13 Historic Houses You Can Tour in Connecticut
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If you’re interested in history, Connecticut is a great spot to visit. There’s no shortage of history in this little state. The state has a lot of charming historic towns, and nestled in these towns are houses that you can actually tour. From modest historic homes to mansions, there are many to visit!
Leffingwell House – Norwich, CT
The Leffingwell House in Norwich started as a two room home in 1675. In 1701, it evolved into a pre-Revolutionary Tavern. By 1776, it became the townhouse of Norwich Patriot Christopher Leffingwell. You’ll learn a lot about Norwich’s history here. The docents are very knowledgeable!
Henry Whitfield House – Guildford, CT
The Henry Whitfield House in Guilford was built in 1638. This house is considered to be Connecticut’s oldest house and the oldest stone house in New England. The house is older than the United States, which is pretty cool. This is definitely a cool house to check out if you’re into historic spots!
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House – Stonington, CT
The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House is a beautiful house you can tour in Stonington. The house was built in 1852. You’ll learn about the history of the house and the people who lived there during the tour. Make sure you go up to the cupola for some great views!
Avery Copp House – Groton, CT
The Avery-Copp Museum is a beautiful home on Thames Street in Groton. The house was built in 1800. The house is still filled with the family’s possessions, which is not typical for many house museums. There are some nice views of the Thames River from the backyard of the property.
Thomas Lee House – Niantic, CT
Built in 1660, the Thomas Lee House in Niantic is one of the oldest wood frame houses in Connecticut that’s in its primitive state. There is also an old schoolhouse on the property, the Little Boston School, that you can also go inside during your visit. This house is right up the road from Rocky Neck State Park, which has a beach and hiking trails.
Denison Homestead – Mystic, CT
The Denison Homestead’s Pequotsepos Manor in Mystic was built in 1717. Each room is furnished with Denison family heirlooms. One room in particular is a time capsule for Ann Borodell Denison Gates’ library. The docents are very knowledgeable and give great information during the tour.
Eolia Mansion – Waterford, CT
Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park in Waterford is a gorgeous Roman Renaissance Revival-style mansion that overlooks Long Island Sound. The mansion has beautiful landscaping surrounding it and the gardens are gorgeous in the summer months. The mansion is also a wedding venue.
Nathan Lester House – Gales Ferry, CT
This is the Nathan Lester House and Farm Tool Museum in Gales Ferry. The house was built in 1793. The docents of this house are very knowledge about the details of the house as well as the history. There are also hiking trails on the property that you can explore during your visit.
Florence Griswold Museum – Old Lyme, CT
This stunning historic home was built in 1817 and it sits on 12 acres of land on the Lieutenant River. You can walk the grounds and tour inside the home. The first floor has rooms you can check out with information boards and upstairs is an art gallery.
Roseland Cottage – Woodstock, CT
The Roseland Cottage is currently the only Historic New England Property in Connecticut. This beautiful summer home was built in 1846 in the Gothic Revival style. This beautiful house is a National Historic Landmark. It also features a beautiful garden.
Governor Jonathan Trumbull House – Lebanon, CT
The Govenor Jonathan Trumbull House was home to the only colonial governor to actively support the American Revolution. Jonathan Trumbull was actually given the nickname “Brother Jonathan” by General George Washington. Also on the property is the Wadsworth Stable, which you can also tour. The docents will give you a lot of information about the history of the house and the stable during your visit.
Webb Deane Stevens Museum – Wethersfield, CT
The Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield actually gives you access to a guided tour of their three restored historic houses. The museum is located in the heart of historic Wethersfield, which was founded in 1632. This town has a lot of history to discover. George Washington actually spent time at the Webb House!
Weir House – Wilton, CT
This house is located the Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton. This historic home housed three generations of artists, beginning with the Impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir in 1882. The house was restored to circa 1940. It’s open for tours seasonally and it contains many original paintings, furnishings, and decorative objects.
Very nice selection of homes. If you are ever up in the Scotland, CT area on a first Saturday of the month may I invite you to two homes that are open for tours and for this year at least are free to get in. First up, the 1715 Edward Waldo House, complete with 260 years of Waldo “things” left by Philanthropist Ruth Waldo in 1978. Lastly, it’s the Huntington Homestead, birthplace Samuel Huntington- signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1st President of the United States in Congress Assembled, and 10 term governor of our great State.
Those are on my list! I was looking to visit then last year, but I just never made it. I drove by the Edward Waldo House, but it wasn’t open when I did. I’m hoping I do make it to both this year 🙂
Thank you for this. We plan on visiting Connecticut in the future so I have saved this for future reference.