Gibson House Museum, Boston

One of the pioneering residences in Back Bay, this house was crafted in the fashionable Italian Renaissance Revival style during the late 19th century, commissioned by Catherine Hammond Gibson, a remarkable woman of her time, who defied the odds as one of the few female property owners in the area. Fast forward to her grandson, Charles Hammond Gibson, Jr., a man of many talents – poet, horticulturalist, and travel enthusiast – who had a passion for preserving family history and decided to give this house a new lease on life as a museum after he passed away in 1954.

Back in its heyday, the Gibson House was quite the avant-garde residence. Although it might seem quaint compared to the mega-mansions that came later, it had all the bells and whistles of its time – gas lighting, basement-level indoor plumbing, and a state-of-the-art coal-fired central heating system. The interior is a real blast from the past, with goodies like a 1795 Willard clock, some ornate raised and gilded wallpaper, and a multifaceted faux-bamboo bedroom set. Unlike many of its Back Bay counterparts, the Gibson family's home has stood the test of time, with its Victorian fixtures and furniture preserved impeccably.

The house doubles as the go-to gathering spot for the New England chapter of the Victorian Society in America, and you might even recognize it as an interior setting from the 1984 Merchant Ivory film 'The Bostonians.'

Why You Should Visit:
If you're even remotely interested in history, this is a prime spot to immerse yourself in the upper-crust lifestyle of late 19th to mid-20th-century Beantown. Aside from being an observer, you can get the most out of the guided tour if you ask questions (so... don't be shy!).

Tip:
There are various types of tours available; general ones delve into the lives of the Gibson family and their domestic staff, while a monthly specialty tour called "Charlie Gibson’s Queer Boston" explores the early 20th-century gay subculture in Boston. They prefer not to interrupt ongoing tours, so be punctual. Also, keep an eye on their website for special events held throughout the year!

Guided Tours:
Thu: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; Fri-Sun: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm