Hempsted Houses

The 1678 Joshua Hempsted House in New London is one of New England’s oldest and most well documented dwellings. Adjacent to the Joshua Hempsted House is a rare stone house built in 1759 for Nathaniel Hempsted by Acadian exiles. Both structures survived the 1781 burning of New London and stand today as testaments of 17th and 18th-century daily life. Joshua Hempsted the second was born in 1678 in the house that bears his name. From 1711 until his death in 1758, Joshua kept a diary, which today is one of the best sources about life in colonial New London. Joshua’s diary provides hundreds of pages of valuable information, as well as his insight about early New London people and activities, including the life of enslaved resident Adam Jackson. The stone Nathaniel Hempsted House was constructed by Joshua’s grandson Nathaniel Hempsted. He was a merchant and one of three rope makers in maritime New London. The Hempsted Houses engage the public in understanding the historical roots, development and current-day implications of issues related to equality and freedom, with a special focus on slavery, and empower people to make a difference.

Address: 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT 06320
Distance from City Pier Water Taxi Landing: 0.6 Miles
Phone Number: (860) 443-7949
Hours: Currently Closed While Restoration Takes Place | Summer Events Will Continue on Site
Admission – Advance Reservation Required for Private Tours
$8 – Adults  |  $8 – Seniors (65+), AAA members, TRHP Members, Students with ID & Teachers  |  $4 – Children ages 6-18  |  FREE – Children ages 0-5,  New London Residents, and CTL Members
Group Tours: To book group tours call (860) 443-7949 or email [email protected]

Important Update for the 2024 Season: Public Tours Currently Cancelled
Connecticut Landmarks has undertaken a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of their visitors and historic property, public tours are currently CANCELLED. In light of this, they have reduced admission costs until further notice for private tours.