The Peter Bours House dates back to 1723, and is remembered primarily for its association with Newport Gardner, or Occramar Marycoo, a prominent member of the African American community of the era. In 1780,  Marycoo became a notable member of the Free African Union Society, an all-male organization which supported fellow African-American member families in times of need. It was the first Mutual Aid Society for African Americans founded in the United States. The house was later used as a school for black students.