Fairbanks House, Colonial farmhouse in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The Fairbanks House is a colonial residence in Dedham, Massachusetts. The structure shows a central brick chimney connecting several adjoining rooms, with hand-hewn oak beams and original wall cladding from the 17th century.
The building was erected in 1641 as the home of an English immigrant family and is recognized as the oldest verified timber-frame structure in North America. Scientific analysis of the wooden elements confirmed the age of the original construction.
The name Fairbanks recalls the English roots of the settler family who lived here continuously until the 20th century. Today the preserved rooms show how early colonists organized their daily life around the central hearth and simple wooden furniture.
The museum opens between May and October and offers guided walks through the historic rooms. Low doorframes and narrow staircases reflect the building methods of the 17th century.
Archaeological research found hidden objects and markings within the building fabric that point to protective rituals against misfortune. Such practices were common among early settlers and aimed to safeguard the house from harm.
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