The William Hickling Prescott House is a Federal-style townhouse on Beacon Street, overlooking Boston Common from the south slope of Beacon Hill. The western half of a twin double house at 54–55 Beacon Street, it was built in 1808 to a design attributed to Asher Benjamin. It takes its name from the pioneering American historian William Hickling Prescott, who lived here from 1845 to 1859 and wrote works including his History of the Conquest of Peru in a rear study he added to the home. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Since 1944 the house has served as headquarters and a museum operated by the Massachusetts chapter of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, and it holds a notable collection of historic women’s and children’s clothing. Visits are typically by guided tour or on scheduled open days. Check the NSCDA-MA website for current tour dates, hours, and admission.
Good to know
- A Federal-style 1808 townhouse overlooking Boston Common, a National Historic Landmark since 1964
- Named for historian William Hickling Prescott, who lived and wrote here from 1845 to 1859
- Operated since 1944 by the Massachusetts Society of the Colonial Dames of America; houses a historic costume collection
- Open by guided tour or on scheduled days; check the NSCDA-MA site for current dates and admission
Getting there
- Address: 55 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
- Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
- Nearest T: Park Street (Red and Green Lines) and Arlington (Green Line) are both within easy walking distance