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The Swampscott Historical Commission says an official Historic American Buildings Survey report documenting the General John Glover Farmhouse has been completed and will be permanently housed in the Library of Congress, creating a lasting public record of the structure. The commission said a copy also will be posted on its webpage.
The nearly 60-page report includes drawings, photographs and historical research intended to meet national preservation standards, the commission said. The farmhouse is tied to General John Glover, a Continental Army leader who served in George Washington’s forces, the commission said. The property previously was owned by Loyalist William Browne, who the commission said was banished for continuing support of the king. The commission also cited other notable owners and residents, including Thomas Vinning, for whom Vinnin Square is named, A.E. and Lillian Little and restaurateur Anthony Athanas.
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Project funding came from an Essex National Heritage partnership grant, with additional support from the town of Swampscott using American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to the commission. Annie C. Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, called the documentation “an act of stewardship for our shared heritage.”
“The preservation of the General John Glover farmhouse is a vital step in ensuring that the extraordinary legacy of one of our nation’s true heroes is not lost to time,” Harris said. “By completing this survey, the Swampscott Historical Commission is securing a permanent record of our shared history, allowing future generations to connect directly with the stories of courage and leadership that shaped the very foundation of our country.”
The commission said it previously imposed a demolition delay to allow time to explore preservation alternatives and complete documentation. That delay is set to expire July 20, 2026, which the commission noted falls in the month of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
“The timing of this milestone could not be more meaningful,” said Swampscott Select Board member David Grishman. “As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, we honor one of its early patriots by safeguarding the record of his home for posterity.”
The commission said the farmhouse was added in November 2025 to Preservation Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Resource list.
