Holiday Open House at the Avery-Copp House in Groton, CT
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The Avery-Copp House Holiday Open House offers a simple, festive way to step into the season. Guests can tour the historic home, enjoy seasonal decor and refreshments, and learn about local traditions. This post highlights what to expect so you can plan your visit.
About The House
This house tells the story of life in Groton, Connecticut from just after the Revolutionary War through the early 20th century. The house was built on the banks of the Thames River in 1800 by Rufus Avery and then sold to his cousin Latham Avery who was a sea captain. The house served as the home for generations of the descendants of Latham Avery.
The very last family member to live in the house was Joe Copp, who died at age 101 in 1991. He took over responsibility of the house after his parents had passed away in 1930. He kept the house virtually unchanged, leaving everything that his parents had in the house, while bringing very little into the house. In doing so, he kept the house as a “time capsule” of sorts that reflected daily life of the family prior to 1930.
This house museum is very unique because it has all of the family’s personal belongings in it. If you’ve been to a lot of historic house museums like I have, you’ll know that this is not always the case. It’s not uncommon for houses of this age to be owned by various families throughout their history. A house being full of items from the family instead of curated period-accurate items (with family pieces here and there) is extremely rare. This house is truly special.
About The Event
This is a free community event. However, they do ask that you bring a donation for the Groton Food Bank. This year, the event is Sunday, December 7, 2025 between 3pm and 5pm. No reservations are required, simply pop in when you can during the event with your food donation in hand.
During the event, the house is decorated for the holidays as it might have been a century ago. There are also refreshments served in the dining room of the house. This event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit while also enjoying historic charm!
Getting There
The house is located on Thames Street in Groton, Connecticut. You’ll take I-95 and take the exit for Thames Street. There is a large parking lot with free parking across the street from the house. After parking, you’ll cross the street and follow the signs to the entrance of the museum.
My Experience Going To The Event
Let me just start by saying that I wanted to go to this event so badly, I left my sister’s birthday party sooner than I typically would have. I love all things festive and historic, and I did not want to miss out on this house dressed up for the holidays. I had visited it for the first time in July of 2024, and I absolutely loved it.
We brought a couple canned goods to donate for the Groton Food Bank. I love that this event is so community focused from it being completely free to providing snacks to accepting donations for the local food bank. I think it’s great when historic homes like this are free and open to the public because it makes learning history and the importance of preserving spots like this accessible to everyone.
Since this event is an open house, there is no guided tour. Once you step inside, you’ll donate your food item and then you’re free to explore the home at your own pace. There are docents around the house who are happy to answer any questions that you might have about the house, items you see in the house, and the people that lived there.
Below are photos I took during my visit to the Holiday Open House.
Is The Holiday Open House Worth Going To?
Absolutely! This is one of the most unique historic house museums in southeastern Connecticut. It’s worth a visit any time of year, but it’s especially special when it’s dressed up for the holidays. This is a great event that’s free to go to that also benefits the Groton community.
The Avery-Copp House looks like a fun spot to enjoy the holiday season. I always like something special like this to get in the holiday spirit. Great that they are also collecting food donations! A good stop if we get to Connecticut.
It’s definitely a fun spot to enjoy the holiday season!!
Such a fascinating article! I love the pictures too! I’m an Italian living in SE Asia and I admit I don’t know much about what to see and do in the USA beyond the most obvious places. Thanks to your article, I got the chance to learn more!
I feel like Connecticut isn’t a state that’s typically on people’s radars, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you get the chance!
This is so charming! I loved the community feel of this event, the beautiful decorations, the contribution towards the food bank, and how it offers a real glimpse into local history.
It’s definitely a great event!
What a wonderful event! I love historic homes, especially ones preserved so authentically, and the Avery-Copp House sounds like such a rare treasure. The idea of stepping into a time capsule filled with original family belongings is incredible. Pair that with holiday decorations and a community-focused open house, and it becomes the perfect way to welcome the season. This is exactly the kind of festive, history-rich experience I’d love to attend!
This is definitely a history-rich experience!! I’m hoping I can make it again this year, it is such a great event.
How amazing that it was left so untouched. I agree, it is the perfect time capsule.
It’s so rare to come across a house like this that’s so untouched, it makes it so special!