The William H. Seward House Museum
The William H. Seward House Museum
The William H. Seward House Museum, located at 33 South Street between Lincoln and William Streets in Auburn, New York, was the home of William H. Seward, who served as a New York state senator, the governor of New York, a U.S. senator, a presidential candidate, and then Secretary of State under presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Among other notable accomplishments, Seward negotiated the 1867 purchase from Russia of Alaska, which became known as "Seward's Folly". Although he spent many years in Albany and Washington, D.C., he called this house his home from the time of his marriage in 1824 until his death.
William Henry Seward
The house was originally built by his father-in-law, Judge Elijah Miller, in
1816, then substantially modified by the Sewards in 1840 and 1866 to accommodate
the diplomatic entertainments expected of his offices. The original 10-room
brick house was expanded to over 30 rooms, and was occupied by blood relatives
until 1951. The entire house remains furnished with extensive Seward-family
collections.
The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964
the Library
Drawing Room
Music Room
Front Parlor
Dining Room
Victorian Bedroom
Diplomatic Gallery
Signing the Alaska Treaty
painting by Emanuel Leutze
Seward's Carriage
stable and carriage house
