John Ward House, Salem
With its roots dating back to the late 17th century, the John Ward House is a pristine example of First Period architecture and an embodiment of meticulous restoration techniques. Owned by the esteemed Peabody Essex Museum, the John Ward House is a living monument to America's colonial heritage and a designated National Historic Landmark since 1968.
Constructed between 1684 and 1723, the John Ward House is characterized by its two-and-a-half-story wooden frame structure, five-bay fa莽ade, and a commanding central chimney. The steep side-gable roof, punctuated by two large cross gable sections, showcases the architectural prowess of its era.
What sets the John Ward House apart is not just its age but its remarkable 20th-century restoration, orchestrated by the distinguished antiquarian George Francis Dow. This restoration effort serves as a textbook example of preserving history with utmost precision. Notably, the house was one of the pioneering colonial-era residences in the United States to be transformed into a museum.
The house's exterior is adorned with diamond-paned casement windows, a hallmark of its timeless charm. The clapboard finish, understated cornerboards, and minimalistic trim contribute to the house's elegant simplicity. The second floor gracefully extends over the first, adding a touch of grandeur to this historical gem.
Stepping inside, visitors encounter a classic center-chimney plan with chambers flanking either side and a narrow stairway leading to the second floor. The left chamber on the second floor, framed in oak, exudes an air of sophistication. On the right, an unrestored chamber offers a glimpse into the past with its faded wallpaper and original plastered ceiling.
The roof, while preserving traditional numbering of its framing elements, bears marks of extensive restoration work undertaken during the meticulous 20th-century renovation.
Constructed between 1684 and 1723, the John Ward House is characterized by its two-and-a-half-story wooden frame structure, five-bay fa莽ade, and a commanding central chimney. The steep side-gable roof, punctuated by two large cross gable sections, showcases the architectural prowess of its era.
What sets the John Ward House apart is not just its age but its remarkable 20th-century restoration, orchestrated by the distinguished antiquarian George Francis Dow. This restoration effort serves as a textbook example of preserving history with utmost precision. Notably, the house was one of the pioneering colonial-era residences in the United States to be transformed into a museum.
The house's exterior is adorned with diamond-paned casement windows, a hallmark of its timeless charm. The clapboard finish, understated cornerboards, and minimalistic trim contribute to the house's elegant simplicity. The second floor gracefully extends over the first, adding a touch of grandeur to this historical gem.
Stepping inside, visitors encounter a classic center-chimney plan with chambers flanking either side and a narrow stairway leading to the second floor. The left chamber on the second floor, framed in oak, exudes an air of sophistication. On the right, an unrestored chamber offers a glimpse into the past with its faded wallpaper and original plastered ceiling.
The roof, while preserving traditional numbering of its framing elements, bears marks of extensive restoration work undertaken during the meticulous 20th-century renovation.
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John Ward House on Map
Sight Name: John Ward House
Sight Location: Salem, USA (See walking tours in Salem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salem, USA (See walking tours in Salem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salem, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Salem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salem Introduction Walking Tour
While first-time visitors to Salem won't want to miss the city's plethora of witch-themed attractions 鈥� the Witch House and Salem Witch Trials Memorial are two of the most popular 鈥� there is more to this mysterious city than just witchcraft. Salem boasts everything from spectacular 17th-century architecture to tranquil beaches and world-class art museums. Check out Salem's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Salem Maritime National Historic Site Tour
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a National Historic Site consisting of 12 historic structures, one replica tall-ship, and about 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land along the waterfront of Salem Harbor in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. Salem Maritime is the first National Historic Site established in the United States (March 17, 1938).[1] It interprets the Triangle Trade during the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles
Salem's Historical Homes Walking Tour
There鈥檚 no shortage of historic homes in Salem, considering that it鈥檚 one of the oldest cities in the United States. Even if you鈥檙e not really into history, you can appreciate the architectural style of the times. Some of these historic houses are open to the public as museums while others are privately owned. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles