A reproduction of the poet’s writing table, with three of her 1,789 poems on display.
Wallpaper that was “white with large figures,” and a carpet pattern that was “a great basket of flowers.” Those aptly poetic words of Emily Dickinson’s niece inspired the refreshed parlor décor in the Emily Dickinson Museum, in keeping with mid-19th-century style.
But the newly completed restoration of the Dickinson Homestead went far beyond carpeting and wallpaper. Its main goal was to restore the original portion of the 1813 house. Like chipping away at the rings of a tree, workers unearthed original floorboards, wallpaper fragments, fireplace mantels and more. The project also involved installing modern environmental regulating systems.
After two long years of being closed to the public, the historic home of an internationally treasured poet has reopened in style. Like Dickinson, you may want to stay awhile.
Photographs by Jon Crispin
