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Kick-off for Hart House 250th Anniversary

Almost a decade before the first shots of the American Revolution were fired, 21 year-old William Hart and his new wife Esther Buckingham moved into their new home on Main Street in Saybrook. Since that time, the Hart House has served many purposes and today its rooms showcase historic objects and resonate with memories from its long and useful life.

Maintained as a meeting place, museum, and exhibit gallery by the Historical Society, the 1767 Gen. William Hart House is one of the town’s premier tourist attractions and highlights the long and illustrious history of its inhabitants, the community, and the nation.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Gen. William Hart House and the occasion is being commemorated by the Old Saybrook Historical Society.

The anniversary celebration kicks off Sunday, June 25 at 12:45 p.m. when the U.S. Coast Guard Brass Quintet begins presenting musical selections followed by Historical Society President Marie McFarlin welcoming the public at 1 p.m. Brief comments will be offered by Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward.

After the formal ceremonies, the Connecticut 6th Regiment will occupy the campus to re-enact military life and demonstrate everyday activities during the American Revolution. They’ll be joined by the lively music of the Chester Fife and Drum Corps, the oldest continuously active corps in the U.S.

Hart was Saybrook’s highest ranking soldier in the War for American Independence; a successful merchant, ship owner, and West Indies trader; a highly successful speculator in the Western Reserve; a distinguished public servant; and a many-times candidate for both Congress and governor of Connecticut.

For much of the 19th century the house was used by Hetty and Nancy Wood as a school for girls and after several later owners was transferred to the First Church of Christ (Congregational) in 1972.

Two years later, the church sold it to the Old Saybrook Historical Society. Since then the historical society has made significant improvements to maintain and preserve its historic character and today it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and serves visitors and residents as a center for history.

The celebration will take place at the Gen. Wm. Hart House, 350 Main Street, Old Saybrook. The public is invited for this free, family-friendly festivity.

The house and exhibit gallery featuring artifacts and photos related to the Hart House will be open for tours from Monday, July 3 through Saturday, Sept. 2 on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. and through mid-December by appointment. Admission is free although donations of any amount are welcomed.