The Pickering House

The Pickering House

The Pickering House | Historic House Museum | Salem MA

About Us

The Pickering House in Salem, Massachusetts is one of Salem and New England’s oldest surviving buildings, serving as a remarkable living museum still owned by the original family through the Pickering Foundation. Built in 1660 by settler John Pickering, a carpenter from Coventry, England, and his wife Elizabeth, this extraordinary home has been continuously owned by a single family for over 365 years. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we strive to be a vital community educational resource where history, preservation, and the Pickering family’s story come to life, helping visitors appreciate and connect with their own American experience and the values of public service and democracy.

Our Mission

We provide unique educational experiences that bring American history to life through the remarkable story of one family’s continuous presence in the same home for nearly four centuries, offering visitors a tangible connection to our nation’s founding era and democratic values.

Core Offerings

• Guided Historic House Tours
• Educational Programs & Events
• Community Membership Programs
• Private Group Tours & Special Events

Specialty Services/Features

Our unique position as both a historic house museum and active family residence creates an authentically preserved living history experience unlike any other in New England.

Key Features

• Continuous Family Ownership: The only house in America owned by the same family for 365+ years, providing unparalleled historical continuity
• Living Museum Experience: Unlike typical house museums, this remains an active family home, preserving authentic daily life context
• Presidential Connections: George Washington crossed this threshold to visit Timothy Pickering, bringing visitors face-to-face with founding-era history
• Original Architecture: Built with 400-year-old timbers cut from the property, showcasing authentic 17th-century construction techniques

Historical Significance

The Pickering House tells the story of American democracy through the extraordinary life of Timothy Pickering and ten generations of his family’s service to community and country.

Historical Highlights

• Timothy Pickering Legacy: The only person to serve three cabinet posts – Secretary of State, Postmaster General, and Secretary of War
• Revolutionary War Connection: Timothy Pickering marched on April 19, 1775, leading 300 men to cut off British retreat from Lexington
• Architectural Evolution: Original 1660 two-room farmhouse expanded over 350 years into today’s gracious home with wings, gables, and Gothic peaks

Tours & Educational Programs

Our docent-led tours provide intimate access to nearly four centuries of American history, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience authentic period rooms and family stories passed down through generations.

Tour Information

• Public Tours: “The House that John Built” scheduled based on guide availability and family schedule
• Private Tours: Tailored experiences for members and special groups up to six people
• Educational Focus: Gain new perspectives on Salem and America’s history through family stories and authentic artifacts
• Special Events: Variety of programs designed for all ages including June Garden Party/Open House

Contact

Location 18 Broad Street Salem, MA 01970

Hours & Information

• Website: www.pickeringfoundation.org
• Phone: (978) 744-4777
• Email: pickeringhouse1@gmail.com
• Tours by scheduled appointment based on availability
• Free admission for Pickering Foundation members
• Multiple membership levels available with exclusive benefits

Home to a single family for over three and a half centuries – where history, preservation, and democracy come to life.

Cross the same threshold George Washington did to visit his old friend Timothy Pickering. Tour Salem’s oldest house and gain a new perspective on Salem and America’s history through the remarkable story of one family’s 365-year legacy.