George D. Birkhoff House

The George D. Birkhoff House is a three-story wood-frame residence with a mansard roof at 22 Craigie Street in Cambridge, retaining its original exterior appearance from 1912. The building maintains its center-hall floor plan, though modern plumbing and a cathedral ceiling in the front parlor have been added.

Mathematician George David Birkhoff moved into the house in 1920 and lived there until 1928. During his residence, he developed fundamental theories in statistical physics and dynamical systems that shaped mathematical science.

The residence reflects the academic life of Cambridge in the early 20th century, when Harvard drew leading mathematicians and scientists from across the country. It shows how prominent scholars lived and worked in the community.

The house is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Cambridge and is easily accessible from the public street. Visitors should plan ahead, as it is a National Historic Landmark and access may be limited.

The Second Empire style of the house was unusual for Cambridge and reflects Birkhoff's cosmopolitan taste. The building received National Historic Landmark designation in 1975 to honor its connection to Birkhoff's mathematical breakthroughs.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1912

GPS coordinates: 42.37819,-71.12840

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46