Emma Willard House

The Emma Willard House is a Federal-style brick building with a hip roof and granite window lintels located on South Main Street in Middlebury. The two-and-a-half-story structure displays the formal architecture typical of early 19th-century New England homes.

Emma Willard founded the Middlebury Female Seminary in this house in 1814, breaking with tradition by providing formal education to women. Her curriculum of mathematics, classics, and geography became a model for girls' schools across the nation.

The house represents a turning point in American education, showing how women gained access to advanced learning in the early 1800s. Visitors walk through the spaces where this shift toward equal educational opportunity took shape.

The building now operates as Middlebury College's Admissions Office and welcomes visitors, particularly prospective students and families, throughout the academic year. Hours may vary depending on the college calendar, so it is wise to check ahead before visiting.

Built in 1809, the house retains original architectural details such as sidelights and a transom window at its main entrance. These features showcase the craftsmanship and style of early Federal-era residential design.

Location: Middlebury

Address: 131 South Main Street

GPS coordinates: 44.00750,-73.17472

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42