Hooper-Lee-Nichols House

The Hooper-Lee-Nichols House is a colonial residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, showing traditional early building features from its original construction and later additions. The structure displays plastered ceilings, a central chimney, and a symmetrical Georgian-style facade, reflecting how the home evolved across different periods.

Dr. Richard Hooper built the house in 1685, and Cornelius Waldo later added a third story in 1733, giving the building its current form. These construction changes over several decades show how colonial families expanded their homes as their circumstances improved.

The house serves as the headquarters for History Cambridge, offering visitors programs about how people lived in colonial times and how buildings were designed in New England. The location has become a center where locals and guests learn about the region's architectural traditions.

The house is open to visitors with regular guided tours available to explore the interior and learn about colonial construction methods. Plan to spend enough time to walk through the rooms and appreciate the period details that show how people built and lived in their homes back then.

According to local lore, five Hessian soldiers played cards inside the house during the Revolutionary War, a detail that contributed to tales of unexplained events at the location. This story has given the place a curious reputation among locals who enjoy sharing its unusual history.