Asa Gray House, Boston

This historic residence, situated at 88 Garden Street in Cambridge, holds architectural significance as it represents the earliest known creation of the renowned designer and architect Ithiel Town. Moreover, its historical importance lies in its association with several prominent figures from Harvard College. Notably, Asa Gray (1810–88), a distinguished botanist, was among its occupants.

Gray acquired the house in 1842 and officially moved in during the summer of 1844 after receiving a Harvard professorship, a position he would hold for an impressive 45 years. Already recognized in the field of botany, Gray's 1848 publication, "The Genera of the Plants of the United States", was groundbreaking not only in content but also in presentation. His discoveries regarding plant relationships between North America and East Asia significantly influenced the development of plant geography. Additionally, Gray's vocal support for Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" garnered widespread attention in the public sphere.

In 1910, the Gray House was acquired by Allen Cox, who relocated it to its present address during the same year. Gardner Cox, one of Allen's children and a renowned artist in Boston, transformed the attached carriage house into an art studio. Benjamin (an executive) and Liz Shepherd (a sculptor and printmaker) purchased the house in 1999 and embarked on an extensive restoration project. Their efforts were recognized with a Restoration Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission in 2001. Five years later, they also successfully restored the art studio. Today, the property remains a private residence and holds the designation of a National Historic Landmark, a recognition it received in 1965.