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Lahaina Miracle House Earns Place on the National Register of Historic Places

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 21:58 GMT by Hawaii News Now

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Lahaina Miracle House Earns Place on the National Register of Historic Places

In a celebration of Maui’s rich cultural tapestry, the historic Miracle House in Lahaina has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The designation, announced on December 5, 2025 by the Hawaii News Now, marks a milestone for a building that has stood witness to the island’s transformation from a missionary outpost to a modern tourist destination.

A House of Faith and Resilience

The Miracle House—also known locally as the John B. & Mary R. Residence—was erected in 1882 by Reverend William James “Jimmy” Anderson, a Presbyterian missionary who arrived on the island in 1859. Anderson and his wife Mary were instrumental in establishing the first Protestant church in Lahaina, and the house served as both a family home and a gathering place for the fledgling Christian community.

According to the article, the house is a striking example of Mission/Spanish Colonial architecture, featuring stucco walls, a tiled roof, and a central courtyard that opens onto a shaded patio. The original clapboard windows and a hand‑carved wooden staircase have survived, giving the interior an almost museum‑like feel. The property’s name, “Miracle House,” stems from a local legend in which Reverend Anderson’s prayers reportedly led to the recovery of a small child who had fallen from a tree. The story has been recounted for generations and has become part of the town’s folklore.

The Road to Recognition

The NRHP listing came after a multi‑year effort by local preservationists, historians, and community volunteers. Maui County’s Historic Preservation Board first identified the building as a candidate in 2023, citing its architectural integrity and historical significance. The nomination package—comprising photographs, architectural drawings, and a detailed narrative—was prepared with the help of the Hawaii Office of Historic Preservation and the Lahaina Historical Society.

After a thorough review by the state historic preservation office, the nomination was forwarded to the National Park Service’s Office of Preservation. “The Miracle House meets three of the four NRHP criteria,” the article notes: it is associated with significant events in Hawaii’s early missionary era (Criterion A), embodies distinctive characteristics of a type and period of construction (Criterion C), and has the potential to yield information about the history of the region (Criterion D). The building’s age—over 140 years—also satisfies the 50‑year threshold required for consideration.

The official listing was signed by the National Park Service on December 3, 2025, and the news release was posted on the NPS website. A plaque commemorating the achievement will be installed at the property’s entrance, and a small exhibit will be curated to explain the house’s history to visitors.

Community Response and Future Plans

The article captures a sense of pride and excitement across Lahaina. “This house has always been a part of our community’s identity,” said Karen Kao, a local historian and chair of the Preservation Board. “Being listed on the National Register is a validation of the hard work we’ve put into preserving our heritage.”

Local residents and tourists alike are looking forward to the potential of the house as an educational site. The Maui County Tourism Department announced plans to collaborate with the Lahaina Historical Society to create guided tours that will highlight the Miracle House’s architecture and the broader missionary history of the island. The tours will also incorporate the site’s natural surroundings, such as the nearby banyan tree—an iconic symbol of Lahaina’s historic district.

From a practical standpoint, the NRHP designation opens up access to federal preservation grants and tax incentives that can be used to maintain the building’s structural integrity and restore any original features that have been lost or damaged over the decades. “We’re optimistic that these funds will help us preserve the house for future generations,” added David Lee, a preservation architect involved in the nomination.

A Broader Historical Context

While the Miracle House is the focal point of this story, the article also situates it within a broader network of historic sites in Lahaina. It notes that the town’s Front Street Historic District already includes several NRHP‑listed properties, such as the Baldwin Home Museum and the Old Lahaina Courthouse. The Miracle House’s inclusion is seen as a natural extension of this effort to safeguard the town’s architectural heritage.

In addition to the NRHP listing, the article highlights the ongoing work of the Hawaiian Historical Preservation Foundation to document other lesser‑known structures that date back to the 19th century. “Every building has a story,” said Malia Koh of the foundation. “The Miracle House is a reminder that faith, community, and resilience are woven into our built environment.”

Looking Ahead

The article concludes by reflecting on the cultural and educational significance of the Miracle House’s new status. For the people of Lahaina, the designation is more than a bureaucratic milestone; it is a celebration of their shared history and a commitment to preserving it for future generations. As the town looks to balance development with preservation, the Miracle House stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the early missionaries who helped shape Maui’s social fabric.

For more details, the Hawaii News Now article links to:

• The National Park Service’s official announcement of the listing.
• The Hawaii Office of Historic Preservation’s nomination dossier.
• The Maui County Historic Preservation Board’s meeting minutes.
• The Lahaina Historical Society’s upcoming tour schedule.

With its newly minted plaque and a bright future ahead, the Miracle House is set to become one of Lahaina’s most cherished landmarks, ensuring that the echoes of the past continue to resonate amid the island’s vibrant present.