Visit Our Museums

The Historical Society has four historic buildings that are open to the public for free tours.

Reservations are not required for tours. 

Special events that are held at the Brewer House may require a reservation and entrance fee.     

Selden Brewer House​

Captain Samuel Brewer, one of the wealthiest farmers and most prominent men of East Hartford, built the Brewer House between 1827 and 1828. The House, originally located on High Street, was considered one of the finest homes in East Hartford in the 19th century. In 1980, the Brewer House was moved to its current location, 165 Main St, on the corner of Naubuc Ave. The House is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brewer House is open for tours every Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. Tours are often led by the grandson of Vincent and Buena Brewer, the last generation of Brewers to have lived in this house.  The Brewer House is also the site of various programs throughout the years. Visit the Events page to see upcoming programs. Tours are free.  Donations are appreciated.

Museums in Martin Park​

Martin Park on Burnside Avenue is the site of three historic buildings--a colonial era home, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop.  All three are open to the public for free tours during the summer.
 

• ​The Makens Bemont House (also called Huguenot House) is our oldest museum. It was built in 1761 by Edmund Bemont, and later became the home of Makens Bemont (Edmund's son) and his family. The Bemonts continued to live in this house into the 19th century. Makens was a fairly prosperous saddle maker and his home and the furniture in this house reflect this late 18th and early 19th century Connecticut River valley prosperity. The Historical Society opens this historic building in Martin Park for visiting during the summer months.

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• ​The one-room Goodwin Schoolhouse was built in East Hartford in 1821 by George Goodwin, a local paper manufacturer. Goodwin built the school on his property and hired a teacher to teach his own and the neighboring children. This schoolhouse continued to be used until 1855 when students began attending local East Hartford schools. 

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• The Burnham Blacksmith Shop was built around 1850 on the Burnham Farm. This building contains late 19th/early 20th century tools and equipment used in the East Hartford area. Visitors will see horse harnesses, tobacco tools, household utensils, blacksmith forges, and more. This shop is the newest of the three historic buildings in Martin Park.