Pierce House

As you have seen in 2024, Each month here at C. Devon’s Homes, we feature a historic home. This month’s Historic Home… Pierce House:

The Pierce House, located at 24 Oakton Avenue in Dorchester, Massachusetts, is a fascinating historic home and one of the oldest surviving examples of 17th-century architecture in Boston. Built in 1683, it was initially part of a 20-acre property acquired by Thomas Pierce from the Minot family in 1696. This house remained in the Pierce family for ten generations, showcasing centuries of family history and life in colonial and Revolutionary America​.

Historic New England

The home features original 17th-century architectural elements like intact clapboards, massive ceiling beams, and unique construction techniques such as gunstock joints. Visitors can explore spaces like the attic with remnants of the original gable and lean-to additions, which reflect how the house was adapted over time. The Revolutionary-era room includes period furniture and offers insights into Col. Samuel Pierce’s role in fortifying Dorchester Heights during the American Revolution​

Digital Commonwealth

Now operated by Historic New England, the Pierce House is open to the public for tours on select days by appointment. Educational programs have been expanded to include narratives of marginalized groups, providing a fuller picture of the diverse communities connected to the home's history. These initiatives aim to connect the Pierce House’s past to contemporary issues​

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