This historical home on 323 East Freemason Street is part of the Chrysler Museum and another interesting place for visit. It was the home of a wealthy Jewish merchant and his family. Built in 1792 more than 70% of its contents are original to the home and family.

Moses Myers was a shipping merchant with quite a tale. During the Revolutionary War he and his partner smuggled weapons to America via St. Eustatius, a Dutch island in the Caribbean. He was caught by the British and served 2 years for his crime being released in 1784. After his release he met and married a wealthy widow and his fortunes changed.

With the help of the now Mrs. Myers monies he began a shipping business once again. The couple raised 12 children in their home, 9 boys and 3 girls. Taking the tour one will learn much of the family escapades and business ventures. On the upper level of the home is a timeline of the family along with reproduced letters discussing their business ventures.

Their great-grandson continued in the family business. Barton Myers was instrumental in developing and building the Norfolk shipyard. His governmental connections and positions put him in a key position to federal officials. He was instrumental in having the Naval Shipyard built in Norfolk.

All that said let’s visit their home.

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The picture below is a breezeway in the home. Here students from the Chrysler Glass Museum have an exhibition of their works.

A portrait of Barton Myers who was a prominent government official, businessman, and developer of Norfolk.

And next door to the home is the Norfolk Police and Fire Rescue Museum, another free venue. Call for hours.