Ever wondered about a house that whispers tales of two centuries? Welcome to the Fairview Area Historical Society and its prized possession the Sturgeon House. This isn’t just a building it’s a living testament to Fairview’s past.
The Fairview Area Historical Society formed in 1976. Its mission is to preserve local history. They acquired the Sturgeon House in 1979. It’s now a museum archive and meeting place. The house itself is remarkable.
Built around 1838 it reflects the early 1800s architecture. Robert Sturgeon later remodeled it. He gave it a Victorian flair. Sturgeon was a descendant of early settlers. He purchased the land in 1838. The house is a saltbox style. Its main entrance is through a recessed porch. This is unusual for the time.
The Sturgeon House has seen generations come and go. Robert Sturgeon had children with two wives. His widow Eleanor lived there until her death in 1896. The house was rented for eighty years after that. It was then sold to the Fairview Area Historical Society in 1979. Restoration began in 1980. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Society doesn’t stop with preserving the house. They actively share Fairview’s history. They offer programs to schools and organizations. They also publish books on local history. These are available for purchase at the Sturgeon House. Admission is always free. The house is open on Memorial Day and during the first weekend in December.
The Fairview Area Historical Society is more than a museum. It’s a community hub. A place where the past comes alive. A place where Fairview’s story is kept safe. A place well worth your visit.