The Fairbanks House

Name: The Fairbanks House
Address: 511 East Street, Dedham, MA, 02026, US
Telephone: +17813261170
Price range: $

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The Fairbanks House

The Fairbanks House is believed to be the oldest surviving timber frame house in North America. In Person Tours:
We are closed for the season, November - April.

Group Tours:
We work closely with local organizations and schools to offer group tours tailored to your interests. Please contact our office for more information.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day from the staff and volunteers at the Fairbanks House Museum!

We honor and celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures whose hard work, guidance, and devotion helped shape generations of families and communities. As we reflect on nearly four centuries of history at the Fairbanks House, we remember the legacy of those who built, protected, and passed on the values that continue to inspire us today.

Wishing all fathers a wonderful and meaningful Father's Day.

06/19/2026

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/paperquiltingcraftevent/event/paperquilting/

Come join us Saturday, May 27, from 10-12 for a morning of paper crafting. Create new designs inspired by historic quilts. No experience necessary, just a positive attitude and creativity!

Seats are limited, so act fast!

06/16/2026

What a great day for a parade celebrating Flag Day in Dedham!

The Fairbanks House Museum was proud to participate in the community parade, honoring our nation's flag and our shared values and history of the United States.

Riding along with us was a special piece of Fairbanks history..a model of the full-scale replica of the original 1637 four-room Fairbanks House, which was constructed on Boston Common in 1980 as part of Boston's 350th Anniversary celebration. The replica introduced thousands of visitors to the story of America's oldest surviving timber-frame house and the family whose legacy spans nearly four centuries.

Thank you to everyone who waved, cheered, and celebrated with us on Flag Day, June 14th. We are honored to share Dedham's history and America's story with our community.

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

06/13/2026

The American Revolution: The Fairbanks Contribution

More than 111 members of the Fairbanks family are known to have served in the American Revolution, from the tense days leading to the “shot heard around the world” at Lexington and Concord in 1775 to the war’s conclusion with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Countless other descendants of Jonathan and Grace also answered the call in defense of a new nation.

Not all contributions took place on the battlefield. Men, women, and children supported the cause in vital ways, providing food, supplies, labor, and care that sustained the fight for independence.

The flags displayed here honor all those in the Fairbanks family and community whose service, both seen and unseen, helped secure a new nation.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we invite you to reflect on the countless stories of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that began in homes like The Fairbanks House and echoed across a new republic.

https://fairbankshouse.org/America-250.html

06/06/2026

Today, The Fairbanks House museum honors the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of the Allied forces who landed on the beaches of Normandy 81 years ago. On that day, thousands of young Americans, alongside their British, Canadian, and Allied comrades, crossed the English Channel to confront tyranny and begin the liberation of Europe.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower's words to the troops captured the gravity of the moment: "The eyes of the world are upon you." Their extraordinary bravery changed the course of history and secured the freedoms that generations have since enjoyed.

As stewards of America's oldest timber-framed home, we are reminded that preserving history is not only about safeguarding buildings and artifacts, but also remembering the people whose courage shaped our nation and the world.

On this D-Day anniversary, we invite our community to pause and reflect on the immense cost of liberty, to honor those who never returned home, and to express gratitude to all who answered the call of duty.

From the volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors of the Fairbanks House Museum, we remember and honor the heroes of D-Day and all who served in the cause of freedom.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, the volunteers and staff of the Fairbanks House Museum join Americans across the nation in honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The origins of Memorial Day trace back to "Decoration Day," first observed after the Civil War when families, communities, and veterans gathered to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. In 1868, the practice was formally recognized as a national day of remembrance, dedicated to honoring those who died in military service to the United States.

For 389 years, the Fairbanks House has stood witness to the American story, from the colonial era and the Revolution through every generation that followed. Throughout that history, countless Americans answered the call to serve, and many made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and its ideals.

Today, we continue the tradition started more than 150 years ago by pausing to remember those who never returned home. We honor their courage, reflect on the cost of freedom, and express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice.

From all of us at the Fairbanks House Museum, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor America's fallen heroes.

May we never forget that freedom is not free.

Www.fairbankshouse.org

05/20/2026

Come join us Saturday, May 30, from 10-12 at the Fairbanks House Museum for a morning of artmaking at our first crafting program of the season.

Starting us off is a monotype printmaking workshop. No experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to get a little ink on your hands. All materials will be provided.

Spots in the class are limited and $20 each, so please register in advance through our online store.

https://fhmstore.square.site

05/13/2026

Before there was a nation, there were mothers holding it together.
Abigail Adams brought sharp political insight and a powerful voice for independence and women’s rights.

Mercy Otis Warren shaped revolutionary thought through powerful political satire, poetry, and plays that challenged British authority and helped rally support for independence.

Martha Washington provided steady leadership and support that helped anchor the Continental Army through uncertain times.

All while raising families of their own.

As we celebrate , we honor all mothers and mother figures, past and present, whose strength, resilience and care have always been part of America's story. 💐

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from the Fairbanks House Museum!

Today we honor the mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and caregivers whose strength, sacrifice, and love have shaped families and communities across generations.

For 389 years, the story of the Fairbanks family and the Old House has been carried forward not only through timbers and traditions, but through the enduring care of mothers and family matriarchs who preserved home, heritage, and hope for future generations.

As we celebrate this special day, we remember Grace Fairbanks and the countless women throughout history whose quiet resilience built the foundations upon which families thrive.

Whether you are celebrating with loved ones, remembering those no longer with us, or simply reflecting on the importance of family and connection, we wish you a joyful and meaningful Mother’s Day.

From the Staff and Volunteers of the Fairbanks House Museum and Fairbanks Family in America, Inc.

05/07/2026

Join us as the Fairbanks House Museum launches its 2026 Speaker Series with an engaging evening of history, storytelling, and local legend.

2026 Speaker Series Kick-Off
“Myths & Legends of the Fairbanks”
Presented by Stuart Christie

Discover the fascinating stories, enduring legends, and surprising truths surrounding one of America’s oldest families and the historic home they built in Dedham over 380 years ago. From generations of family lore to remarkable tales passed down through centuries, this program will explore the myths, mysteries, and memorable characters connected to the Fairbanks legacy.

Dedham Public Library Main Branch
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
6:30 PM

Whether you are a longtime supporter of the museum, a local history enthusiast, or simply curious about Dedham’s rich past, this lively presentation is the perfect way to begin the new Speaker Series season.

Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Please register at https://events.dedhamlibrary.com/

Address

511 East Street
Dedham, MA
02026

Telephone

+17813261170

Website

http://www.fairbankshouse.org/

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