Hempsted House
About the Business
Hempsted House, located at 11 Hempstead Street in New London, Connecticut, is a museum and tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into urban colonial era life. The institution consists of the Joshua and Nathaniel Hempsted Houses, two of New England's oldest and best-documented dwellings.
The 1678 Joshua Hempsted House was home to the Hempsted family until 1937 and has been extensively restored by Connecticut Landmarks. Adjacent to this house is the stone house built in 1759 for Nathaniel Hempsted by Acadian exiles. Both structures survived the 1781 burning of New London by Benedict Arnold and showcase 17th and 18th-century daily life.
Visitors can meet diarist Joshua Hempsted and his family, as well as learn about Adam Jackson, who was enslaved on the property. The institution also offers special curriculum-based programming for school groups and tours for groups of 10 or more.
The Nathan Hale Homestead, located on the property, is a Georgian-style home that has remained virtually intact since its completion in 1776. Furnished with Hale family possessions and period antiques collected by George Dudley Seymour, the Homestead provides a glimpse into the life of the patriot Nathan Hale.
Connecticut Landmarks aims to engage the public in understanding the historical roots and current-day implications of issues related to equality and freedom. Visitors can also learn about the Thames River Heritage Park Docent Academy and the stories of New London's history.
Admission prices vary for adults, seniors, students, and children, with discounts available for Connecticut Landmarks Members and children under 6. To reserve tours or rent the facility, visitors can contact Hempsted House at (860) 443-7949 or email hempsted@ctlandmarks.org.
Photos
Location & Phone number
11 Hempstead St, New London, CT 06320, United States
Reviews
"Great informative tour of New London's oldest house free for residents of New London"
"I went there for a cool historical event. I think it should have been a bigger festival bit it was good for the small event that it was."
"Wonderful historic location with an amazing staff to tell the Hempstead story. You almost feel like you knew the Hempsteads by the time you leave. They also host events very frequently. Fun for all ages. Don't miss out."
"Great museum about a local man and his family"
"I have to admit that I am a docent at the Hempstead museum, so I am biased. This is a wonderful historic property in the heart of New London, itself a city steeped in history. The wood house was built in 1659 with an addition in 1728. The stone house was built by Arcadian refugees in 1759. The Hempsteads lived in this house until 1940.....nearly 300 years of family history. This house has seen the growth of the American colonies, the birth of the American Republic, and endured generations of struggle, toil, conflict, and triumphs. The houses have been restored to their colonial appearances and we have outfitted the rooms in a manner that would have made Joshua Hempstead (the third resident of the house) feel quite at home. We are a member of Connecticut Landmarks and have a Facebook page which we update with events."
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