The Fairbanks House

The Fairbanks House, located at 511 East Street in Dedham, Massachusetts, is a historic landmark recognized as the oldest surviving timber-framed house in North America. Built circa 1637 for Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, this site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by The Fairbanks Family in America, Inc. to preserve its unique architectural heritage.

As a dedicated museum, the Fairbanks House offers guided tours, educational programs, and self-guided visits that explore the history of the eight generations who lived there over 269 years. The organization also manages a museum shop, hosts special events, and provides opportunities for community engagement through membership programs and volunteer initiatives. Its preservation efforts are supported by significant grants, including funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, to maintain its status as an irreplaceable historic treasure.

Visitors can expect an authentic experience at a site described by Yale University experts as a remarkably unspoiled example of 17th-century architecture. By supporting the museum through donations or membership, guests help ensure that this vital piece of American history remains accessible for future generations of researchers, students, and families.