Isaac Royall House, Colonial house museum in Medford, Massachusetts, United States.
The Isaac Royall House is a three-story Georgian mansion with balanced proportions and fine carved woodwork throughout its exterior and rooms. The property also includes the only surviving freestanding slave quarters remaining in New England, which housed enslaved people for decades.
The mansion was built in 1737 and later served as a military headquarters during the American Revolution when the Loyalist family fled to England. This shift marked a pivotal moment in the building's story and role in the community.
The site preserves the story of Belinda, an enslaved woman whose life here shaped her fight for justice. Her legacy makes this place a witness to histories that are often left untold.
Guided tours are available from June through October, with programs that focus on colonial life and the enslaved experience. Check hours ahead of your visit and wear comfortable shoes for exploring both the main house and the grounds.
The site preserves records of Belinda Sutton, an enslaved woman who filed one of the earliest petitions for reparations in American history. Her case demonstrates early resistance to injustice and makes this location a testimony to human determination.
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