Pratt House
19 West Avenue, Essex, CT
Step back in time through an exploration of one of the oldest homes in Essex and its reproduction barn, gardens, and museum shop
Historic Pratt House, located at 19 West Evenue, Essex, CT
Begun in 1701 by the grandson of one of Essex’s three first settlers, Lieutenant William Pratt, this building housed members of the Pratt family - including nine generations of blacksmiths - for over three centuries.
Period furnishings fill the home, providing visitors with an intimate look at the kinds of everyday objects that would have filled many homes found in our local area.
Of special note are the beautiful iron door-latches, cooking utensils and fireplace tools that were probably forged by one or more of the Pratt black smiths.
Learn how Pratt House’s architectural style and development mirrors that of many local period homes, and how its changes through the years speak to the times of economic boom and bust in the local economy.
Visit!
Pratt House is open to the public for FREE guided tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, June through September from 1-4pm.
Group and off-season tours as well as special events can also be arranged with sufficient notice. Please contact us for appointments and group tours.
Pratt House is free to the public but always welcomes donations.
Pratt House Gardens
The Pratt House kitchen garden is located just outside of the home and is cared for and maintained by EHS volunteers.
The Pratt House pollinator garden located in the northeast corner of the property is cared for and maintained in partnership with Essex Land Trust.
Interested in Becoming a Pratt House Tour Guide?
If you love the Essex area and want to share your passion for its unique history with neighbors, students and visitors, EHS invites you to become a Pratt House guide!
Our training is a great opportunity to engage in life-long learning and to meet and spend time with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. Hours are flexible and limited. Many hands make light work - so encourage your friends to join as well!
Contact us to learn more and get our training schedule for Summer 2025.
Pratt House Guides celebrate the completion of another successful summer season during a Thank You dinner hosted by EHS Staff and Board of Directors.
Pratt’s Provisions Museum Store
During Pratt House hours, come visit our Pratt’s Provisions Museum Store featuring EHS published titles, reproduction colonial toys, books published by local authors and about Essex History, merchandise that shows off your support of EHS, and more!
Exciting plans are underway to expand the use of Pratt House and its beautiful grounds!
We will soon be breaking ground on an expansion that will allow us to make Pratt House the center of a new Culture Campus featuring:
A Town Welcome Center located in our renovated 3-season barn;
An Outdoor Amphitheatre for student and adult continuing education;
Pathways connecting Pratt House to the town park and library; and
Improved accessibility throughout.
Stay tuned for updates and sponsorship opportunities!
“We shape our buildings; thereafter, our buildings shape us.”