Molly Brown House Museum
Introduction
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As more and more historic properties were demolished in the 1960s, a group of preservation-minded Denver citizens joined efforts in 1970 to rescue the home of Titanic survivor Margaret Tobin Brown. The group incorporated as Historic Denver, Inc. and began major restoration efforts in order to return the home’s interior and exterior to its early 20th century grandeur. Guided tours of the Museum reach an average of 45,000 visitors a year, sharing the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown and Denver history. Historic Denver’s Molly Brown House Museum is committed to enhancing the city’s unique identity by telling the story of Margaret “Molly” Brown’s activism, philanthropy and passion through educational programs, exhibits and stewardship. By exploring the dynamic between past and present, we shape a stronger community for the future and inspire engaged citizens.
Images
Margaret Brown awarding Captain Arthur Henry Rostron with a trophy for his efforts to rescue survivors of the Titanic
The dining room within the Molly Brown House Museum.
Detail of stained glass window as seen from the grand staircase.
The Molly Brown House Museum stands as an enduring symbol of the Victorian era and the city of Denver.
Backstory and Context
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Listen to a narration of this entry's description by Amy Marsh.
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The Molly Brown House Museum stands as an enduring symbol of the turn of the 20th century in Denver. In the 1880s, the lucky few who made millions in the mountains, the railroads, or trade moved to the prestigious Capitol Hill neighborhood. This included Isaac and Mary Large who made their fortune in silver mining and built the house at 1340 Pennsylvania Avenue. They commissioned the well-known architect William Lang who combined the styles of Classic Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque to create a unique and eclectic home. The home contained all the modern technology of the day including electricity, indoor plumbing, heat, and telephone.The Larges sold their home to James Joseph “J.J.” and Margaret Brown in 1894.
Since opening the Museum, Historic Denver has worked to save countless other Denver landmarks and increase public awareness of Denver’s unique historic structures. Historic Denver has a more broadly based mission and over the years has worked to provide direct preservation services to historic properties, offer technical assistance, advocate for threatened resources and serve as a voice for the preservation community.
The Molly Brown House Museum now offers virtual synchronous and asynchronous tours and classroom programs for students on the Unsinkable Margaret “Molly” Brown and Colorado history. We also provide educational resources for home and at our museum.
In addition to the tours offered of Margaret's home we offer a rich variety of programs and events virtually and in person. Please check the links below for more information about our programming.
As always, we meet the needs of our diverse patronage to provide cultural experiences and learning for all.
Sources
"Meet Molly Brown." Molly Brown House Museum. Accessed November 21, 2014. https://mollybrown.org/about-molly-brown.
Perry Eberhart & Susan A. Nieminen. "Molly Brown House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 1, 1972. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/eab55b4c-bb3d-49be-b122-ce01a7274e5e.