Description

Wistariahurst is an historic house museum. The Museum offers a lively schedule of concerts, exhibits, house tours, and workshops. Through our collections, research, exhibits and programs the museum is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of the history and material culture of the William Skinner Family, members of the manufacturing elite, the working class who made that lifestyle possible and the Holyoke region where those people lived their lives. In all activities, the goal is to encourage today's public to encounter, enjoy and learn from the richly varied experiences and cultural expressions of the people who gave the Holyoke area its distinct character.

Garden restoration will further enhance the visitor experience while involving and engaging community in gardening education programs.

History

Acquiring its name from the flowering vine, the twenty six room mansion features parquet floors, vaulted ceilings, elaborate woodwork and two marble lions that have guarded the entrance since the late nineteenth century. Wistariahurst was first built in Williamsburg, MA in 1868 by prominent silk manufacturer William Skinner. Well known local architect, William Fenno Pratt, designed the house in the traditional Victorian Second Empire style. The house stood in the section of town that was then known as Skinnerville until it was damaged in the Great Flood of May 16, 1874. At that time, William Skinner moved his silk manufacturing business to Holyoke and the family home was dismantled and rebuilt at its present sight. In 1908, Belle Skinner and her brother William inherited the house from their mother. Miss Skinner extensively remodeled the interior, exterior and gardens incorporating several revival styles that dramatically changed the look of the house and grounds. The estate was kept in the Skinner family until 1959 when Katharine Skinner Kilborne and her heirs gave Wistariahurst to the City of Holyoke for cultural and educational purposes. Wistariahurst Museum Association is a non-profit Friends organization that supports the museum programs and collections through membership, gift shop and other fundraising activities.

Artifacts Collections

19th and 20th decorative arts, furnishing, paintings and books.

Extensive archives include photographs and documents of the Skinner Family and Holyoke families and organizations.