CLINTON, Mass. - When Dan Tenore first saw the home he eventually bought in Clinton, he had no idea of the history inside.

"We saw the house, we knew it was for sale, we came to take a look during an open house, at that time we found out President Carter had visited," Tenore said.

President Jimmy Carter spent the night at the house on Chestnut Street on March 16, 1977, a date remembered by a plaque hanging in the bedroom the President slept in. Less than two months in to his only term, Carter would speak at Clinton Town Hall in an effort to connect him more with the American public.

"We see the stories, we see the films of it from back in the day," Tenore said. "It's neat to look back and see that. You realize you're passing through a little piece of history."

During his visit, Carter stayed with Kay and Edward Thompson and their eight children. A photo album the Thompson's left behind recounts America's 39th president’s stay, including pictures of Carter at the dinner table, going upstairs for the night and a personalized “thank you” note.

The Thompsons put the pictures and mementos together to welcome the new owners to the home, some showing off Carter’s personality, including a note the president sent one of the Thompson children to school with, reading "To teacher, from Jimmy Carter. Please excuse Jane for being late. She had a guest in their home."

Tenore said there's a sense of pride in owning such a unique home. Like many houses though, over time, he’s had to make renovations.

"Where we're standing, there used to be a wall here," Tenore demonstrated. "Everything behind the wall in this area was a mud room and laundry room. It was part of the appeal to the Secret Service. They could set up shop here and be completely separated from the family. It was important for them, President Carter, that they not interfere with family life."

But the bedroom the president slept in hasn’t changed much, and Tenore wants to preserve what he can from that night in 1977.

"We understand that these are memories that were made before we got here, and they're memories that will be here long after we're gone," Tenore said. "So, we're caretakers."