Centerbrook to Design Interpretive Center for Historic House Museum

Centerbrook is inspired to design for institutions that interpret history, culture, and science. The Fairbanks House Museum in Dedham, MA is home to North America’s oldest timber frame structure. Built circa 1637, eight generations of the Fairbanks family lived there. Today, it educates visitors about the past to impact their futures. We are thrilled to support this mission with the design of a new Interpretive Center to further enrich their experience.

The Fairbanks House issued a press release today announcing our selection for the project:

Dedham, MA - The Fairbanks House Museum selected Connecticut-based Centerbrook Architects and Planners to design a new Interpretive Center to enhance educational programs and welcome visitors to the historic property year-round.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the Fairbanks House in 2037, the interpretive center will enable us to fulfill our mission with expanded educational programing for the community and the nation,” said Jim Holman, President of the Board of Directors.

An appointed New Building Committee visited museums, interpretive centers, and visitor centers over the last year. They identified needs and requirements and engaged four architectural firms. In January, the Board of Directors selected Centerbrook due to their broad experience with regional museums. Centerbrook’s work has garnered over 460 awards for design excellence, including the prestigious Firm Award from the American Institute for Architects.

Sharing his excitement for the project, Centerbrook Principal Justin Hedde, AIA, said, “We are thrilled to be working with the Fairbanks community to develop supporting spaces that strengthen the institution and further its mission. The Fairbanks House is a national treasure, and we look forward to creating a center that enhances the visitor experience while respecting the site’s rich history.”

While the Museum extensively interprets North America’s oldest timber frame structure, it lacks space for receiving visitors, a retail shop, and accessible restrooms. An assessment by the American Alliance of Museums recommended that a new structure be built to accommodate education, collections, and exhibition spaces. The Board is considering interpreting the 1912 bungalow as a second historic structure.

“I am thrilled to be working with a firm that is sensitive to culture, history, and place,” said Barbara Taylor, Chair of the New Building Committee. “From our first meeting, the board felt Centerbrook’s enthusiasm for the project. I have no doubt that this new building will be as unique as the Fairbanks Homestead, and bungalow, while being respectful of the campus.”