represent hours of detailed and meticulous work. Lippitt House Mu...
01/29/2025

"Before and After" shots are satisfying, but they also represent hours of detailed and meticulous work. Lippitt House Museum was fortunate to be in the skilled hands of decorative objects conservators Wenda Kochanowski and Gregory Porter who brought the house's glowing interiors back to glory this winter. These images show the pre-treatment deterioration of the neo-Gothic inspired patterns on the stair landing niches and the post-conservation treatment results.

Scroll through for pictures of the stair landing – with the two niches on either side of a pair of stain glass windows – one from the 1950s and one from 2025. Can you spot the differences, or lack thereof?

“Was Lippitt House the biggest house in Providence when it was built?” asked one of the students from Dorcas Internation...
01/25/2025

“Was Lippitt House the biggest house in Providence when it was built?” asked one of the students from Dorcas International on their class visit last week.

What a great question! When the house was built in 1865, it was one of the larger and grander homes in Providence. There was huge industrial growth during the late 19th century in Providence, and people who made money off that growth also built grand homes. Many of those houses still stand today. Lippitt House is unique because it is so well preserved and open to visitors like this English class. Before coming to Lippitt House for a tour, the class participated in two Rhode Island and US history lessons led by Museum staff.


Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

"Stunning!" "Wow!" "Original?" are the words most often heard in Lippitt House Museum's front hall, where visitors first...
01/22/2025

"Stunning!" "Wow!" "Original?" are the words most often heard in Lippitt House Museum's front hall, where visitors first encounter the site's 1865 hand-painted walls and ceilings. Keeping that exquisite paintwork in perfect condition takes meticulous and painstaking work.
Enter Wenda Kochanowski and Gregory Porter, expert decorative objects conservators, who returned to the Museum for a week to protect compromised surfaces. The work they accomplished stabilized the painted finishes and brought Lippitt House back to the condition the family would have first seen when they moved in, December of 1865.
Enjoy these shots of the duo in action, and some "Before and After"s of specific spots in the front hall.

Check back for more pictures of the conservation work in the coming weeks.

It's and Lippitt House Museum is the perfect backdrop! Come take your own selfie (and as many pictures as you want) on...
01/15/2025

It's and Lippitt House Museum is the perfect backdrop! Come take your own selfie (and as many pictures as you want) on a guided tour of this beautiful 1865 Victorian mansion. Check LippittHouse.org to book a private tour or to learn about special Museum programs throughout the year.

Happy New Year! The most common resolutions that people make relate to their personal health. Did you know that lifelong...
01/09/2025

Happy New Year! The most common resolutions that people make relate to their personal health. Did you know that lifelong learning, reading, and attending cultural events are known to increase longevity, reduce stress and improve mental health?

Sign up for Lippitt House Museum's eNews and learn about opportunities to do all three throughout 2025! Whether its attending a stimulating panel discussion, keeping up with the Museum's blog, or stopping in for a concert on the lawn, the coming year will be full of chances to learn, connect and enjoy. Don't miss out!
Sign up today at https://www.preserveri.org/enewsletters

Eighty years ago today, the 17th Airborne Division, alongside the 87th Infantry Division, secured a number of towns to t...
01/04/2025

Eighty years ago today, the 17th Airborne Division, alongside the 87th Infantry Division, secured a number of towns to the west of Bastogne, Belgium as part of the Battle of the Bulge. Among the ranks of the 17th was a young paratrooper, Duncan Hunter 'Hunt' Mauran (1926-2005).

In December 1944, Allied troops were suffering from fatigue after weeks spent advancing across France, and supplies were low. The German army launched a surprise attack through the dense Belgian Ardennes forest in an effort to capture Antwerp. They sent English-speaking soldiers, dressed in American uniforms, to change road signs and cut telephone wires. The weather was cloudy and foggy, navigation difficult, and several American units were forced to succumb. By the 18th, the 101st Airborne Division was surrounded by the Germans, cold and starved, and yet still managed to hold out for seven days under assault. As time passed, the skies cleared allowing Allied airpower the ability to target German forces, and in the last week of the year, U.S. forces began a counteroffensive.

By January 3rd of 1945, the German army was forced to abandon many tanks due to lack of fuel—they still managed to carve out a "bulge" on the map, encroaching on Allied territory, hence the name: Battle of the Bulge. On this day, January 4th, 1945, the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, with Hunt Mauran, moved behind the 17th Airborne Division and the 87th Infantry Division to deal with expected German armored counter-attacks against them.

Hunt Mauran was a great grandson of Henry and Mary Ann Lippitt and a lifelong resident of Providence. His participation in a crucial battle during the second World War was just one chapter of a life of distinguished service to his country, community and family.

