Knaut-Rhuland House - 125 Pelham Street - Heritage House Tour 2023

Knaut-Rhuland House Museum (Circa 1793) 

125 Pelham Street

National Historic Site of Canada

lunenburgheritagesociety.ca

One of the best-preserved 18th century houses in Canada, this house was built c.1793 for Benjamin Knaut, a wealthy merchant, ship owner and one of Lunenburg’s first sheriffs. With its impressive dimensions, it was an outward and visible symbol of the owner’s influence. Its second owner was Conrad Rhuland, a mariner and privateer, the grandson of another of Lunenburg’s original settlers. It was then purchased in 1823 by John Creighton II and remained in his family for the next 80 years. The building is an elegant two and a half story timber frame residence with regular and symmetrical proportions that are fundamental characteristics of British classicism. The interior echoes the restrained sophistication of the exterior and, in keeping with Lunenburg’s tradition of high-quality carpentry, the interior woodwork is especially fine.

In 2021, the Lunenburg Heritage Society launched an initiative to conserve and restore this important building. To date, the south facing windows, the foundation, basement stairs and attic have been repaired using appropriate heritage materials and methods. For more information about this renewal project, including how you can contribute to our fundraising efforts, visit LunenburgHeritageSociety.ca or ask the staff at the Knaut-Rhuland House Museum.

Many thanks to the Lunenburg Heritage Society volunteers who maintain the museum and welcome visitors.