Wickham House
Collections in the Classroom
Grade Level
Elementary, Pre-K
Time Period
1785-1850: Building America
Theme
Architecture
Resource Type
Post-visit material, Pre-visit material
Download Collections in the Classroom: Wickham House (pdf)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- What parts of the house remind your of Greek and Roman design?
- Why do you think the Wickham’s chose to include Greek and Roman design features in their home?
CONTEXT
The Wickham House, in Richmond, Virginia, was built for John and Elizabeth Wickham and their family. Designed by Massachusetts architect, Alexander Parris, in the neoclassical style and located in Richmond’s Court End Neighborhood, the Wickham House features Doric columns, symmetry and arches. The house was home to the Wickhams, their 19 children and approximately 15 Enslaved individuals. Following Elizabeth Wickham’s death in 1853, the house had multiple owners until finally being purchased by the Valentine family for the purpose of creating the Valentine Museum in 1898.
