The Martin Kinsley House, located on Main Street, is a two-story Federal-style dwelling with later Italianate-style bracketing under the roof eave. The centrally located door is topped by a fanlight and narrow triangular pediment. The house is one of Hampden's earliest surviving residences and was the home of the first Representative to the United States Congress from the district. Kinsley served as a major in the Massachusetts militia during the American Revolution. Afterward, he dutifully worked in a multitude of political offices, including Justice of the Peace, Representative to the General Court, and State Senator from Hancock County. According to local folklore, the British attempted to use the dwelling as a headquarters in the Battle of Hampden during the War of 1812. Kinsley's wife successfully defended the property by barricading the doors and emptying the contents of a chamber pot on the British officers. Kinsley was held hostage by the British during the battle. The house is now the headquarters and museum for the Hampden Historical Society.
Year Listed: 1984
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=1854d8b8-5576-4930-a4f6-be2993dd2e09