This Old House Season 19 Episode 5 The Milton House - 5

The Milton House - 5

In this episode of This Old House, the team continues work on the the historic Milton House located in Milton, Wisconsin. The Milton House was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes used by slaves in the United States to escape to freedom in the early-to-mid 19th century. The home is now a museum and historic site, open to the public for tours.

The main focus of this episode is on the home's unique architectural features, specifically the hidden doors and secret passages that were used to hide escaped slaves. To ensure the safety of those seeking refuge, the Milton House was designed with hidden entrances and exits that could be easily concealed. These features were crucial to the success of the Underground Railroad.

The team works to restore and repair these hidden doors and passages, all while ensuring that the home's historic integrity is preserved. This includes repairing aging hinges, locks, and latches as well as repainting and refinishing the woodwork. The show highlights the importance of maintaining historic buildings and how much care and attention is required to ensure they remain in good condition.

In addition to the repairs, the team also focuses on updating and modernizing some of the home's systems. They install a new HVAC system to increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. This is a crucial step to ensure that visitors can comfortably enjoy the museum while also preserving the historic artifacts and documents housed inside.

Throughout the episode, the team works alongside museum staff and volunteers, who share stories about the history of the house and the role it played in the Underground Railroad. This adds a personal touch to the episode and helps viewers understand the significance of the work being done.

Overall, this episode of This Old House is an informative and engaging look at the restoration of a historic site. Viewers will gain a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving our nation's history and the care and attention required to do so.