Heritage House Irving
Step into Irving's past at the city's first house, a preserved time capsule showcasing pioneer life and innovations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Exclusive visiting window
Heritage House Irving
Best Time
Exclusive visiting window
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Irving's past at the city's first house, a preserved time capsule showcasing pioneer life and innovations.
"A lovingly cared for time capsule from the founding of Irving."
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open the first Sunday of the month, 3-5 PM. Plan ahead!
🥵 Stay Cool Inside
The house gets hot; bring a personal fan to stay comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Founding Family's Home
Main House
Step back in time in the first house built in Irving, showcasing early 20th-century life and innovation.
Pioneer Innovations
Various Rooms
Discover the house's historical significance as the first in Irving with indoor plumbing and a basement.
Mary's Playhouse
Backyard
Explore the charming former chicken coop, now a delightful playhouse, offering a glimpse into simpler times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Limited Visiting Hours
Beat the Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Saint John residents protest JD Irving’s plan to demolish heritage building
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open the first Sunday of the month, 3-5 PM. Plan ahead!
🥵 Stay Cool Inside
The house gets hot; bring a personal fan to stay comfortable.
💧 Hydrate and Refresh
Water, lemonade, and cookies are provided.
🚶♀️ Docent-Led Tours
Enjoy FREE, informative tours led by knowledgeable volunteers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Days
Only open the first Sunday of the month, 3-5 PM. Plan ahead!
🥵 Stay Cool Inside
The house gets hot; bring a personal fan to stay comfortable.
💧 Hydrate and Refresh
Water, lemonade, and cookies are provided.
🚶♀️ Docent-Led Tours
Enjoy FREE, informative tours led by knowledgeable volunteers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Heritage House Irving as a lovingly cared-for historical gem, highlighting the dedication of its volunteers and the wealth of information shared during free tours. While the limited visiting hours and potential for heat are noted, the overall experience is described as warm, knowledgeable, and a valuable glimpse into Irving's past.
"A lovingly cared for time capsule from the founding of Irving. Even the regular volunteers say they always learn new things. Many of them do personal research on the side, and some were from the Board of the Heritage Society. Now that's commitment.
I started volunteering as a Docent today and really enjoyed my first experience; looking forward to many more.
NOTE: This is generally open ONLY on the first Sunday of the month between 3 & 5PM."
Saeed Purcell
"We visited the Irving Heritage House today and it was lovely. There is so much history in this house. The docent lead tours are FREE and done on the FIRST SUNDAY of every month. Upon entering, we were greeted by a wonderful group of people and lead from the parlor/ living room / sitting area, to the dining area, kitchen, bedrooms and circled back around to the sun room and music room. We then visited Mary's Playhouse in the back which was originally a chicken coop. The Heritage House is the first house in Irving and the first to have indoor plumbing, y'all. It also had a basement, which we did not tour but it's quite interesting. Just a word of caution, this house is HOT! Bring a hand fan, a personal fan, SOMETHING to keep yourself cool. They did provide water, lemonade and cookies. I highly recommend visiting this little gem!"
Anne Jurado
"A quaint early 20th century home once owned by a pillar of Irving’s founding. The ladies that greeted and hosted us were warm and knowledgeable. See it and remember what Irving used to be and, sadly, is slipping away."
Baron Lane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heritage House Irving is located within the historic area of Irving. Specific public transportation routes may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules. Driving is a common option, with parking typically available nearby.
While specific parking details can change, visitors generally find parking options available in the vicinity of the Heritage House. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Heritage House Irving has very limited hours, typically open ONLY on the first Sunday of each month between 3 PM and 5 PM. Always confirm these hours before your visit.
No, the docent-led tours at Heritage House Irving are generally FREE. Donations are often appreciated to help with upkeep.
Unfortunately, no. Heritage House Irving is exclusively open on the first Sunday of every month.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the rooms of the first house built in Irving, learn about its history, see early innovations like indoor plumbing, and visit Mary's Playhouse. Docent-led tours provide in-depth insights.
Visitors have noted that the house can get very hot, suggesting it may not have modern air conditioning. Bringing a personal fan is highly recommended.
Yes, FREE docent-led tours are a highlight of visiting Heritage House Irving, offering a wealth of historical information from knowledgeable volunteers.
Mary's Playhouse is a charming structure in the backyard that was originally a chicken coop. It's a unique historical feature of the property.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not a full dining establishment, visitors have mentioned that water, lemonade, and cookies are sometimes provided during tours.
Being located in Irving, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding area. You'll find a variety of cuisines and price points within a short drive.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the house. It's always a good idea to ask your docent if you're unsure about specific areas.
The well-preserved interiors, historical artifacts, and the quaint Mary's Playhouse in the backyard offer charming photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house can get warm, the provision of refreshments like lemonade and cookies can help keep children comfortable. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to local history in a hands-on, accessible way, showing them what life was like for children in early Irving.
🏛️ History Buffs
The detailed tours led by knowledgeable volunteers, some of whom are deeply involved in historical research, provide a rich understanding of the founding families and the city's development. The house's status as the first in Irving with indoor plumbing adds another layer of historical significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Irving's Founding
Visitors can expect to be guided through various rooms, including the parlor, dining area, kitchen, bedrooms, sunroom, and music room. Each space is designed to evoke the atmosphere of early 20th-century life. The presence of historical artifacts and the architectural details provide a rich narrative of the era.
Beyond its residential function, the house holds significance for its pioneering features. It was the first in Irving to boast indoor plumbing and also featured a basement, innovations that were quite advanced for its time. This focus on historical context makes Heritage House Irving an educational and fascinating destination for those interested in local history.
The Volunteer Spirit
Volunteers often share personal anecdotes and historical facts that bring the house to life. Their enthusiasm is infectious, making the tours engaging and memorable. The community's involvement is a crucial element in maintaining the house and its historical integrity.
For those interested in contributing to local heritage, volunteering at Heritage House Irving is an option. The reviews highlight the rewarding nature of this experience, with new docents looking forward to many more visits. This strong volunteer base is a cornerstone of the Heritage House's success.
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