People

The Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House was made significant by the people who lived and worked within its walls through its 191 years as a residence. George Washington spent a pivotal nine months at his Cambridge headquarters in 1775-6. From 1837 to 1950, three generations of the Longfellow family made the house their home.

 

 

Colonial & Revolutionary Cambridge

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  Freedom Seeker

  Cuba Vassall

  As she navigated slavery and freedom in Massachusetts, Cuba Vassall advocated for her own and her family’s interests.

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  Abolitionist

  Darby Vassall

  Born enslaved in this house, Darby Vassall seized his freedom during the American Revolution and joined the Black Bostonian community.

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  General

  George Washington

  In this house, General George Washington shaped the new Continental Army and grew as a leader, commander, and person.

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  Military Family

  Generals and Staff

  Washington relied on his council of war, comprised of the senior-ranking general officers, and a staff of secretaries and aides de camp.

 

Longfellow Family

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  Poet

  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

  The beloved American poet made Cambridge his home for more than 45 years.

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  Wife & Mother

  Fanny Longfellow

  Henry Longfellow's wife was his domestic and literary partner and an astute observer of antebellum American society.

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  Reverend & Biographer

  Samuel Longfellow

  Henry Longfellow's youngest brother was a Unitarian minister and one of Longfellow's first biographers.

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  Traveler

  Charles Appleton Longfellow

  The Longfellows' eldest child served in the Civil War and traveled the world, always seeking adventure.

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  Artist

  Ernest W. Longfellow

  The Longfellows' second son trained as an artist and served as a steward of his father's literary legacy.

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  Philanthropist

  Alice Mary Longfellow

  The Longfellow's eldest daughter used her status in support of women's education and historic preservation.

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  Matriarch

  Edith Longfellow Dana

  The Longfellows' middle daughter kept her family connected throughout her life.

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  Pillar of the Community

  Anne Allegra Longfellow Thorp

  The Longfellows' youngest daughter was active in movements for the public good in Cambridge and beyond.

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  Scholar & Preservationist

  Harry Dana

  The namesake grandson of the poet lived in the family home and preserved Longfellow's papers and legacy.

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  Artist

  Mary King Longfellow

  Henry Longfellow's niece studied painting and exhibited her watercolors in Portland, Maine, Boston, Chicago, and New York.

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  Architect

  Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow Jr.

  Henry Longfellow's nephew was an American Romanesque and "shingle style" architect and a founder of the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts.

 

Longfellow Associates

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  Senator

  Charles Sumner

  Henry Longfellow's close friend Charles Sumner served as a leading abolitionist in the US Senate and a fierce advocate for civil rights.

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  Poet

  James Russell Lowell

  Henry Longfellow's neighbor and fellow poet became his successor at Harvard College.

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  Free Soiler

  Richard Henry Dana Jr.

  Dana spent his legal career advocating for the rights of sailors and the abolition of slavery.