Elihu Thomson House

The Elihu Thomson House is a Georgian Revival building in Swampscott featuring Ionic stone pilasters, a round portico with Corinthian columns, and a tiled hip roof with symmetrical gable dormers. The structure has served as the town's municipal offices since 1944.

The house was built in 1889 for inventor Elihu Thomson, a co-founder of General Electric. It originally included an observatory and personal laboratories where he conducted his electrical research.

The interior showcases exceptional woodwork in mahogany, oak, and cherry, including a Moorish-themed bedroom that now serves as the Town Manager's office. These spaces reflect the wealth and diverse tastes of the person who first lived here.

The building stands at the corner of Monument Avenue and Elmwood Road and now houses Swampscott's town offices. Keep in mind that it remains an active municipal building, so visiting hours may be restricted.

The basement preserves the original 1889 coal-fired furnace manufactured by Buerkel and Company of Boston, which remains completely intact. This furnace demonstrates the heating technology used in the house from its earliest days.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.46972,-70.91889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42