The luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by two wealthy eighteenth-century Connecticut Valley families - until their fortunes collapsed - is displayed in the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden.

Merchant Shem Burbank built the house in 1761. But as a Tory sympathizer, his business suffered during the American Revolution. In 1788 he sold the house to Oliver Phelps, who in 1794 flaunted the riches earned from land investments in western New York by adding a wing, an architectural masterpiece that still features original Paris-made wallpaper. Eight years later Phelps left Suffield, bankrupted by his failed land schemes.

The house is furnished with outstanding eighteenth-century Connecticut furniture and landscaped with formal flower beds. The Hatheway family owned the house throughout the 1800s, accumulating an attic full of artifacts that document life during that century.

Admission:

Adults $7; Students, Teachers & Seniors $6; Children age 6-18 $4; Children under 6 and members are FREE; Families (2 adults with children) $15; For Groups of 10 or more: $5 each.

Directions:

Northbound on I-91: Exit #40 toward Bradley Airport to Rte. 20 West to Rte. 75 North about 3 miles to Main Street Suffield, turn left, house about 1 mile north on the left.

Southbound on I-91: Exit 47 W across CT River to Suffield, left onto Rte. 159, first right on to Thrall Ave., 2+ miles to right onto Bridge St., about 1 mile to left onto South Main St., first big house on the right with fence.