Our Story:

Although the house was recognized for years, the treasures hidden within had long been forgotten until 1969. It was then that Warren Miliken and his wife Alice bought the house. During some renovations Warren uncovered curious timbers, trading beads and children’s hand prints in the 17th century horsehair plaster walls. The timbers had been skillfully notched by hand and eventually proved to be those same timbers from the 1622 fort, used in the 1675 watch house and later given to Samuel Jenney to add a dwelling onto the counting house in 1679. With the help of Dutch Reconstructionist architect Ret. B. Offringa and many years of research the design of the original fort could be determined. The surviving corresponding timbers were identified in the back addition on the house. These are now clearly seen and labeled in the lower level of the home. The recreation of what the original fort looked like can be seen downstairs in the Samuel Jenney addition as well. Along with the timbers and drawings of the original fort, one can still see the 1623 malting floor and kiln and if you have a good sense of smell perhaps a remnant scent of John Jenney’s beer, from the first microbrewery in America.

We are in the process of verifying all of the information from Mr. Miliken, but never the less we will be telling the Pilgrim story from this house.