New England was one of the earliest settled areas in the Americas – and has the old architecture to match.
With the seeds of the United States having been planted way back in 1620, there are more than a few historically significant locations around the region.
Sites of historic events are one thing – battles, treaties, first contact with Native Americans, etc. but what about buildings? Even today, the average life expectancy of most buildings is 50 to 60 years, according to MIT Architecture. It would only be shorter the further back in time you go.
But in a region full of old buildings, which is the oldest in our home state of Connecticut?
The Henry Whitfield House
The Henry Whitfield House is the oldest house in Connecticut.
Located in Guilford, the Henry Whitfield State Museum started life as a house built by – you guessed it – Reverend Henry Whitfield in 1639 and functioned both as a residence and defensive structure for the rest of the settlement. The small Puritan community of Guilford were able to settle the area after having reached an understanding with the local native Americans, the Menunkatuck, part of the greater Quinnipiac tribe.
The house was constructed from local granite, with the aid of the Menunkatuck who helped transport the stone from the nearby quarries. It is believed to be the oldest stone house in New England. In addition to residence and minor fortress, the house also served as the settlement’s first church and meeting house.
Despite being instrumental in the founding of the settlement, Whitfield serves as an example that not all New World colonists chose to remain in the colonies. In 1650, Whitfield returned to England following a shift towards less stringent attitudes towards political and religious differences. The reverend was reinstated into the Church of England, though his wife and a number of his children remained in Guilford.
Can I visit the museum?
The Whitfield House, gift shop and visitor center are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from May to October, making it a great addition to a summer daytrip to the area. From November to April, the gift shop and visitor center follow the same hours most weekdays, with the museum is open weekdays by appointment.
A state museum, admission for adults is $10, seniors is $8, children over six is $5 and five and under get in free. Active-duty military and up to five family members also receive free admission.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Oldest house in Connecticut is older than the U.S. Here’s where it is
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 21:55:00
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