Statement of Significance (as of designation - January 29, 1964):
Seward served as Governor (1839-43) and U.S. Senator from New York (1848-61), emerging as a leading antislavery figure in the Whig, and later, Republican Parties. As Secretary of State (1861-69), he negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia (1867). This house was his permanent residence from 1824 until his death in 1872.

Condition:
The Seward House is in good, non-threatened condition. A new standing-seam sheet metal roof was installed in 1997 - 1998.

Following paint microanalysis in 2000, the building's exterior was stripped and repainted to its 1866 color scheme in 2002 and 2003. A Historic Structures Report is currently in process for completion by fall 2005. Seward House was designated in April 2004 by Heritage New York as one of twenty-four sites on the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail. Seward House is open to visitors February 1 - June 30 and mid-October - December 31 from 1 - 4 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. During the summer months, July 1 - mid-October, the hours are extended to 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday and 1 - 4 p.m. on Sundays. We are closed for the month of January. For more information on the Seward family and Seward House, please see our website www.sewardhouse.org.