Historic Name

Old Customs House

Address

411 State St

Municipality

City of Erie

Tax Parcel

14010002021100

Historic District

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

856

Historic Function

Recreation and Culture - museum

Style

Greek Revival

Built

1839

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

8/17/2016

The Old Customs House was constructed from 1838 to 1839 to house the Erie Branch of the United States Bank of Pennsylvania. Architect William Kelly of Philadelphia designed this Greek Revival structure. Upon the closing of the bank in 1843, the Port of Erie used the building as a Customs House. The Erie Post Office was also located in this building from 1853 to 1867. The Customs House remained vacant from 1867 to 1909, when the Grand Army of the Republic moved into the building. In 1932, the Erie County Historical Society began leasing the Customs House from the government, and remained in the building until 1983. In 1977, while the Erie County Historical Society was occupying the building, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Customs House was sold to the Erie Art Museum in 1983, who currently owns the property. Over the last thirty years, galleries, collections, office spaces, and classrooms have been housed in the Old Customs House.

Sources:

Old Customs House National Register nomination

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Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office