Jabez Smith House | Groton

The Jabez Smith House, located in Groton, Connecticut, is an 18th-century homestead preserved as a museum, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life of colonial and early American families in southeastern Connecticut. Built in 1783, the house is one of the oldest surviving structures in Groton and a key part of the town’s heritage.

Historical Background

The Smith Family: The house was built by Jabez Smith, a descendant of one of Groton’s early settler families. The Smiths were farmers, and the property reflects their agrarian lifestyle.

Late Colonial Construction: Completed shortly after the American Revolution, the house represents the enduring traditions of colonial building methods even as the new nation was forming.

Community Landmark: The house has been preserved by the Groton Historical Society, which maintains it as a museum and educational site.

Architectural Features

Colonial Style: A classic center-chimney farmhouse built of wood, the house has clapboard siding, small-paned windows, and a symmetrical façade typical of late 18th-century Connecticut homes.

Interior Layout:

A central chimney provides fireplaces in the main rooms.

The parlor and keeping room showcase original-style furnishings, tools, and textiles.

Bedrooms are furnished to reflect 18th- and early 19th-century domestic life.

Period Furnishings: The museum displays authentic furniture, household items, and farming implements that illustrate everyday living during colonial times.

Museum Highlights

Domestic Life Exhibits: Visitors can see cooking implements, spinning wheels, and handwoven textiles that reveal how families were largely self-sufficient.

Farming Tools: The collection includes agricultural equipment that reflects Groton’s farming traditions.

Local Artifacts: Items connected to Groton’s Revolutionary War and maritime history provide context for the town’s role in early America.

Educational Programs: School groups and community tours often use the house to explore colonial history through hands-on experiences.

Surrounding Grounds

Farmstead Setting: The house sits on land that was once part of a working farm, preserving the rural atmosphere.

Historic Context: Stone walls, open fields, and the surrounding landscape evoke the look of Groton in the late 1700s.

Visitor Information

Management: Operated by the Groton Historical Society.

Hours: Open seasonally, often on weekends or by appointment, with guided tours provided.

Admission: Typically a modest fee or donation supports preservation efforts.

Accessibility: As an 18th-century structure, accessibility is limited, but tours accommodate visitors as much as possible.

The Jabez Smith House stands as a carefully preserved reminder of Groton’s colonial roots. With its authentic architecture, historic furnishings, and educational exhibits, it offers a direct connection to the everyday life of families in post-Revolutionary New England, making it both a cultural and historical treasure for the region.