Activity Overview
In 1833, Captain Robert Bennet Forbes collaborated with architect Isaiah Rogers in Boston and built a house for his mother, Margaret Perkins Forbes. Members of the Forbes family were involved in the American China Trade as depicted in one of the collections.Captain Robert and his brother were also supporters of the Union cause during the Civil War and their memorabilia as well as that of his granddaughter are displayed in the Civil War Collection.
The house itself was designed following a Greek Revival style of architecture and is also a subject of exploration. It was opened as a museum in 1965 and declared as a National Historic Landmark.
Things to Do
- See the Forbes family's Chinese Export Art Collection and appreciate the delicate hand painted blue-and-white china, 19th century Celadon porcelain soup tureen, tea cups with an American eagle, and bronze sculptures of animals to name a few.
- Explore the Civil War and President Lincoln Collection which showcases memorabilia of the Union cause from the years of the Civil War as well as commemorative pieces such as a bronze Lincoln sculpture from 1909.
- Get to know more about the family who used to live here through the Forbes Family Collection. This collection includes paintings, furniture, and other things owned by four generations of the Forbes family. Go on a tour of their bedrooms and see the maple furniture and the round, mahogany table in the dining room.
- Buy illustrations, books, and essays about the early days of China Trade from the Gift Shop.
Forbes House Museum Insider Tips
- Forbes House Museum is located on Milton Hill, overlooking Boston's skyline. Spend some time to admire the view.
- Museum grounds are open to the public free of charge.
