The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
Second Floor
The Library
This floor was the principal entertaining area in the house, with two large rooms: the Music Room and the Library.
The Library served many functions: as an office for Charles Gibson Sr., a family room, and an entertaining space. After a meal, the men in the party might gather in the library for drinks and conversation. This room really is a treasure trove of family photos and interesting objects. One photo in this room is a favorite of our staff... can you find it?
On display on the center table are some items from an upstairs bedroom that were recently organized and catalogued by our Spring Intern. These beautiful pieces had been hidden away in our collection storage for decades and we are excited to show some of them off. Be sure to ask our Intern which of the objects is her favorite!
The Music Room
The Music Room, also known as the drawing room in many Victorian houses, is the largest room in the house, and would have been the primary space for entertaining. Family and friends from the neighborhood retired here after dinner for musical or theatrical entertainment, often put on by the Gibson children themselves. This was the space designed to best show off the family’s wealth and sophistication. Specific decorative objects in particular would have presented the Gibsons also as a very cultured family, such as the paintings hung on the walls and another set of items (hint: a few of them are sitting on the floor).
Where to next?
 Entry Way |  Dining |  Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
 Laundry |