The Dirt on Mud

Museum spaces aren’t always clean and tidy . . .

. . . especially in behind-the-scenes spaces!

Today, we find Frankie (our “curator cat") in the mudroom, investigating an old trunk under a rack of coats and scarves. It’s that time of year when the mudroom gets a lot of use!

But even though a mudroom (that is, an entry area where dirty shoes, coats, or gardening tools might be kept) seems like common sense, the history of these rooms is the subject of some debate. While many large historic houses, especially in rural areas or on farms, did have a small mudroom at the back, many other historic houses did not have any such thing. (Instead, they must have done a lot of sweeping!) We know for sure that the term “mudroom” was in use in the US by the 1950s, but other than that, the mudroom’s history is often overlooked. This is especially because a historic mudroom would have been at the back of the house, where the family or even staff were more likely to enter, while the front entrance to the house would be kept pretty and impressive for visitors if possible.

Here at Harrison House, our mudroom is a modern addition, much like the updated kitchen at the back of the house. But our historic house is still a working house, too, so we’re very grateful for this practical space!