The house was built by missionary John Sergeant, the first colonist to attempt to preach to the native Mohican tribe in the area of Stockbridge. He learned their language and defended their interests against the colonists until his death in 1749.
The house is owned by the Trustees of Reservations, who offer guided tours to the public. While its history is pre-Revolutionary, the house is currently a museum to the Mohican people. The Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Community works with the Trustees to offer an indigenous perspective on 1700s colonial Massachusetts.
