The Hempsted Houses

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New London, CT
The Hempsted Houses

This landmark property features two houses, one built in 1678 by the son of one of New London's first The site features two houses.

This landmark property tells the story of three great populations whose paths collided in early New London. They are the Native Americans who were here from the beginning, the Europeans who arrived in the 1600s, and the enslaved Africans who were brought here about the same time. One was built in 1678 by the son of one of New London's first European settlers after the defeat of the Pequots. The ot

her was built in 1759 by a Hempsted descendant. Two enslaved people lived in the older house in the 1700s and very early 1800s. Other residents of the houses have included a Revolutionary War hero of the Battle of Fort Griswold (1781) and some of the city's leading abolitionists from the 1840s. HOURS
Open for tours May through October on the 2nd-4th Saturdays of each month by advance reservation. PARKING
Park on the street or in the lot at the OIC Center (the former Saltonstall School) across Hempstead Street from the Houses. ADMISSION
$12 – Adults
$10 – Seniors, Students, Teachers
$5 – Children 6-18
FREE – Under 6
FREE – Connecticut Landmarks Members

THE HEMPSTED HOUSES
This is one of 12 historic properties owned by Connecticut Landmarks (www.ctlandmarks.org). The properties span three centuries of the state's history; each offers a unique starting point for exploring the Connecticut experience.

09/04/2026

Be sure to grab your tickets for Pipes & Cider at our Palmer-Warner House! It is sure to be an amazing event!

09/03/2026

What an incredible energy on campus! 🔆 Our staff had a wonderful time attending the Mitchell College First-Year Convocation and partnering for the inaugural Story Swap. Seeing the community come together to welcome the Class of 2030 reminds us why local history and education go hand-in-hand. Best of luck on your first semester! 🎒👏

08/31/2026

On a January in 1751/52, Joshua details some of the work done locally and at home. We often imagine Adam making it back to this space after a long day of labor. These writing thankfully give us a view of some of that not so long ago past.

Wednsd. Jan. i Cloudy a little Snow. I was at home all day. a Child of John Harris's buryed. a male 2 or 3 yr old. had the Canker. Josha is Come. Thursd 2d fair & not quite So Sharp, tho Cold Enough. I was most of the day about home. I went with Stephen & Natt & adm & Richd with my Team, adm drove home 2 Ld. fryd 3d Cloudy windy & violent cold. I was at home all day. Saturd 4th fair. I was att home all Day. I Shelled out a Baskit of Corn in which John's Corn was caryed up ye Garrit after husking & the Baket holds Exactly i bushll 2 quarts & i pint. 1 had 31 baskitts full. Natt caryed them up in the new Garrett, that is 33 Bushells & 13 quarts of Natts Corn that he planted & Wm Beckwiths (half that he planted was 10^ of my new Basket which holds, the Widow Sarah Rogers of Poquoyog Died of a Long Illness, aged about 73. She was a widow 30 yr & more. Sund 5 fair & very cold. I was not out in the foren. Mr adams pr al day

08/23/2026

Huge thanks to Meredith Adler and Mitchell College for inviting us to be partners in the first-ever First-Year Students Story Swap! We had an amazing time, met some incredible students, and can't wait to watch them grow. 📚🌟

08/22/2026

🐐🌿 Calling all goat fans: 50 very hungry visitors are heading to Adam Jackson Black Heritage Memorial Park on August 26! Come say “hay” from outside the fence and watch New London’s cutest cleanup crew get to work.🐐🌟

08/20/2026

A group shot taken as Pirate Days closed last Sunday, and we all had to head back to the 21st century 🥰

Thank you to all who made this a perfect weekend for so many! 🏴‍☠️

08/15/2026

Pirate Days is off to a perfect start!

The weather is perfect and the pirates are arriving in forces!

Stop by and visit us today until 4 pm or tomorrow from 11 to 4!

08/14/2026

Vendor Spotlight! 🧵 🥘🥧🪡

Wedges of Time is a living history interpretation group that presents 18th-century colonial life, crafts, and historical skills through public programs, local workshops, and educational demonstrations.

They host Interactive community workshops, historic cooking and craft demonstrations, foraging, and period artifact displays.

We are so happy to have them at the 2026 Pirate Days! Wedges of Time

08/13/2026

Vendor Highlight: Big Bear Trading Company 🪙🧵🐻

Big Bear Trading brings history to life with replica 18th-century jewelry and trade goods. Their selection includes coins, buttons, sewing and writing equipment, playing cards, dice, eating utensils, combs, and more, perfect for history enthusiasts, reenactors, or anyone who appreciates timeless craftsmanship and design inspired by the past.

You can expect lots of new inventory this coming weekend!
Stop by and visit Big Bear because he’s one of the nicest people you’ll meet!

08/12/2026

Pirates have been spotted on the horizon!!

Use this map to chart your course through a weekend of family-friendly adventure at the Hempsted Houses! Along the way, you'll encounter a pirate camp, historical demonstrations, specialty vendors, shipbuilding activities, a pirate tattoo station and a scavenger hunt for buried treasure!

Keep your map handy! Costumes are encouraged, curiosity is required and fun awaits the whole crew!

Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation to support continued programming at The Hempsted Houses. Advance registration is suggested, but walks ups are always welcome! Register athttps://ctlandmarks.org/event/pirate-days-2/

Address

11 Hempstead Street
New London, CT
06320

Telephone

(860) 443-7949

Website

http://www.ctlandmarks.org/

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