Historical Newton Homestead Getting Major Update

NEWTON, MA — The historic Jackson Homestead on 527 Washington St. is about to undergo a major renovation, the city announced.

The project is being carried out in celebration of the 75th anniversary of when the property was donated to the city to become a museum. The first floor is slated to be overhauled entirely to feature a new exhibit known as Newton: The City We Make. The exhibit’s construction will be funded with $545,000 raised by Historic Newton.

According to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, The homestead’s entire exterior will be repainted, shutters rehabbed, and new gutters installed. The front portico and west-side porch will be rebuilt and the basement seam will be waterproofed. The property will be temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Aug. 17 to begin construction.

The property was first built in 1809 by Revolutionary War veteran Timothy Jackson. Jackson’s son William was the one who really gave the home its significance through his work as a member of the United States Congress and the Boston and Worcester Railroad. Due largely to his influence, the railroad line was routed through Newton. William Jackson and his family also offered their home as refuge for escaped slaves.