What will each room be used for?

Floorplans of the three floors of the coffeehouse.

A few weeks ago, we received some questions about how we're going to use the different rooms in the Coffeehouse, and how they would have been used in Charlton's time. We've finally gotten together some answers for those questions.

First Floor - All three of the first floor rooms will be used for interpretative programs. Each of the three rooms will be interpreted and furnished to represent their likely function in the 18th century:

• Southwest room - This was the most public of the rooms, and was open to all customers. Within, patrons could drink coffee, read the paper, get drinks from the bar, and could probably receive some food (if not elaborate meals). In our reconstructed version, guests will learn about coffeehouse culture, and will get a chance to sample hot tea, coffee, and chocolate.
• North room - This room is being interpreted as a private group space, which would have been rented for meals or meetings. In the reconstructed coffeehouse, it will be used for interpretation.
• Southeast room - Similar to the north room, this room would also have been rented for meals or meetings; however, it would have been even more finely decorated. We will be using it for interpretation about coffeehouses and class.

Second Floor - We have no specific plans for using the floor at this time; because of the fairly narrow stairway, it is likely to be used as administrative or behind-the-scenes space.

Basement - The basement will include heating and mechanical space, as well as a modern kitchen space for preparation of hot coffee, tea, and chocolate. The beverages will be raised to the first floor in a dumb waiter. Additionally, the north room will be furnished as the historic kitchen, though we haven't planned any specific programming for it yet.

Thanks to Willie Graham, Curator of Architecture, and Ron Hurst, Vice President of Collections and Museums, for this information.