Home’s History

The Macy–Colby House, a notable example of saltbox architecture, is located in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Its historical significance is tied to its original owner, Thomas Macy, who built the house around 1649. Macy, an early settler and the first town clerk of Amesbury, was involved in various land transactions and held multiple town offices.

He notably fled to Nantucket in 1659 due to conflicts with local Puritan leaders over his sheltering of Quakers, an event that inspired John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem “The Exile.”

In 1654, the property was sold to Anthony Colby, another prominent early settler and town official, who played a significant role in the community’s affairs.

Its Current State

After extensive modifications in the early 1740s by Obadiah Colby, the house has been maintained as a historic house museum.

The Macy–Colby House reflects the typical features of a saltbox house with its long rear roof and asymmetrical design, indicative of the architectural style prevalent in New England during that period.

It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008 and is preserved by the Friends of the Macy–Colby House Association.

The property is open to the public on Saturdays during the summer, offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial past and the lives of its notable inhabitants.

Exterior Photos

Interior Photos

Stepping into the Macy–Colby House is like stepping back in time, with its rustic charm and authentic colonial-era interior featuring exposed wooden beams, wide-plank floors, and period-appropriate furnishings.

The central fireplace invites guests to envision gatherings during cold New England winters, while the kitchen area offers a glimpse into early colonial culinary practices.

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