"The House on Henry Street"

"The House on Henry Street"
Pauline Eccles · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	The House on Henry Street
Location	New York City, United States
Type	Historic house museum
Founder	Lillian Wald

"The House on Henry Street" is a historic house museum located in New York City, United States, that showcases the history of social work and public health in the country. The house was founded by Lillian Wald, a pioneer in the field of public health nursing, and has been associated with notable figures such as Jane Addams, Florence Nightingale, and Jacob Riis. The museum is situated in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, near the East River, and is close to other historic sites like the Tenement Museum and the New York City Hall. The house has been recognized for its significance by organizations such as the National Park Service and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

● History

The history of the house dates back to the late 19th century, when it was built as a tenement house for immigrant families. In 1893, Lillian Wald and her colleague Mary Brewster founded the Henry Street Settlement, which provided health care, education, and social services to the local community. The settlement was influenced by the work of Toynbee Hall in London and was supported by philanthropists such as Jacob Schiff and Paul Warburg. Over the years, the house has been visited by notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who were all involved in social reform efforts. The house has also been associated with organizations such as the American Red Cross, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the League of Women Voters.

● Architecture

The architecture of the house is a mix of Italianate and Greek Revival styles, which were popular in the late 19th century. The building was designed by architects such as Richard Morris Hunt and Stanford White, who were known for their work on buildings like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library. The house features a brownstone façade, a mansard roof, and a staircase that is typical of tenement houses of the time. The interior of the house has been restored to reflect its original appearance, with period furniture and decorative arts from the Victorian era. The house is also notable for its historic preservation efforts, which have been recognized by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

● Preservation

The preservation of the house has been a long-term effort, involving organizations such as the National Park Service, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Historic House Trust of New York City. In 1977, the house was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Secretary of the Interior, and in 1980, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house has also been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. The preservation efforts have been supported by philanthropists such as Brooke Astor and David Rockefeller, who have been involved in historic preservation efforts in New York City.

● Significance

The significance of the house lies in its association with the history of social work and public health in the United States. The house was a pioneering institution in the field of public health nursing, and its work has been recognized by organizations such as the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Social Workers. The house has also been associated with notable figures such as Jane Addams, who was a leading figure in the settlement movement, and Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. The house has been recognized for its significance by the National Women's Hall of Fame and the National Museum of American History.

● Visitors_and_Exhibits

The house is open to visitors and offers exhibits on the history of social work and public health in the United States. The exhibits feature artifacts and documents from the Henry Street Settlement, as well as photographs and films that showcase the work of Lillian Wald and other notable figures. The house also offers guided tours and educational programs for students and community groups. Visitors to the house can also explore the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood, which is home to other historic sites such as the Tenement Museum and the Museum at Eldridge Street.

● Restoration_Efforts

The restoration efforts at the house have been ongoing since the 1970s, when the Historic House Trust of New York City began working to preserve the building. The restoration efforts have involved organizations such as the National Park Service, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the American Institute of Architects. The efforts have been supported by philanthropists such as Brooke Astor and David Rockefeller, who have been involved in historic preservation efforts in New York City. The restoration efforts have included the repair of the brownstone façade, the restoration of the interior decorative arts, and the installation of new exhibits and educational programs. The house has also been recognized for its restoration efforts by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

Category:Historic house museums in New York City