The Isham-Terry House is a time capsule of genteel life in turn-of-the century Hartford. Dr. Oliver Isham bought the 1854 Italianate Villa in 1896. Here he had his physician's office and lived with his sisters Julia and Charlotte.

Julia and Charlotte occupied the house until the 1970s, defying the urban renewal juggernaut that demolished so many historic homes. The sisters made so few changes and modernizations to the house that crossing its threshold today is like stepping back in time. Room after room is filled with objects of historical and family significance: ornate gas-light fixtures, stained-glass windows, rare books and paintings, Connecticut-made clocks, and memorabilia from Hartford High School, the Ishams' beloved alma mater. Even Dr. Isham's office, with surgical instruments and medicines, was left undisturbed. Dr. Isham also possessed a rare collection of early Connecticut automobile memorabilia.

Directions:

From Eastbound I-84: Exit 49 to 2nd left (Ann Street) to next left (Chapel Street), continue straight on Walnut Street, park in Walnut Street lot. Parking lot is just beyond Isham-Terry House; hard right into lot opposite I-84 access ramp.

From I-91 or Westbound I-84: Exit 32B (Trumbull Street) through four lights past Main to Chapel Street, turn right through 2 lights to High Street-Isham-Terry House is directly across from the street; Parking lot on Walnut Street just beyond Isham-Terry House; hard right into lot opposite I-84 access ramp.