Victoria Mansion [ME]
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is widely regarded as the greatest Italian villa style residence in America. It was designed by New Haven architect Henry Austin and constructed between 1858 and 1860. Gustave Herter, one of the United States' first professional interior designers, coordinated the plasterwork, furniture, lighting fixtures, and fabrics within the building. His firm designed and manufactured all the furniture used—with influences from the Italian Renaissance to French Neoclassicism. Other highlights include decorative painting by Giuseppe Guidicini; gasoliers; the first documented smoking room in a U.S. private residence; and an extensive collection of stained glass.
The mansion offers tours; interactive programs, which meet the requirements of the Maine Learning Results, for school groups; a teacher preparation packet with worksheets, slides, and readings; and special events, including lectures.