Qing Dynasty Chinese Compound

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA has several historic houses on and off their property. The most famous is the Yin Yu Tang compound that was taken apart in China and reassembled in the parking lot. Once they had reassembled the Chinese building they built an extension to the Museum around it. The website has lots of pictures and information about the residence and the family who lived there for many generations. For those interested in China and the China trade, this house and the Museum are a must see.

The Yin Yu Tang house has antique furniture as well as more modern items such as a loudspeaker installed during the reign of Chairman Mao. A hand held device provides detailed information about the compound as you tour it. The exhibit outside has additional information that is well worth the time. On each visit there is only thirty minutes allotted inside the house, so a little advance preparation at the accompanying exhibit or at the website is a good idea.