Solomon Goffe House Museum: A Glimpse into 18th-Century Life
Discover Meriden's rich history at the Solomon Goffe House Museum, the city's oldest building dating back to 1711.
The Solomon Goffe House Museum, located at 667 North Colony Road in Meriden, Connecticut, offers a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1711, it stands as the oldest remaining building in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house provides a window into the life of Solomon Goffe, an early settler, though little is known about him. The house itself is an example of early 18th-century architecture, featuring a gambrel roof, a central chimney, and a clapboarded exterior. Inside, visitors can explore rooms furnished with period pieces, offering a glimpse into domestic life in New England during the 1700s. Knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and provide historical context. The museum also features a traditional herb garden, designed to reflect those typical of the 18th century. The Solomon Goffe House isn't just a static display; it's a living museum. On select days, volunteers in period attire demonstrate traditional crafts and activities, such as spinning and weaving, and baking. Special events, such as Civil War reenactments and demonstrations of colonial-era cooking and crafts, are held throughout the season.
Local tips
- Visit on a program day for a more immersive experience with reenactments and demonstrations.
- Check the museum's schedule for special events, such as Civil War reenactments or colonial craft demonstrations.
- Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully explore the house and grounds.
A brief summary to Solomon Goffe House Museum
- 667 N Colony Rd, Meriden, Connecticut, 06450, US
- +1203-634-9088
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
From the Meriden Train Station, head north on State Street. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with E Main St (approximately 0.5 miles). Turn left onto E Main St and walk for about 0.3 miles until you reach the intersection with N Colony Rd. Turn right onto N Colony Rd. The Solomon Goffe House Museum will be on your left at 667 N Colony Rd, approximately 0.7 miles from the intersection.
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Public Transport
From downtown Meriden, take the CTtransit bus route 501 or 503 towards Wallingford. Get off at the stop at E Main St and N Colony Rd (about a 10-15 minute ride). From there, walk a short distance north on N Colony Rd. The Solomon Goffe House Museum will be on your left at 667 N Colony Rd. CTTransit bus fares are typically around $1.75 for a single ride.
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Parking
Parking is available on the street near the museum. Several parking lots and garages are also available in downtown Meriden, about a 5-10 minute drive away. These include the City Garage at 60 Church Street ($2/hour, $10/day) and the West Main/South Grove/Butler Street Lot at 30 Butler Street ($2/hour, $10/day). Some lots offer free parking after 6 PM and on weekends.
