Molly Brown House: A Restoration of History

The Molly Brown House, a shining example of history and preservation alive today, stands as a tribute to the remarkable life and impact of Margaret “Molly” Brown, Titanic survivor and noted philanthropist and activist.

The Legacy of Molly Brown

Who Was Molly Brown?

Molly Brown is an enduring figure not just for being a Titanic survivor but for her lasting impact on society. Activist, philanthropist — her life story is one of resilience and influence. The staff of the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver aim to preserve the legacy of Brown’s philanthropy and engagement with people through education and tours of her historic home.

Molly Brown House: Why is it Historically Significant?

Built in 1889 by architect William Lang, the Molly Brown House is an architectural treasure in the center of Denver that features elements of Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles. Its nickname, “The House of Lions,” refers to its grand facade decorated with lion sculptures and other unique stonework, making it a notable place for either architecture lovers or history buffs.

Molly Brown House interior

Original Layout and Design

The house originally had a series of elaborately designed rooms, including an entry hall, several parlors, a dining hall and a sunroom, each containing the technological marvels of the time, such as electricity and indoor plumbing. These features underscored the Browns’ affluence and their appreciation for modern comforts and aesthetics.

Architectural Details

Within, the house is replete with Victorian-era details: stained glass windows, decorative fireplaces and ornate woodwork, all adding period and decorative interest. These features not only prettify the space but can also serve as a window into the design sensibilities of the late 19th century.

Focus on Restoration Efforts

Historic Denver restored the Molly Brown House with an eye towards accuracy and preservation, based on original photographs and architectural studies, restoring the house to its glory days. This painstaking process ensures that visitors experience the house as it would have been during the time Molly Brown lived there and the craftsmanship that continues to endure from that period.

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The Restoration Journey

Threatened by Demolition

Molly Brown died in 1932 and the house fell into disrepair, it was converted into a boarding house. In the 1960s, threatened with potential destruction as part of a push to renovate American cities, it came under local community action.

Founding of Historic Denver

In reaction to these threats, Historic Denver was created in 1970 — the start of an important movement to save Denver’s historic buildings. This movement not only rescued the Molly Brown House, but paved the way for future preservation efforts throughout the city.

Restoration Techniques

The refurbishment utilized detailed techniques such as paint chip analysis and the use of historical photographs to ensure that every restored element closely adhered to its original design. These endeavors were not without the challenge of reconciling preservation with modern compliance and safety standards.

Exploring the Museum Today

What Visitors Can Expect

Now the museum offers guided tours that tell the story of Molly Brown’s life and the house’s history, along with special exhibits that highlight Victorian Denver and more generally the historic preservation movement.

Educational Programs

The museum serves not only as a destination for tours but also as something of an educational vehicle, providing workshops and events that connect visitors to the history of Denver and emphasize the importance of preserving architectural heritage.

Interactive Features

The museum also features multimedia displays that vividly bring the history of the house and its famous resident to life, making it an engaging experience for visitors of any age.

Preservation’s place in Denver

Saving the Molly Brown House: Impact

Saving the Molly Brown House sparked a citywide historic preservation movement, with the recognition that we must save that which informs our cultural landscape.

Historic Denver’s Other Preservation Success Stories

The success of the Molly Brown House inspired Historic Denver to take on a number of other projects aimed at protecting and celebrating the city’s rich architectural legacy.

The Culture of Victorian Interiors

Molly Brown House Victorian Design Features

Inside the house, classic Victorian elements such as ornate furniture styles and textured color palettes dominate, reflecting the luxury and ornate craftsmanship that are hallmarks of the period.

The Importance of Interior Preservation

Eagle-eyed visitors will spot the similarities and differences with modern interiors, and learn about the customs and cultural taboos, as well as subcultures — think art deco — that influenced them, and the ways in which they reflect the social norms of the time.

Conclusion

The Molly Brown House is not only a tribute to a remarkable woman, but also an illustration of Denver’s historical and cultural evolution. Its beautifully restored interior provides a glimpse into the past that everyone who cares about history should support or visit such efforts, so that these stories can continue to inspire those who come after us.

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