Stanley-Whitman House: A Window into Colonial Life

The Stanley-Whitman House, located at 37 High Street in Farmington, Connecticut, stands as a testament to early New England architecture and colonial life. Built around 1720, the house is a classic saltbox design, featuring a long, sloping roof, a central chimney, and a framed second-story overhang with pendants. It is one of the oldest houses in Farmington and a National Historic Landmark. The house was initially constructed for Deacon John Stanley between 1709 and 1719, though he likely never lived there. In 1720, Ebenezer Steel purchased the property, and later, Reverend Samuel Whitman acquired it in 1735. The house reflects the beliefs, labor, and resilience of 17th- and 18th-century Farmington residents. The Stanley-Whitman House features a central chimney made of field and sandstone, dividing the house into symmetrical halves. The original structure comprised four rooms and an attic space. The lean-to addition at the rear, added around 1760, includes the kitchen, buttery, and a traditional "birth and death" room. The house's overhanging upper story, derived from English medieval construction techniques, is a prominent feature. Today, the Stanley-Whitman House operates as a museum and living history center. Visitors can explore the period-raised bed gardens, heirloom orchard, and exhibit galleries. The museum also manages Memento Mori, Farmington's ancient cemetery, and the Village Green. The Stanley-Whitman House offers guided tours, educational programs, and workshops that immerse visitors in colonial life.