Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden: A Step Back in Time

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem, Connecticut, invites visitors to explore the lives and passions of two remarkable individuals. Reverend Joseph Bellamy, a prominent figure in the First Great Awakening, constructed the house between 1754 and 1767. Later, in 1912, Henry and Eliza Ferriday acquired the property as a summer residence, with Eliza and her daughter Caroline creating the formal garden that graces the site today. Bellamy, a renowned preacher and theologian, used the house as a base for his ministry and a training ground for aspiring ministers. His theological school was the first of its kind in the United States, shaping the education of many influential figures. The house itself evolved over time, with architectural embellishments added in the 1790s. The Bellamy family owned the 100-acre property until 1868. The Ferridays transformed the property into an elegant summer retreat, blending European decorative elements with the home's colonial roots. Caroline Ferriday, in particular, left a lasting mark, supporting social justice and human rights causes throughout her life. She aided victims of the Ravensbrück concentration camp and supported the Civil Rights Movement, earning her the Cross of Lorraine and the French Legion of Honor. Visitors can explore the house, filled with American and European antiques, and wander through the formal parterre garden, featuring historic roses, peonies, and lilacs. The garden reflects the tastes and interests of the Ferridays, especially Caroline, who spent 78 summers on the property. Today, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden is owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks.