The stately Moses Myers House is part of a historical identity of the Norfolk Community. The house, belonged a wealthy Jewish family, captivates the period and life of this prosperous family. Within 4 years after marrying his wife Eliza Abraham and moving to America, Moses Myers built a shipping empire fit for his export and import business. Moses Myers was an American Entrepreneur and a leading citizen who built the mansion to accommodate his growing family and prominence. Passing through several generations, the descendents of the Moses Myers family, one of them was the mayor of Norfolk decided to restore the house to its original regal in 1892.

The mansion contains a remarkable number of furnishings; about 70% of it is original belongings to the family since the 1792, which was the year the house was built. The Moses Myers house was one of the first brick homes built after the Revolutionary War, during the time, the town was leveled by the British Bombardment and subsequent fire. The family paintings include Gilbert Stuart’s companion portraits of Moses Myers and his wife Eliza, as well as works by Thomas Sully.

The Moses Myers House is the only mansion in America that portrays the American Jewish family in the 18th Century. It is a richly embellished, two-story brick townhouse of the Federal style. The façade features a gable end roof and small aedicule-type porch surrounding the front doorway. An eight-part fanlight appears on the third floor. Stonework is featured in the belt course with lintels and keystone above the windows.

Over the Myers's bed is a carved acorn, symbol of fertility. It obviously was effective; they had 12 children. In Mrs. Myers's bedroom you'll see her oriental sewing worktable. The back bedroom had a six-foot modified sleigh bed. Before ending your tour, be sure to visit the outside kitchen and the garden during summer. It is colorful and fragrant from the Azaleas planted by the city council today.

About 1796 a two-story octagon ended wing was added as a dinning room and this has been attributed to Benjamin Latrobe. There is also a two-story service and kitchen wing attached at the rear. The interior has unusually rich ornamentation, including Adam style ceiling decorations, mantels and delicate staircase. It is truly a delight to those who collect antiques or are antique enthusiasts.

The mansion is open from April through December, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday. On Sunday it opens at NOON. From January through March the house is open NOON to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays, Mondays and major holidays. This is one of the few historic homes in which Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which occurs in December, is celebrated. Candles are lit in a brass menorah for each of the festival's eight days.