Fairbanks House Museum c. 1637

Tim Welch

The coolest and oldest verified colonial house I've ever visited. I am a history buff and love the northeast region and decided to visit on a trip to Massachusetts. Was worth every penny. The tour guides were knowledgeable about the house, showing us the original timber beams which were tree ring dated to scientifically age the house from 1637-1641, as well as the original massive chimney and one of the original clapboards. Another favorite part was the 'hex marks' on the chimney mantle which were charms to keep evil spirits out of entering through the chimney. Anyone interested in history at all I would recommend visiting especially because this area of Mass. has so much to offer as well. They allow you to take pictures which was awesome since all the original parts of the house were on the interior. To get a sense at how old this house is, when it was built in 1641 the English colonists were still using armor and pikes as well as matchlock muskets. Also the English Civil War a year later was one of the last times castles were used extensively in a conflict in England. It was also nearly 50 years before the Salem witch trails.

Erica Novik

We got this placed mixed up with Lot #1 in Plymouth. We drove an hour to get to Durham and the house was not open due to COVID. So we had no clue about the history of this home. My husband and I snapped plenty of pictures and hopped back on the road. Curious about the history and significance of the home. The house was a flashback of the past. Was set in the midst of a nice neighborhood. Near a school and had a playground across the street. Was an interesting find.

Mindy Olsen

This was such a fun place to visit! The curator was great to listen to, he mixed his knowledge with humor and could answer any question we asked. The Fairbanks house has a ton of history and most everything there was original to the home! We were staying at a house nearby for a wedding and just happened to read about the house and decided to go on our way out. So glad we did!

Jane Beecher

Closed the day we went but still neat to see from the outside. Hopefully we will be up that way again and get to go inside.