Period
1813-1856
Emily Dickinson Museum: Homestead
Location
Amherst, Massachusetts
Notables
National Historic Landmark
HISTORICAL LEGACY
Built in 1813, the Homestead started life as a stately Federal style residence, originally divided to accommodate two families. In the decades to follow, the house was added to, enlarging the house and transforming its appearance as fashionable Greek Revival elements were introduced. The house underwent considerable improvements when Edward Dickinson purchased the house in 1855. Among these were addition of the verandah, cupola, conservatory and repainting of the house in the ochre, green and off-white color scheme seen today.
Emily Dickinson
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Initial work at the Homestead addressed the most urgent conditions identified as part of the survey work done for the master plan. Antiquated building systems – principally the electrical and heating systems – along with minor structural repairs were performed to put the building in good order and mitigate risks posed by them. With immediate concerns addressed, efforts then shifted to studying specific rooms and areas of the house to understand their evolution, as well as how they appeared during Emily’s lifetime.
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
Every project begins with a thorough study of the spaces and architectural elements that may be affected to understand existing conditions and develop an approach that minimizes disruption to historic materials.
After the unexpected collapse of a parlor ceiling, MCWB Architects conducted a comprehensive investigation, documenting conditions uncovered following the removal of later ceilings throughout the house. As a critical first step in the restoration process, detailed architectural investigations of key areas, including Emily’s bedchamber, the library and conservatory, the parlors, the stair hall, and the rear ell were performed to understand and inform decision making during the design process for restoration of these spaces.
Birds eye view rendering of unrealized restored barn behind the Homestead
RESTORATION & IMPROVEMENTS
Over nearly twenty years of work at the Emily Dickinson Museum, MCWB Architects have planned and managed numerous projects at the Homestead. The modernization of the building’s mechanical systems has been carried out incrementally, as time and funds have allowed. Heating and cooling systems have been designed to maintain a museum-grade collections environment, while state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression—VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detecting Apparatus) air sampling and water mist fire protection—safeguard the house without compromising its aesthetic integrity.
Several rooms have been carefully restored to reflect their appearance during Emily Dickinson’s lifetime. MCWB Architects have restored Emily’s bedchamber, Edward’s library, the parlors, the stair hall, and an upstairs chamber. MCWB Architects was instrumental in researching, designing, and reconstructing the missing conservatory at the Homestead.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Emily Dickinson Museum
