Bailey House Museum - Building and History

Building and History

Seminary

The stone house is situated at the mouth of the Iao Valley, within the former royal compound of Kahekili II (c. 1737–1794), last ruling chief of Maui. Built in 1833 and being one of the first western-style houses in Wailuku, the “Old Bailey House” is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally intended as a mission for adults and children, in 1837 the mission was transformed into the Wailuku Female Seminary, a boarding school that not only taught its students Christianity and academic pursuits, such as the three Rs, but also domestic skills such as sewing and housekeeping. First managed by Theodosia and Rev. Jonathan Smith Green, in 1844 Caroline and Edward Bailey assumed responsibility, shortly after arriving in Hawaii.

Residence

Despite sponsorship by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Seminary was closed in 1847, a victim of funding shortfalls. The house and land reverted to the Hawaiian crown but were purchased by the Baileys in 1850. Later, the house and the Baileys' sugar cane fields became part of the Wailuku Sugar Plantation, which then became part of C. Brewer & Co.

Museum

The Maui Historical Society was established in 1951. The Bailey House Museum was opened on July 6, 1957, at that time named Hale Ho`ike`ike (Hawaiian for 'House of Display'). Masaru "Pundy" Yokouchi purchased the Bailey House in 1991 and donated it to the Maui Historical Society.

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