Hempsted Houses

Joshua Hempsted's gift to history was the diary he kept, recording almost 50 years of details about daily life in Connecticut in the 18th century. The Hempsted Houses also provide a glimpse into the past. The 1678 Joshua Hempsted House is a medieval, English-style frame dwelling; the 1759 Nathaniel Hempsted House (Nathaniel was Joshua's grandson) is constructed out of stone. The houses are maintained by Connecticut Landmarks, which conducts seasonal tours and educational programs on the times of the Hempsteds. There are walking tours of the neighborhood, as well as special programs for children and adults that focus on various aspects of Colonial life.