Museums and Historic Sites to see!

Hurlbut-Dunham House: 212 Main St., next to the Wethersfield Museum. Come see this elegant brick Georgian featured in Colonial Homes Magazine’s April 1996 issue. The home is rich in early 20th century features including original Rococo Revival wallpapers, painted ceilings and cornices, and furnishings and accessories of Howard and Jane Dunham, prominent Wethersfield and Hartford area couple. Opened by the Wethersfield Historical Society in 1995, tours originate at the Keeney Memorial, next door at 200 Main Street. The Society received the Connecticut League of Historical Societies Award of Merit for the restoration of the house in June of 1996. Admission is $3.00 for adults, free to children 16 and under and to Society members. Hours: Sat., 10-4, Sun. 1-4, mid-May to mid-October. Open for special events and group tours. Group tours may be arranged by calling (860) 529-7656.

Historic Cove Warehouse: Located at the North end of Main Street, overlooking the Wethersfield Cove, is the last reminder of Wethersfield’s colorful maritime past. The old wooden warehouse is open for tours from mid-May to mid-Oct., on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sundays 1-4 p.m. A maritime exhibit which explores Wethersfield role in the busy trade of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries is on display. Also featured is the role of privateers, privately owned and armed vessels which engaged British supply ships to capture critical commodities for the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Admission is $1.00 for adults, free to children 16 and under and to Society members.

See the exhibits at the Wethersfield Museum at Keeney Memorial, 200 Main St. Featuring "Legendary People, Ordinary Lives," the permanent exhibition on the history of Wethersfield featuring over 100 artifacts from the Society's collections, interactive components for visitors, and information on historic sites to visit in the area. Also the changing exhibition galleries feature the works of local artisans, artists, craft guilds and temporary society exhibitions throughout the year. Don't forget to visit the Museum Shop while there! The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center also houses meeting and reception space available for rent by public and private groups. The building is handicapped accessible from the 100 car parking lot. Open Mon. - Sat., 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Gallery admission is $3.00 for adults, free to Wethersfield residents, Society members and to children16 and under.

Wethersfield Visitor’s Center, located in the front of the Keeney Memorial at 200 Main Street is fully accessible from the rear parking lot and elevator, where visitor facilities are located. Information is available on area museums, historic sites, local shops, restaurants, accommodations, and travel. Open same hours as Museum (listed above).

Genealogical and Research Library, located in the Old Academy at 150 Main Street. Open year-round Tues.-Fri. 10-4. Also open by appointment. (860) 529-7656. If you have a query and would like to have it answered by mail, put your request in writing and our volunteer researchers will handle it.

Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main St., is a complex of three restored 18th century homes featuring furniture and decorative arts from 1690 to 1840, reflecting the lifestyles of merchant Joseph Webb (1752), diplomat Silas Deane (c. 1766) and leather worker Isaac Stevens (1788). Open May 1- Oct. 31, Wed. thru Mon. 10-4; Nov. 1 - Apr. 30, Sat. & Sun. 10-4. Owned and operated by the Colonial Dames. Admission. (860) 529-0612.

Buttolph-Williams House, Marsh and Broad Streets, was built around the turn of the 18th century and is furnished to portray a 17th century lifestyle. Open May 1 - Oct. 31, Wed. thru Mon. 10-4. Admission. Owned by the Antiquarian and Landmarks Society, it is managed by the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, (860) 529-0612.

Group Tour Opportunities: The Wethersfield Historical Society offers several adult group tours, including a step-on bus tour, two walking tours of Old Wethersfield, and house tours. Tours can be tailored to your group needs and we do cross-programming with the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum and the Buttolph-Williams House. Call or write to the Society for details (860) 529-7656, fax (860) 563-2609.

Travel brochure available by calling (860) 529-7656, fax (860) 563-2609, by writing to Wethersfield Historical Society, 150 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109, or send email to: Society[at]WethHist.org.