Francis Corbin built the Cupola House between 1758 and 1767, and after his death Dr. Samuel Dickinson purchased it in 1777. In 1918, owners in financial despair sold the downstairs woodwork to the Brooklyn Museum, and citizens formed the Cupola House Association, the first in North Carolina to save a historic dwelling. In 1921, the Cupola House became the local library for 45 years, and a Tea Room was later added upstairs. From 1966 to 1971, the rehabilitated Cupola House opened as a house museum to great acclaim and was designated a National Historic Landmark with national significance. In 1973, all surrounding original land was regained as part of the Cupola House property. In 2008, its 250-year anniversary was celebrated with a total restoration, and the Cupola House Association marked its 90th year as the oldest such nonprofit in North Carolina.