📸 Inset: Lippitt family photo, Hunt Mauran, c. 1940s, Lippitt House Museum collection
📸 Background: Photographer once known, but probably member of US Army or official photographer, Members of the 466th PFAB (Parachute Field Artillery Battalion) prepare for Operation Varsity, March 1945. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Start your new year with a step back in time.The museum reopens for First Thursday this Thursday, January 2 with tours o...
12/31/2024

Start your new year with a step back in time.
The museum reopens for First Thursday this Thursday, January 2 with tours offered at 5:00PM and 6:00PM.
Tickets are available at https://www.preserveri.org/calendar.

In 2024, engaging programs drew on the legacies of the people who lived and worked in Lippitt House.Immigrants who worke...
12/27/2024

In 2024, engaging programs drew on the legacies of the people who lived and worked in Lippitt House.

Immigrants who worked as domestic servants inspired a series of Community Conversations on immigration, belonging, and civic participation. The Lippitt family’s support of the Union served as a foundation for civics lessons on the Civil War for English Language Learners preparing for citizenship. The life and times of Charles Warren Lippitt (1846–1924) formed the basis for an illustrated talk on the boom-and-bust periods at the turn of the 20th century, while guided tours shared stories of the residents, highlighting Providence’s rich cultural heritage.

Thank you for being part of Lippitt House Museum's extraordinary year. Historic sites are preserved to be shared, enjoyed, and enlivened. Your support for the Museum does just that.

To donate, visit https://www.preserveri.org/support-lippitt-house-museum.

Historic photos from Lippitt House Museum collection: Lippitt House Exterior, c. 1867; Gardener on Lippitt House property, c. 1900; Henry Lippitt, Commissioner of the Draft for Providence County, 1863; Charles Warren Lippitt, c. 1890;

At our most recent Community Conversation, presenters from Dorcas International, Fuerza Laboral, and Progreso Latino spo...
12/19/2024

At our most recent Community Conversation, presenters from Dorcas International, Fuerza Laboral, and Progreso Latino spoke about how they are responding to impending changes in deportation policies. Providence League of Women Voters moderated and community members asked many questions and engaged in productive conversations with each other.

Below are links to resources shared by the presenters for people interested in learning more:

Help with housing: https://www.diiri.org/ways-to-give/housing/
Donate goods: https://www.diiri.org/what-we-do/donate-goods/
Volunteer: https://progresolatino.org/volunteer

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island Fuerza Laboral/Power of Workers Int. Progreso Latino League of Women Voters of Rhode Island

In 2024, tours and programs reached 20% more people than last year!People from near and far participated in guided tours...
12/18/2024

In 2024, tours and programs reached 20% more people than last year!
People from near and far participated in guided tours, engaging programs, and community gatherings. The beautifully preserved Lippitt House sparked wonder from young and old alike. The Lippitt family’s legacy inspired engaging conversations about historical and contemporary topics.

Thank you for being part of Lippitt House Museum's extraordinary year. Historic sites are preserved to be shared, enjoyed, and enlivened. Your support for the Museum does just that.
To donate, visit https://www.preserveri.org/support-lippitt-house-museum.

In 2024, Lippitt House Museum’s Civics Program for English Language Learners served more people than ever and won a pres...
12/13/2024

In 2024, Lippitt House Museum’s Civics Program for English Language Learners served more people than ever and won a prestigious Leadership in History Award. This program is one way the Museum honors the Lippitt family’s legacy of public service while connecting the history of 19th century immigration in Rhode Island with our community today.

In a recent Q & A on the Silver & Spindles Blog staff share the origins of the program, who it serves, and what participants experience. Read the post: https://www.preserveri.org/museum-blog.

Give a gift today to support the museum’s Civics Program for English Language Learners: https://www.preserveri.org/support-lippitt-house-museum.

As 2024 comes to a close, it's a pleasure to look back on a lively year at this very special site. Visitors, attendees o...
12/06/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, it's a pleasure to look back on a lively year at this very special site. Visitors, attendees of programs and events, supporters, neighbors—you make Lippitt House come to life again and again! The Garden was filled with music, dancing, games, and conversation this past summer.

Thank you for being part of Lippitt House Museum's extraordinary year. Historic sites are preserved to be shared, enjoyed, and enlivened. Your support for the Museum does just that.

To donate, visit https://www.preserveri.org/support-lippitt-house-museum.

Learn more about Rhode Island’s Historic Tax Credit program, and what you can do—including signing the petition. This ta...
12/05/2024

Learn more about Rhode Island’s Historic Tax Credit program, and what you can do—including signing the petition. This tax credit program not only preserves old buildings, it generates new housing and economic development.

Get involved today!

