Pickering House - 698 Federal Street

This mansion was built in 1828 by Captain Thomas Pickering, a sea trader then operating ships out of Kingsport harbor. Although rumored to be a privateer, Pickering also traded heavily along the coast of Southeast Asia and spent considerable time in and around the developing continent of Australia. One room of the house is, in fact, devoted exclusively to Australian aboriginal artifacts, including a stone axe that bears the traces of an Elder Sign carved in its head.

The house was furnished by the captain’s wife, Ethel, presently the finest collection of Early American furniture in town. A comprehensive collection of New England hand blown glass is on display.

The Pickering House is operated by the Arkham Historical Society and open to the public 1–3 P.M. Thursday and Saturday. There is no admission fee, though donating a dollar or more is a good way to strike up a conversation with the volunteer attendant, who may prove to be of consequence in town.