Many West Hartford residents have driven past the small colonial house on New Britain Avenue dozens of times. Some know it’s old. Some know it’s historic. But far fewer know the story of Sarah Whitman Hooker, the woman whose name the house bears and whose life gives this modest home its extraordinary significance.

A Powerhouse in the West Division
Before it became a museum, this was Sarah’s home. Born in 1747 as a descendant of Hartford’s founders, Sarah wasn't just a bystander to history. When she married Thomas Hart Hooker in 1770, they moved into the homestead to run an extensive farm.

By 1775, Sarah was a widowed mother of two, her husband having died of pleurisy while defending Boston. Left to manage the massive property alone, she found a vital partner in Bristow, a formerly enslaved man of known locally for his agricultural skills. Together, Sarah and Bristow kept the farm running while the Revolution simmered around them.

The Houseguests from Hell
In the winter of 1775–76, Governor Trumbull asked Sarah to house two high-profile British prisoners: Colonel Philip Skene and his son, Andrew. They weren't exactly easy guests. They were high-ranking loyalists who had refused to join the patriot cause.

When an angry local mob showed up at the front door with the charming idea to tar and feather the men, Sarah didn't flinch. She was decisive, stood her ground, and persuaded the crowd to disperse. She likely saved their lives that night, honoring her word to keep them safe.

Why This House Was Worth Saving
Hundreds of early homes once dotted West Hartford, but most are now gone. This one survived because it holds an unusually complete story.

Built around 1720, the house preserves layers of life from the 18th and early 19th centuries. You’ll see original framing, wide floorboards, and exposed beams alongside the additions that show how the home evolved. Long before New Britain Avenue was a sea of cars, this was also a small tavern and stopping place for travelers along a major colonial route.

What It’s Like to Visit Today
Visiting the Hooker House feels less like a museum tour and more like stepping into someone’s living room. The spaces are intimate and filled with period-appropriate textiles, ceramics, and tools. Guided tours connect the dots between the architecture and the people, like Sarah and Bristow, who actually made it work.

How to Visit
The house is owned by the Town of West Hartford and cared for by the Sarah Whitman Hooker Foundation.

Tours are typically by appointment, with occasional public open houses and special programs throughout the year.

860-785-9549
sarahwhitmanhooker.org
Adults $15; Children Under 12 $7.50

📜Did You Know?
Sarah Whitman Hooker’s husband, Thomas Hart Hooker, was a descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker, one of Connecticut’s founding leaders who helped establish Hartford in the 17th century. That connection gives the house an extra link to early Connecticut and Farmington Valley history beyond West Hartford’s borders.

🔍Valley Trivia
Sarah managed this massive farm after her husband died, but she didn't do it alone. How did her partner on the farm, Bristow, gain his status as a free man in 1775?

A) He was granted freedom by a general state decree.
B) He worked extra hours to save 60 pounds and buy his own liberty.
C) He was awarded freedom for his service in the militia.
D) He inherited the property from the Hooker family.

Find out the answer in next week’s issue!

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