Moses Myers House

Frommer's Review

It has the MacArthur Center looming over its backyard these days, but this handsome early-Federal brick town house was in Norfolk's oldest residential neighborhood when it was built by Moses Myers and his wife, Eliza, who came to Norfolk in 1787. They were the first Jews to settle here, and programs in observance of Jewish holidays are among the museum's annual events. Some 70% of the furniture and decorative arts displayed are original to the first generation of the family, who lived here until 1930. Two Gilbert Stuart portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Myers hang in the drawing room, which contains some distinctive Empire pieces. The fireplace surround has unusual carvings depicting a sun god -- with the features of George Washington. Tours lasting 1 hour and covering both houses depart from the Freemason Street Reception Center at 401 E. Freemason St. (tel. 757/441-1526).

Also administered by The Chrysler Museum of Art, the 1794 Willoughby-Baylor House, a block away at 601 E. Freemason St., is now known as the Norfolk History Museum.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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