If you’ve ever strolled down High Street in Farmington and wondered the story behind the Stanley-Whitman House, let me tell you. Built somewhere between 1709 and 1719 by Deacon John Stanley, or at least commissioned by him, it’s one of Connecticut’s crown jewels of colonial architecture. This isn’t just any historic house; it’s a National Historic Landmark, a saltbox-style stunner, and the ultimate window into early New England life.

The house wasn’t just a family home. Its first residents, Thomas and Mary Smith, were farming along the Farmington River and running a weaving shop out of the same place. Later, Solomon Whitman who was a shoemaker, justice of the peace, and town clerk, moved in with his wife Susannah, adding a lean-to (a single-story addition built onto the back of the house, with a roof sloping down) and extending the roofline to create the classic saltbox silhouette we see today. Despite many families living here over the years, the house is called the Whitman House because the first two residents were not only prominent occupants, but they also shaped its architecture, its daily life, and its story from 1736 through 1772.

After the Whitman descendants moved out in 1922, town benefactor Danford Newton Barney purchased the property for just $1 and set it on a new mission: to preserve it and share it’s history. By 1935, the house officially became the Farmington Museum (now the Stanley-Whitman House Museum), open to the public for tours, programs, and events.

Today, the Stanley-Whitman House isn’t just a nice house to drive by, it’s a living, breathing celebration of Farmington’s past history. Visitors can explore period rooms, stroll the gardens, join demonstrations to get a hands-on experience of colonial life. And if you’ve been wondering how to further explore the museum and support a love of local history, you’re in luck…

Mark your calendars for the Annual Farmington Table: A Moveable Feast. The event will be held Saturday October 24, this popular fundraiser starts at 5:00 PM with wine and hors d’oeuvres right in the Stanley-Whitman House. From there, you’ll hop to private historic Farmington homes for a gourmet dinner at 7:00 PM, and cap the night with dessert, coffee, and a silent auction at 9:30 PM. Tickets are $200 (if you RSVP by Oct 2) and include the full experience, with all proceeds benefiting the museum.

Whether you’re a local history buff, a foodie, or someone who just enjoys a good story with a side of wine, the Stanley-Whitman House has it all. Come for the architecture, stay for the events, and leave with a little bit of 18th-century charm in your step.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

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