Peabody Historical Society & Museum: General Gideon Foster House

Introduction

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Founded in 1896, the Peabody Historical Society & Museum is a center for the preservation, study and enjoyment of Peabody’s cultural heritage. The Society’s collections are of local and national significance and document over 300 years of the region’s history. The Society maintains eight historic properties, an extensive library and archives, and a large collection of china, textiles, furniture and fine and decorative arts. The Society is supported by many dedicated volunteers and members, by generous contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and by the rental of the Smith Barn, located at the idyllic Felton-Smith Historic Site, adjacent to Peabody’s Brooksby Farm.

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General Gideon Foster House

Backstory and Context

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This National Historic Landmark was the home of Revolutionary War hero General Gideon Foster and his family. General Foster courageously led militiamen from South Danvers (now Peabody) in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. This stately, Federal style home was built in 1810 and purchased by Foster in 1815. After several successive owners, the house was sold to the Peabody Historical Society in 1916 and became its permanent headquarters.

The first floor of the Foster House features a Federal style dining room and a Victorian parlor that interpret the occupancies of the Foster and Merrill families of Peabody. The second floor galleries house the Society’s extensive costume and textile collections, including clothing, hats, shoes, jewelry, table linens, quilts, samplers and other needlework. Exhibits on the third floor feature military artifacts that were used by local citizens who served in major conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the war in Iraq.

Additional Information

Peabody Historical Society & Museum