Boardman House

The Boardman House was constructed for William Bordman and his family circa 1692, making this one of the oldest surviving structures in Massachusetts. Despite a period of neglect, the building retains structural integrity thanks in part to the methods and materials of its original construction, and the work of preservationists in the 20th century. The house was bought by William Sumner Appleton, the founder of Historic New England, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

While the exact date of construction is debated, local historians believe that 1692 is the most likely date of construction. This house was originally the home of William Boardman, a local joiner and tradesperson, and his family. Boardman purchased the property in 1686 when an older house was on the land, but that house was demolished prior to this home's construction. The house was fitted with two rooms per floor and a chimney when it was first constructed. In 1696, the house received construction of a lean-to towards the back of the kitchen.

The house has not changed much since it was first constructed except for some changes to the windows. There were two original front gables inside the house that were removed and in 1725, the entire staircase was reconstructed. Members of William Boardman’s family would pass ownership of the house around until 1911. The last surviving Boardman family member sold the property to a developer. Preserving the history of the home became an issue and that is when William S. Appleton purchased the house in 1914.

William Sumner Appleton Jr. is the founder of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiques and Historic New England. He is the main reason that many historic homes in New England are preserved and their history is on full display. Appleton would help the Boardman House become a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Later on, the house would be put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

“Boardman House,” Historic New England. Accessed July 8th 2021. https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/boardman-house/

“Boardman House,” Essex National Heritage Area. Accessed July 8th 2021. https://essexheritage.org/attractions/boardman-house