James Dwight Dana House

The James Dwight Dana House is a residential building in New Haven featuring three connected brick sections with Italianate design elements. The structure has a gently sloping roof with deep eaves and a covered porch supported by turned wooden columns.

Henry Austin designed this residence in 1849 for Yale professor James Dwight Dana, a leading figure in geology and mineralogy studies. The building marks a period when scientific education gained importance within the university.

The house shows how university professors lived during the 1800s, with rooms that reflect both personal comfort and intellectual pursuits. Walking through the spaces reveals the connection between Dana's scientific work and his daily life at home.

The building currently serves as a Yale University department space and underwent major renovations in 1996. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and appreciate its location on Hillhouse Avenue, one of the main streets near campus.

The interior preserves original features including colored marble fireplaces, silver doorknobs, and distinctive wooden floor patterns. These handcrafted details reveal the care taken in finishing a professor's home during the 1800s.

Location: New Haven

Inception: 1849

Architects: Henry Austin

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

Address: New Haven ; 24 Hillhouse Ave.CONNECTICUT

GPS coordinates: 41.31340,-72.92410

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24