The Story Behind the Agnes Foote Stained Glass at North Star House
The oval stained glass displayed in the reception room at North Star House is more than a beautiful historic d…
Inside North Star House
The Details That Make the House Feel Like Home
While restoration work focuses on preserving and repairing the historic building itself, the Interiors team focuses on the rooms within it: how they are furnished, arranged, decorated and presented. That work can mean reconsidering the placement of a piece of furniture, researching the history of an object, creating a seasonal arrangement or transforming much of the first floor for Christmas.
The goal is not to recreate North Star House exactly as it appeared during one particular year. The House has changed throughout its long history, and not every original furnishing remains. Instead, the interiors are thoughtfully assembled to complement the architecture, highlight pieces with meaningful connections to the property and help visitors understand North Star House as more than a historic structure. It was also a home.
The Character of the Rooms
Every room at North Star House has its own personality. The scale of the space, natural light, woodwork, fireplaces, windows and architectural details all influence what belongs there and how the room is arranged. Rather than applying the same decorating approach throughout the first floor, the Interiors team works with the individual character of each space.
Furniture placement, artwork, textiles, flowers and smaller decorative objects are considered together. Some pieces naturally become focal points, while others are intentionally quieter, adding another layer to the room without competing with the architecture. The result is meant to feel collected and lived in rather than overly staged, allowing visitors to notice both the House itself and the objects within it.
The People Behind the Interiors
The rooms at North Star House come together through a mix of creativity, historical knowledge and a lot of attention to detail.
From furniture placement and seasonal decorating to researching the history behind individual objects, several people help shape how the interiors are presented and understood.
Rebekah Freeman
Interiors Committee Lead
Rebekah Freeman is lead of Interiors at North Star House, bringing together the many details that make the historic rooms feel complete. From selecting and arranging furnishings to managing displays and preparing the House for special events, Rebekah oversees much of the interior presentation visitors enjoy today. Her work requires both creativity and an understanding of the House’s historic character, thoughtfully balancing the preservation of its past with its continued use as a gathering place. Through her dedication and attention to detail, Rebekah has played an important role in shaping the welcoming atmosphere of North Star House.
Lois Hensel
Interiors & Collections Advisor
Lois Hensel works closely with Rebekah Freeman, contributing to both the historical preservation and creative presentation of North Star House’s interiors. Her work includes historical research, maintaining accurate documentation, and helping ensure the proper care and safekeeping of furnishings, decorative objects, and other items within the House. She also assists with room arrangements, seasonal decorating, and special projects, bringing valuable knowledge and attention to detail to each effort. Through her close collaboration with Rebekah, Lois helps ensure that the interiors are not only thoughtfully presented but also carefully documented and preserved for future generations.
Lisa Robinson
Collections Archivist
Lisa Robinson plays an important role in documenting and preserving the historic collections at North Star House. Her work focuses on carefully cataloging individual furnishings, decorative objects, and other items into the House’s archival system, ensuring each piece is properly recorded and accounted for. Through her detailed and methodical approach, Lisa helps maintain an organized record of the House’s contents, supporting their long-term preservation and making valuable information accessible for future research, restoration, and historical reference.
Mary Jo Wainwright
Historian & Research Advisor
Mary Jo Wainwright is a local historian whose extensive research helps preserve and accurately document the history of North Star House. Through careful examination of historical records, archival materials, photographs, and other primary sources, she works to uncover the people, events, and circumstances that have shaped the House over time. Her research focuses on verifying historical information, establishing accurate timelines, and clarifying details that may have been misunderstood or overlooked.
Furnishings, Art and Collected Pieces
The rooms at North Star House contain a mixture of furnishings, artwork, decorative objects and pieces collected or donated over time.
Some have direct connections to North Star House and its history.
Others have been selected because they complement the scale, period or character of the rooms.
The result is not intended to recreate one exact moment in the House's history.
Instead, the interiors create a sense of place while allowing visitors to notice the architecture and imagine the House as the home it once was.
Christmas at North Star House
A Historic House Dressed for the Season
Christmas brings out a different side of North Star House.
During the holiday season, the first floor is transformed with greenery, trees, ribbon, ornaments, candles and seasonal details that work with the character of the historic rooms rather than competing with them.
The decorating is led by Rebekah Freeman, Lois Hensel and the North Star House Interiors team, with each room approached individually.
The result is not a modern holiday display placed inside an old building.
It is a version of Christmas that feels at home at North Star House.
Inquire About Gifting
Do you have a piece of furniture, art, or another object you'd like North Star House to consider for its collection?
We welcome inquiries from the community about furnishings, art, and collected pieces that may have a connection to the House or complement its historic interiors.
See the Details in Person
The interiors of North Star House are meant to be experienced as a whole.
A photograph can capture a beautiful chair, window or Christmas tree, but walking from room to room reveals how those details work together.
Visitors can explore the first floor during regularly scheduled docent tours and learn more about the architecture, furnishings, decorative pieces and stories found throughout the House.
Docent-led tours are offered on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 1–3 PM.
Take a Tour →From the Journal
An Evening of Music in Support of North Star House Interiors
Rebekah Freeman, lead of the North Star House Interiors Committee, hosted a special fundraiser concert that ra…
Seasonal Warmth at the Historic North Star House
A gentle and timeless holiday glow fills the North Star House this season, thanks to the thoughtful Christmas…