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Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum and its collection

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum
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The Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House, located in Stonington, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was constructed between 1852 and 1854 and stands as a testament to the architectural transition between the Greek revival and the Victorian Italianate styles. The house was built for Nathaniel Brown Palmer, a seal hunter, pioneering Antarctic explorer, and a major designer of clipper ships.

National Historic Landmark

The Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Prior to this, it was threatened with demolition but was saved when it was acquired by the Stonington Historical Society in 1995. The society now operates the house as a museum dedicated to the life and work of Nathaniel Palmer.

Interior Design and Decoration

The interior of the Palmer House follows a central hall plan, with four rooms on each floor. The public rooms are beautifully decorated with plaster, woodwork, and marble. A highlight of the house is the captain's study on the ground floor, which features built-in cabinetry with shelving for nautical charts and mahogany-veneered paneled doors.

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DECaptain Nathaniel B. Palmer House

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Historic house Maritime Person & Artist

#17 History & Anthropology in Connecticut #7 Science & Technology in Connecticut #16 Historic houses in Connecticut #5 Maritime museums in Connecticut #9 Person & artist museums in Connecticut #181 Maritime museums in United States

#17 History & Anthropology in Connecticut #7 Science & Technology in Connecticut #16 Historic houses in Connecticut #5 Maritime museums in Connecticut #9 Person & artist museums in Connecticut #181 Maritime museums in United States
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum
40 Palmer St
CT 06378 Stonington
Connecticut

Images of Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

Visitor information Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

Opening hours

Monday
11:00 – 15:00
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday
11:00 – 15:00
Saturday
11:00 – 15:00
Sunday
11:00 – 15:00

Admission

0 – 5Free
5 – 17US$5.00
65+US$5.00
AdultsUS$10.00
MembersFree
MysticFree
PawcatuckFree
Residents of StoningtonFree
SeniorsUS$5.00

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum.

Location & Map

40 Palmer St, Stonington

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum have been found.

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum Reviews

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum in Stonington, Connecticut offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history. This well-preserved Greek Revival mansion, once home to the Antarctic explorer Captain Nathaniel Palmer, now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and achievements.

    Visitors generally appreciate the historical significance of the house and its contents. The museum provides informative exhibits about Palmer's explorations and the whaling industry that was crucial to Stonington's economy during that era. Many reviewers comment positively on the knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guides who enhance the experience with detailed stories and historical context.

    The house itself, with its period furnishings and nautical artifacts, is often described as interesting and well-maintained. Some visitors particularly enjoy the widow's walk, which offers panoramic views of Stonington Harbor.

    However, some reviewers note that the museum is relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in about an hour. A few mention that the exhibits could benefit from more interactive elements or updated displays to engage younger visitors.

    The museum's opening hours are limited, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. Additionally, while most find the admission price reasonable, a few visitors feel it's slightly high for the size of the museum.

    Overall, the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum is generally well-regarded by history enthusiasts and those interested in maritime heritage. It provides a focused look at an important figure in American exploration and the local history of Stonington, though it may not appeal as much to those seeking a more extensive or interactive museum experience.

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