Lowell’s Whistler House Christmas Decor Shines in a New Book

A new book of America's landmark houses features the holiday-ready Whistler House Museum.

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Photo courtesy of Schiffer Publishing

Stop by Lowell’s Whistler House on any day of the year, and it’s ready to impress with historic artwork and classic federal architecture, but it especially shines when decorated for Christmas. Now a museum and event center, it’s included in Christmas at America’s Landmark Houses, a new book featuring historic holiday homes, by Patricia Hart McMillan and David Strahan.

A handsome 1823 federal and Greek revival home at 243 Worthen Street, the Whistler house has 14 rooms and three stories. It’s been home to leaders of the industrial revolution, and it was the birthplace of artist James McNeill Whistler, who had strong influences on two generations of painters in America and Europe.

McMillan and Strahan’s book includes a history of Whistler and other past residents, and the photos are glimpse into the holiday-ready halls. Spot ornament-heavy garlands in the dining room, a tree in one of the galleries, and ribbon-hung wreaths on the interior windows.

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Photo courtesy of Schiffer Publishing

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Photo courtesy of Schiffer Publishing

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Photo courtesy of Schiffer Publishing

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Photo courtesy of Schiffer Publishing