Heat Inspector

Spring may be on the horizon, but this old house can still get cold at night! We’re very grateful for our heating system, which has needed a little TLC and maintenance lately.

Frankie investigates the hallway radiator.

Originally, of course, Harrison House stayed warm because of fireplaces—no less than three: one in each room on the first floor (except the more recently-added back kitchen). These days a central boiler keeps most of the house warm. There is still the “odd room out” in the back that is heated by a baseboard radiator, though! The system may seem a little piecemeal or clunky to us now, it has served the house well. It’s also a great example of the way houses, as well as home technology, grow and change over the decades.

Part of looking after a historic house isn’t just sharing its history—it’s also making sure that the house and its history endure. Keeping an eye on the heating system helps prevent extra damage and make the house welcoming for visitors and artifacts alike.

Stay tuned for more adventures of our Museum Cat next week. And stay warm!