The Huntington Homestead in Scotland, Connecticut, is the birthplace of Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a distinguished statesman during the Revolutionary War and early Republic. The remarkably well-preserved site includes an eighteenth century house on its original foundation surrounded by acres of farmland, bordered by Merrick Brook. It includes old-growth trees, stone walls, an abandoned road, and other interesting features. The Huntington Homestead is a surprising discovery so late in the twentieth century, when most historic sites have already been enshrined or ravaged. It is a National Historic Landmark.
The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust, Inc. is the owner of the Huntington Homestead. The Kimball family, who had owned the property for 72 years, sold the historic farm to the Town of Scotland in 1994. The Town agreed to grant a two-year lease with an option to buy to interested local residents. Shortly thereafter, a grassroots effort to save the property for posterity was undertaken by dedicated volunteers who formed a nonprofit corporation named The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust. In July of 1996, the Trust purchased the property from the town and began its history as a museum organization.
Scotland, Connecticut is located in the heart of Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, an affiliate unit of the National Park Service. Connecticut Routes 14 and 97, both very scenic in character, transect Scotland. The Huntington Homestead is minutes from I-395 in Norwich, and lies within two hours of Boston and three hours of New York. Residents and tourists from New England and beyond will enjoy the surprise of discovery upon reaching the Huntington Homestead, a "best kept secret" in American history.
June 7, 2025 1 p.m.
"Introducing Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833)" Learn about the Revolutionary War Patriot and first African American ordained minister in Connecticut and his connection to the Huntington family.
June 21, 2025 1 p.m.
"Scotland Men Who Answered the Call to Arms in 1775" Researcher Pauline Merrick provides details of the men from Windham (Scotland), CT who responded to the call of duty at the outbreak of hostilities in 1775.
July 5, 2025 11 a.m.
"Happy Birthday Samuel Huntington!" Grand Union flag raising with cannon salute, and a bio of Samuel Huntington–a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
July 19, 2025 10 a.m.
"What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut's Revolution," by Richard Franklin Donahue.
August 2, 2025 1 p.m.
"The Jabez Huntington Family of Norwich: 1775" Researchers Damien Cregeau and Maggie Meahl will explore the military, economic, and emotional cost of the beginning of the war.
September 6, 2025 1 p.m.
"Local Huntington Women in the Revolution" Kathryn Hermes and museum staff will tell of the sacrifices and heroics of women in Eastern Connecticut during the Revolutionary War era: Martha Devotion Huntington (1739-1794), Faith Trumbull Huntington (1743-1775), Hannah Williams Huntington (1726-1807), and from nearby Hampton, "The House That Women Built 1776."
October 4, 2025 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Winter Siege At Boston" Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia demonstrates camp life during the siege and at 1 P.M. they will present a program on how it led to the British abandoning the city.
October 18, 2025 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Hearth Cooking Demonstration" Becky Hendricks offers a circa 1775 hearth cooking demonstration.
The Huntington Homestead is open to visitors May through October on the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Many of these dates have special programming.
The worthy goals of the Trust can only be met through broad membership in the organization. Our Membership Application describes the special benefits you will receive by joining the Trust.
You can purchase items from the Museum Store and have them mailed to you. All sales benefit the Trust.
The Huntington Homestead is owned and operated by the Governor Samuel Huntington Trust, Inc., P.O. Box 231, Scotland, CT 06264. A non-profit corporation formed in 1994, the Trust is authorized by the IRS to receive tax-exempt contributions. This site has been made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati.
