This year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of “If This House Could Talk” – Library Edition!
The Tracy Mansion (now the Newburyport Public Library) was built in 1771 by Patrick Tracy for his son Nathaniel, a wealthy merchant and ship owner, as a wedding gift. During the Revolutionary War, Nathaniel Tracy’s fleet captured over 120 British vessels, causing an estimated $3 million in losses to Britain’s wartime economy. His financial risk-taking helped supply the Continental Army and support the war effort when the fledgling government lacked sufficient resources. He personally loaned $167,000 to the Revolutionary cause and furnished military supplies at his own expense.
During this time, the Tracy Mansion also hosted key Revolutionary figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis De Lafayette, and even Benedict Arnold (pre-treason).
Learn more about Nathaniel Tracy by visiting the Newburyport Public Library or the Custom House Maritime Museum!
Learn more about “If This House Could Talk” here. It runs July 25th to August 2nd. If you wish to share information about your home, free poster boards are available on the second floor of the Newburyport Public Library.
