Hancock-Clarke House | Lexington MA

Hancock–Clarke House, located at 36 Hancock Street in Lexington, Massachusetts, is one of the most historically significant buildings in early American history. Constructed in 1737–1738, it served as the parsonage for two generations of Congregational ministers and is most famous as the site where Paul Revere and William Dawes arrived on the night of April 18, 1775, to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the approaching British forces. The home stands today as a powerful symbol of the American Revolution and a meticulously preserved window into colonial life.

Architectural History and Restoration

The house is an excellent example of early Georgian colonial architecture. It is a two-and-a-half-story timber-frame structure featuring a symmetrical facade, central chimney, and wood clapboard siding. The original rear ell, likely built first around 1737, contains a kitchen and study, while the larger front section was added shortly after in 1738, funded by Thomas Hancock, uncle to John Hancock and one of Boston’s wealthiest merchants.

The house was moved twice:

In 1896, it was threatened with demolition but saved and relocated by the Lexington Historical Society.

In 1974, it was moved back to its original location after the society reacquired the property.
This commitment to preservation culminated in its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

Restoration efforts have returned the house to its 18th-century appearance, with authentic paint colors, architectural details, and period furnishings to accurately reflect the colonial parsonage environment.

Historic Events and Residents

Reverend John Hancock (1671–1752)

He was the first minister of Lexington’s parish and the original occupant of the house. His grandson, John Hancock, future President of the Continental Congress and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived here as a child following his father's death.

Reverend Jonas Clarke (1730–1805)

Succeeded Hancock in 1755 and became a powerful voice for American independence. Clarke was an eloquent patriot and used his home to host political meetings and discussions with influential figures in the colony.

April 18–19, 1775: Paul Revere’s Ride

The Hancock–Clarke House was the destination of Paul Revere and William Dawes as they warned of British troop movements toward Concord. Hancock and Adams were staying there at the time and had to flee shortly before British forces arrived, narrowly avoiding arrest or worse. The events at this house mark it as a critical location in the lead-up to the Battle of Lexington and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Museum Experience Today

Operated by the Lexington Historical Society, the Hancock–Clarke House functions as a museum that combines revolutionary history with domestic life interpretation. The house has been restored with high fidelity to its 18th-century condition and features a blend of period furniture, artifacts, and informative exhibits.

Interior Features:

Study of Reverend Clarke: Where he wrote sermons and likely held private political conversations.

Taproom and Dining Room: Set with period-accurate furnishings.

Bedrooms: Restored with colonial textiles, chamber pots, and personal effects.

Attic and Slave Quarters: Contains exhibits that address the lives of enslaved people-notably Jack and Dinah, individuals enslaved by the Hancock family-bringing attention to the contradictions of liberty and servitude in Revolutionary America.

Notable Artifacts:

William Diamond’s Drum: Believed to have been used on the Lexington Green during the battle.

Major Pitcairn’s Pistols: Said to have been retrieved from the field after the British retreat.

Portraits of Hancock and Clarke, along with original documents, maps, and religious texts.

Educational Gardens:

Maintained by the Lexington Field and Garden Club, the gardens include:

A Colonial Herb Garden with over 40 types of medicinal and culinary herbs.

A Heritage Apple Tree variety used in the 1700s.
These outdoor spaces demonstrate the self-sufficient lifestyle of colonial clergy households.

Programs and Access

Tours: Guided hourly tours are offered seasonally from mid-April to October. Docents provide detailed accounts of the house's role in both colonial society and the Revolution.

Admission: Tickets can be purchased for individual house entry ($14 for adults) or as part of a 3-house package including Buckman Tavern and Munroe Tavern for a reduced rate.

Accessibility:

Ground floor is wheelchair accessible.

Second floor, not accessible by elevator, is presented via virtual video tours on site.

The site has air conditioning and gender-neutral restrooms.

Special Events: Programs include reenactments, Patriots’ Day celebrations, school tours, and lectures on colonial history, faith, and resistance.

Legacy and Educational Value

The Hancock–Clarke House is more than a museum; it is a living classroom for American history. Its layered stories touch on:

Colonial religious life, through Clarke’s ministry and sermons.

Early American political discourse, as patriots gathered here in secret to plan resistance.

The contradiction of slavery in a liberty-seeking society, through the lives of enslaved residents.

Children’s experiences, as seen in young John Hancock’s years here before becoming a national leader.

Its preservation is a testament to the community’s reverence for their revolutionary past. The house does not simply tell a story of war, but of the people-famous and ordinary-whose lives helped shape the ideals that would define a nation.

Summary

The Hancock–Clarke House is one of the most vital historic landmarks in Massachusetts, central to the events that ignited the American Revolution. As the temporary home of John Hancock and the setting of Paul Revere’s warning, it brings to life the tension, urgency, and human emotion of April 1775. Rich in architectural authenticity, historic artifacts, and interpretive depth, the house offers an immersive experience into the faith, politics, and daily rhythms of colonial New England at a moment when history turned forever.