Parker Cleaveland House, National Historic Landmark
[75 Federal Street in Brunswick] Parker Cleaveland, nationally known for his contributions to the study of mineralogy, lived here from 1806 to 1858. A professor at Bowdoin College, he conducted some of the earliest studies of mineralogy in the United States. In 1816 his Elementary Treatise on Mineralogy and Geology was the first volume on American mineral species and localities, thereby his becoming the “Father of American Mineralogy.” This comprehensive work, and its revised 1822 edition, was the mineralogy textbook used in American colleges and set the standard for later works.
Parker Cleaveland House on Federal Street (2013)
While at Bowdoin, Cleaveland gained the respect and admiration of college community, but it was his excellent teaching skills that were especially appreciated. He was offered far more lucrative positions at more prestigious institutions for his scientific work, but he remained loyal to the college. None of the college buildings that Cleaveland frequented remain but in 1873 the College renovated Massachusetts Hall creating a large room called the Cleaveland Cabinet.
The house is the property most importantly associated with him. Bowdoin built it as a free residence for Cleaveland soon after he arrived in 1805. Although the property was sold to his descendants after his death, Bowdoin repurchased and restored it to ensure its preservation.
Although the house is on Federal Street, nearby Cleaveland Street was named for him.
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