Forbes House Museum -*-*-*-*-*-*- Adams St. Milton, MA

The Forbes House 

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an

Extraordinary Family,

a

Historic Place!
 

The 1833 mansion, now called the Forbes Museum, was designed by Boston architect Isaiah Rogers.  The Greek Revival design incorporated architectural elements reminiscent of classical temples; accordingly, the Museums façade boasts two prominent Ionic columns.  The layout of the house is symmetrical in design, also typical of the Greek Revival style, with rooms leading from a central front hallway. 

In 1871, the Captain's son, James Murray Forbes (1845-1837), came to live at Forbes House with his new wife, Alice Frances Bowditch Forbes (1848-1929), and made considerable renovations to the home.

An addition designed by Peabody & Sterns was built on the west side of the structure, and the south porch and carriage house were expanded.  The third floor was raised to make room for
servants' living quarters, and the plumbing was upgraded from the original 1833 system. -- The Forbes House was one of the first private homes whose design incorporated indoor plumbing.

The mansion was originally built for Margaret Perkins Forbes in 1833 and was used at first in spring and fall only.  Margaret Perkins shared the residence with her four daughters, Emma Perkins, Margaret Perkins, Mary Abbot, and Cornelia Francis.  With the exception of Mary Abbot, none were married, and all remained at the mansion for their lifetimes.          

The Captain, born in Jamaica Plain, MA, in 1804, was

introduced into the China Trade at age 12 by his uncle Thomas Handasyd Perkins (1764-1854) established the Boston-based Perkins & Company in 1803.  later became the Russell & Company.
The captain began his career as a cabin boy in 1817 on the Canton Packet, and was made a captain by age 20. 


He made several trips to Canton during his lifetime.  In addition to being a China Trade merchant, the Captain was a ship designer, model ship builder, writer, and philanthropist of international stature. 

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The museum, which was called the Museum of the American China Trade and the Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House before it was given its present name, now

takes visitors through rooms dedicated to Chinese furniture and art, nautical artifacts and documents from the Forbes trading activities, and the Lincoln memorabilia collected by Mary.  Bowditch Forbes, Museum personnel have also recently refurbished the basement kitchen and have 

been researching the lives of the 38 servants, all Irish, who worked in the house over the years.   

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Admission is $8.00 per person for adults and $5.00 for seniors and students.  The Museum grounds are open to the public free of charge daily from dawn to dusk/ Tours are limited to 15 attendees.