Guilford Historic Town Center

Guilford Historic Town Center is a historic district spanning between Interstate 95 and Long Island Sound that contains over 600 buildings representing different architectural styles and periods. These structures range from early colonial homes to later Victorian and Federal designs, creating a living record of building techniques and tastes.

The settlement began in 1639 when English colonists purchased land from Native Americans and established the central green as the community gathering point. This early planning shaped how the town expanded and developed over the following centuries.

The central green displays religious buildings such as the 1829 Congregational church alongside civic structures that form the spiritual and social heart of the community. Visitors can observe how the arrangement of these buildings reflects the values and priorities of different periods.

The area is walkable with main buildings concentrated around the central green and its surroundings. Many structures have interpretive signs on their exteriors, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and learn about architectural features and local history.

The Henry Whitfield House, built in 1639, stands as Connecticut's oldest stone residence and now houses a museum inviting visitors to explore the earliest days of English settlement. This building offers direct insight into colonist life and demonstrates construction methods used in that early period.