The historic Goodwillie House Museum in Barnet will be open for tours Saturday, September 2 from 10 until 3. Built in 1791 for the area's first minister, David Goodwillie, the house is much grander and larger than other houses of that time period. Most settlers were living in log cabins or other primitive shelter; only a few would have had a framed house. Being so large, the house would have been expensive to build. For example, the Goodwillie house sits on an impressive foundation of large single-block granite stones, and includes elaborate wainscoting and an enormous root cellar. At that time houses were either unpainted or painted with cheap red paint, Rev. David painted his house white.

The house now serves as a showcase of domestic artifacts from the area's history. Linens, furniture, kitchen wares and tools are displayed throughout the many rooms of the house. In addition, the Goodwillie house has a hidden room in the basement which legend says was built to serve as a hiding place for run-away slaves as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The house is located on Barnet Center Road, a quarter mile north of West Barnet Road. There is no admission charge.

Event Info

Nov 11, 2024, 7 to 9 PM

Nov 12, 2024, 6 to 8 PM

Nov 15, 2024, 7 to 9 PM