Historic Restoration

Restoration of the exterior windows, shutters and façade
Restoration of the historic kitchen
The front door of the Whistler House Museum of Art
Restoration of the Library, Nursery, & Bedchamber

Historic Preservation

Constructed in c. 1825, the Whistler House Museum of Art is one of the oldest buildings in Lowell. It continues to stand today due to the preservation efforts of the Lowell Art Association (LAA), the oldest incorporated art association in the United States. The LAA purchased the historic house in 1907 to serve as its headquarters. In 1908, the LAA completely restored this important historic landmark to its original beauty, making the LAA among the earliest preservationists in the City of Lowell.

The Whistler House Museum of Art is the last extant example of a Federal home built for the executives of the Proprietors of the Locks and Canals, who owned and oversaw the canals, mills, and machines along the Merrimack River in Lowell. The home evolved in its first few decades to include Greek Revival elements in its architecture. Currently, the historic house is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places through its inclusion in the City Hall Historic District and Lowell National Historical Park & Preservation District.

The historic house’s preservation is vital to the community and to those who look to its existence for the education of the arts, art history, history of Lowell, and multi-cultural enrichment programs. Below are recent examples of the important restoration work the Lowell Art Association continues to undertake today.

Recent Restoration Projects

Exterior Windows, Shutters, and Façade

The WHMA commits itself to the on-going maintenance and historic preservation of the 200-year-old building’s appearance, especially its exterior features. As the last extant building of its architectural style and purpose in Lowell, it’s important to protect the landmark for the future..

To that end, the WHMA has undertaken several exterior restoration projects, including masonry work on the four chimneys in 2005, the restabilization of the building’s foundation and installation of historic shutters in 2010, and the repainting and glazing of all the windows in 2023.

In 2024, the Methuen Festival of Trees awarded the Whistler House Museum of Art with the Sharon M. Pollard Preservation Award. Established in 2009 by the Festival Board, the Preservation Award “recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to historic preservation and restoration.” It was named in honor of Festival Founder and Past President Sharon M. Pollard in 2017.

Historic Kitchen & Architectural Ell

In 2015, the museum fully restored the historic house’s kitchen, a late 1850s addition to the original house. From matching paint colors from early wall layers and installing reclaimed wormy chestnut floors to retrofitting a cast-iron stove with gas and electric for use, the WHMA breathed new life into the historic kitchen. The room is furnished with a period slate sink, dining table, and china cabinet, which houses the type of blue-on-white Asian porcelain collected by James McNeill Whistler.

In addition, the WHMA renovated the entire architecture “ell,” the extension to the original c. 1825 main block. The renovations included the pantry, a full bathroom, two artist studios, and the future gift shop.

The restoration efforts in the historic kitchen and ell earned the WHMA an “Excellence in Historic Preservation” award from the Lowell National Historical Park and the Lowell Heritage Partnership for the “historic preservation paired with strategic modernization” of the historic home, especially the kitchen project. The award cited the WHMA as a “notable model for good sustainability and preservation practices.”

Whistler Library & Nursery

In 2017, the Whistler House Museum of Art fully refurbished the historic home’s third floor. Complete with early Victorian furniture and lacework, the bedroom and library boasts the home’s collection of antique written works about art, art history, and the art world James McNeill Whistler changed forever.

Opposite the bedroom is the Artist’s Studio, where the Whistler House Museum of Art’s Artist-in-Residence practices and creates works of art every day. The Artist’s Studio unites historical and contemporary art into one space – inspiring new artists to innovate the future.

Memberships

Your membership helps to support our many programs and events. Members enjoy free admission to the
Historic House and Parker Gallery, invitation to Whistler House events, and special member ticket prices.

Become a Member