We are saddened to learn that Estelle Barada passed away last week. Known to many as Lady Estelle, she was an actor, re-...
12/04/2024

We are saddened to learn that Estelle Barada passed away last week. Known to many as Lady Estelle, she was an actor, re-enactor, and researcher of historical costumes which she would recreate. Her favorite era was the Victorian period. In the 2010s, she hosted several teas for young girls at Lippitt House dressed as Christina Bannister (1819–1902). Here she is pictured more recently at the Lippitt House Museum Garden Party in 2022.
For those who are interested, her obituary is here: https://www.perrymcstay.com/obituaries/Estelle-T-Barada?obId=33918218.

Lippitt House Museum wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!We are thankful for life-long learners eager to learn abo...
11/27/2024

Lippitt House Museum wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for life-long learners eager to learn about Rhode Island and United States history.

Pictured here are students from Genesis Center making new friends and exploring historical novelties like the stereoscope while on a visit to Lippitt House last week. This visit was the culmination of a series of civics lessons for the students from the Museum.

Hunting for the perfect new (old) recipe this Thanksgiving?Try a gingerbread cake with subtle notes of protest, rebellio...
11/27/2024

Hunting for the perfect new (old) recipe this Thanksgiving?
Try a gingerbread cake with subtle notes of protest, rebellion and civil disobedience
(and a dusting of sugar to finish).
Jenny Schweich, Lippitt House Volunteer Docent wrote about her experience mastering a recipe for gingerbread cake, created by Miss Lucy Goddard of Roxbury, Massachusetts, a "spinster" at the age of 33.
Read more about Schweich's baking adventures, and about the fight for Women's Suffrage on Lippitt House Museum's blog: https://www.preserveri.org/post/the-odyssey-of-making-miss-goddard-s-soft-molasses-gingerbread

Last week, we opened Lippitt House to curious and enthusiastic staff from humanities councils around the country. They w...
11/22/2024

Last week, we opened Lippitt House to curious and enthusiastic staff from humanities councils around the country. They were in town for and were eager to learn how the Museum develops programs inspired by the Lippitt family's legacy of public service. RI Humanities' Julia Renaud interviewed Carrie Taylor, who returned for the day, and interim director Cathy Saunders about community and artist partnerships and the Museum's Civics Program for adult English language learners.

Rhode Island Humanities Federation of State Humanities Councils

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199 Hope Street
Providence, RI
02906

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10am - 12pm
1pm - 3pm

Telephone

(401) 453-0688

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Lippitt House Museum's 1873 Fountain
Lippitt House Museum's 1873 Fountain

This beautiful fountain will be wrapped up for the coming winter on October 15th. Come take a tour and see it firsthand! Tours are offered on Fridays through the end of the month. Book today by visiting https://www.preserveri.org/visit-lippitt-house-museum

Happy Anniversary to the UAWRIA!
Happy Anniversary to the UAWRIA!

Lippitt House Museum staff were honored to be included in the United African Women of Rhode Island Association (UAWRIA)'s anniversary celebration. Thank you for all the work you do for our community. Here’s to another year of service through sisterhood!

INFUSION EVOLUTION is back!
INFUSION EVOLUTION is back!

The weather is looking great to come hear Infusion Evolution at 4:00 PM today! This local band brings the fun and the rhythm - enjoy their tunes in the lovely Lippitt House Museum garden. Tickets are available at www.lippitthouse.org

Free Admission
Free Admission

As a participant in the Museums for All program, Lippitt House Museum is free to access for any individual with a SNAP/EBT card. Check out LippittHouse.org to book tickets!

The sun came out for a fun afternoon North Burial Ground for the #1899Picnic. Lippitt House Museum brought the games but the picnickers brought the fun!

Rosé Garden Party 2024
Rosé Garden Party 2024

Tickets are now on sale for this year's Rosé Garden Party! Visit LippittHouse.org for more information. Thank you to this year's Diamond Sponsor: Compass Rhode Island Performance by RI's own The Tropigals

Happy follow-versary to our awesome followers. Thanks for all your support! Kate Bird

Book the stunning Lippitt House Museum for your upcoming event!

"Lippitt After Dark" is coming! See it all in a new light. Guided evening tours are available on November 15 & 16. LippittHouse.org for tickets.

Guided tours of Lippitt House Museum are a step back into Providence'e Golden Age. Come see the 1865 mansion, and learn about the lives of those who lived and worked there in the Victorian era. Tickets are available at LippittHouse.org.

Miss Wensday brings her signature sound to the Lippitt House Museum garden this Sunday, August 20 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Don’t miss this fantastic local talent! Tickets available at st 20 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Don’t miss this fantastic local talent! Tickets available at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/preserveri/items/319634/calendar/2023/08/? Thank you to Compass Rhode Island for sponsoring this series!

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