History
This three-story clapboarded house with a hipped roof exhibits elegant details typical of the Federal style. The dentilled cornice, delicately classical window lintels, and arched doorway with fanlight are features that became popular early in the nineteenth century, having been introduced by Robert Adam in England.
This house is an excellent example of the Federal style. The style is typical in Newburyport, which reached its economic peak in the decades before Jefferson’s Embargo of 1807 and the War of 1812.
This house was likely built by one of the families active in Newburyport’s West India or coastal trade at the turn of the nineteenth century. Harris Street was laid out in 1795 through land owned by Mary Hooper, Nicholas Pike, and others. The house at 4-6 Harris Street was probably built shortly thereafter.
In 1851, the house was owned by Captain Moses Emery. Emery was the owner of the brig Pocahontas, built in 1816, and he was part-owner of the schooner Peacock, built in 1819. In 1872, Captain Emery’s widow owned the house.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Downtown Overlay District (DOD) · Parcel 1-3 · Zone B2
Planning Board decides
Downtown, new construction, alteration or demolition of a historic building (individually listed or contributing in 1984) needs a DOD special permit, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; the Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing windows, doors, signs, awnings or fences is reviewed by the Planning Office at staff level, with a window inventory; a new opening in a wall needs the Board. The demolition delay ordinance does not apply downtown except to work the Zoning Administrator excludes from DOD review.
Zoning Administrator first stop
Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.
Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.336