Bush-Holley House, Fairfield County Travel Guide

Step back in time at the Bush-Holley House, a circa 1730 National Historic Landmark that stands as a testament to American history and art. Located in the charming village of Cos Cob, Connecticut, this house museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two significant periods in American culture.Originally the home of the Bush family, the house witnessed the nation's struggle for independence and the birth of a new republic. During the New Nation era (1790-1825), the Bush family, wealthy merchants, resided here, and the house also served as home to enslaved individuals. Later, in the late 19th century, the Holley family transformed the house into a boarding house, attracting artists and writers and establishing the Cos Cob Art Colony, Connecticut's first Impressionist art colony.From the 1890s to the 1920s, the Bush-Holley House became a hub for prominent American Impressionist artists, including John Henry Twachtman, J. Alden Weir, Theodore Robinson, and Childe Hassam. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, view American Impressionist art, and learn about the daily lives of both the Bush and Holley families. The house also acknowledges the enslaved people who lived and worked there.The Greenwich Historical Society purchased the house in 1957 and opened it as a museum in 1958. Today, the Bush-Holley House offers guided tours, exhibitions, and programs that engage visitors of all ages. The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll.