The Whitfield House has stood on this spot since 1639, making it today the oldest building in Connecticut and the oldest stone structure in New England. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its evolution over nearly four centuries, reflecting complex history in Guilford and across America. It is a physical reminder of European colonialism in the 1600s that forced Indigenous people from their homelands and of the Colonial Revival era of the 1800s-1900s that glorified European superiority. It is also a tangible link to immigrants who came here over the centuries seeking religious freedom, safer homes, and other opportunities, and it remains a touchstone of history's complexity and a reminder to seek different perspectives to preserve a more complete story of America's history.

Photo: Conrad Ward

Photo: Conrad Ward