A federal-style dwelling located on the banks of the Townsend Harbor Pond, the Reed Homestead was built in 1790 by tanner John Jewett. Since its purchase by Oliver Reed in 1809, also a tanner, five generations of the Reed family have owned the property until it was purchased by the Townsend Historical Society in 1972 to serve as a museum and headquarters.

The building maintains a significant level of architectural integrity and associated historical furnishings. Of note are works of Rufus Porter, an itinerant painter who traveled through this region and decorated several local buildings. The remains of a black and white mural are visible on the first floor and stand in stark contrast to the vividly colored paintings on the second level. Experts consider the mural room to be among the best examples of Porter’s work. The colors, bright and cheery, are suspected to be early mixtures done by his own nephew, Jonathan Poor, also considered an important painter.

The Reed Homestead is listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places. Townsend Harbor has been designated a local historic district with this property a contributing resource. The homestead is permanently protected through preservation easements that encourage the use of the building as a museum.