Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden

Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden is a historic house museum located in Bethlehem, Connecticut, showcasing the life and work of Reverend Joseph Bellamy and Caroline Ferriday. The property, which includes a house and garden, is a significant example of Colonial Revival architecture and features a collection of American art and antiques. The house has been associated with several notable figures, including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who were friends of the Bellamy family. The property is now owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic sites in Connecticut, such as the Hill-Stead Museum and the Phelps-Hathaway House.

● History

The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, when it was built by Reverend Joseph Bellamy, a prominent Congregationalist minister and friend of Jonathan Edwards. The house remained in the Bellamy family for several generations, with notable family members including Joseph Bellamy Jr., who served as a chaplain in the American Revolutionary War. In the 20th century, the house was inherited by Caroline Ferriday, a socialite and philanthropist who was friends with Dorothy Draper and Eleanor Roosevelt. Ferriday restored the house and garden to their original beauty, using the expertise of landscape architects such as Beatrix Farrand and Olmsted Brothers. The property has also been visited by notable figures, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Rachel Carson, who were inspired by its beauty and historic significance.

● Architecture

The house is a prime example of Colonial Revival architecture, with a mix of Georgian and Federal styles. The building features a central hallway with a staircase designed by Asher Benjamin, and rooms with fireplaces and woodwork crafted by local carpenters. The house has undergone several renovations and restorations, including a major project led by Fiske Kimball in the 1920s. The property also includes several outbuildings, such as a barn and a carriage house, which were designed by architects such as McKim, Mead & White. The house is similar in style to other historic homes in Connecticut, such as the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum and the Gillette Castle.

● Garden

The garden is a beautiful example of a Colonial Revival garden, with a mix of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. The garden was designed by Caroline Ferriday and features a variety of plant species, including roses, lavender, and boxwood. The garden is surrounded by a stone wall built by local masons and features a pond and a walkway designed by landscape architects such as Warren Manning. The garden is similar in style to other historic gardens in Connecticut, such as the Hill-Stead Museum and the Florence Griswold Museum. The garden has also been visited by notable figures, including Lady Bird Johnson and Rachel Carson, who were inspired by its beauty and historic significance.

● Collections

The collections at the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden include a variety of artworks and antiques, such as furniture crafted by Chippendale and Hepplewhite. The collection also includes textiles, such as quilts and embroidery, created by local craftswomen. The property also features a collection of books and manuscripts, including works by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. The collections are similar to those found at other historic house museums in Connecticut, such as the Wadsworth Atheneum and the New Britain Museum of American Art. The collections have been exhibited at other museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.

● Preservation

The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden is preserved and operated by Connecticut Landmarks, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic sites in Connecticut. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. The property has undergone several restoration projects, including a major project led by Fiske Kimball in the 1920s. The property is also supported by several organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Garden Club of America. The preservation of the property is similar to that of other historic sites in Connecticut, such as the Mystic Seaport and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Category:Historic house museums in Connecticut