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Hamill House Museum: A Glimpse into Georgetown's Silver Mining Heyday

Explore 19th-century Victorian life in a silver mining magnate's home at the Hamill House Museum in historic Georgetown, Colorado.

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The Hamill House Museum in Georgetown, Colorado, offers a captivating look into 19th-century life during the town's silver mining boom. This meticulously preserved home showcases the elegant lifestyle of a silver mining magnate and the architectural evolution from a modest cottage to a lavish estate.

A brief summary to Hamill House Museum

  • Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Historic Georgetown, Inc. website or call ahead for tour schedules, as the museum has limited hours.
  • Consider scheduling a private tour for a more personalized and in-depth experience.
  • Explore the other historic buildings and sites in Georgetown to fully appreciate the town's rich history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Hamill House Museum is located at 305 Argentine Street in Georgetown. If you are already in the downtown area, such as near 6th Street, walking is a convenient option. Head south on Argentine Street until you reach the museum. Look for the granite wall surrounding a lawn with a metal fountain. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 305 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. Parking is available behind the house at the west end of 4th Street. Be aware that parking in Georgetown can be limited, especially during peak season. Parking lots are also located off South Argentine near Mountain Buzz Pizzeria and off North Argentine near the Lake. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $5 per hour.

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Discover more about Hamill House Museum

Step back in time at the Hamill House Museum, the centerpiece of Historic Georgetown, Inc.'s residential interpretation of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District. Originally built in 1867 by Joseph Watson as a modest Country Gothic house, it was transformed in 1879 when William Arthur Hamill, a successful mine owner, acquired the property. Hamill expanded the house into a luxurious estate, reflecting his wealth and status as one of the best-known mining men in the West. The museum showcases 19th-century residential living with its architecture, furnishings, Victorian plants, and landscaping. The house features a conservatory, gas lighting, bay windows, walnut woodwork, and central heating, all signs of the opulence enjoyed during Georgetown's silver boom. The grounds also include a carriage house, Mr. Hamill's granite office building, a laundry/summer kitchen, and a six-seater outhouse, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Hamill family and their servants. After the silver crash of 1893, the house fell into decline. However, it remained largely unchanged, preserving its original fixtures, wallpaper, and furniture. In 1954, Ralph and Edith Dick purchased the house and opened it as a museum. Today, the Georgetown Society expertly maintains and restores the house, allowing visitors to experience the elegant lifestyle of a silver mining magnate. Fun Fact: William Arthur Hamill is the great-great-great-grandfather of actor Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series.

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