Welcome to the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Webb Deane Stevens Museum display

In Historic Old Wethersfield

Located in the center of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum provides the quintessential New England experience. Old Wethersfield is a quiet town just south of Hartford that is known for its shade covered streets and lanes lined by over 300 historic houses -- 50 built before the American Revolution.  There are historically and architecturally significant churches and public buildings, an ancient burying ground, a variety of small shops, local farm stands, casual dining, and a scenic park overlooking the Cove that connects to the Connecticut River. View "Around Wethersfield".

Four Remarkable 18th Century Houses

Webb-Deane-Stevens Historic HousesThe 1752 Joseph Webb House served as George Washington’s headquarters in May 1781, and was later owned by Wallace Nutting.  The Silas Deane House, circa 1770, was built for America’s Revolutionary War diplomat to France as both his residence and as a power base for his political aspirations.  The Isaac Stevens House, 1789, depicts the life of a middle class family in the 1820s and 30s using many original family possessions.  The newly opened second floor features the Colonial Dames' toy collection, a children’s bed chamber and interactive exhibits on child life and play in the early 19th century.  The three houses stand on their original foundations next door to one another on Main Street in Wethersfield.  The Webb House Colonial Revival Garden, based upon Amy Cogswell’s 1921 designs, and the Webb Barn, a popular site for meetings and weddings, are behind the Webb House.

Buttolph-Williams HouseWithin easy walking distance is the Buttolph-Williams House. Owned by Connecticut Landmarks and managed by the Museum, it captures the spirit of Puritan life in New England in the 17th century.  Built around 1715, the interiors are furnished with rare 17th and early 18th century antiques assembled by renowned antiques collectors and dealers.  The house was also the setting for Elizabeth George Speare’s Newberry Award-winning novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond (1958).  

CT. Cultural Treasures video featuring the museum (5 minutes).