We love discovering new places, and our latest "discovery" was Boothe Memorial Park & Museum located in the historic town of Stratford, Connecticut, founded in 1639. Situated on 32-acres, Boothe Memorial Park & Museum’s idyllic setting with a rose garden, recreation area, and pavilions, make it a perfect place to spend the day, stroll, enjoy a picnic, and take in nature in any season.
We discovered Boothe Memorial Park & Museum on a beautiful end-of-summer blue-sky day on September 17, 2016 when the rose garden was a glorious array of color, with red, orange, yellow, peach, white, and deep crimson roses set amidst the attractive antique Boothe fountain that acted as a focal point of the garden.
Boothe Memorial Park Gardens
One of the many interesting facts we learned during our visit is that "the Boothe Homestead (circa 1840 and remodeled in 1914), is said to be "the oldest homestead in America," since it was built on the foundation of the 1663 house, and continuously occupied."
Windmill – Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
The Boothe Brothers, Stephen Nichols Boothe and David Beech Boothe, built their museum in 1913, which is comprised of a series of buildings that include the Boothe Homestead, Carriage House, Americana Museum, Miniature Lighthouse, Clocktower Museum, Genealogy Library, Blacksmith Shop, Putney Chapel, Redwood Building, Miniature Windmill, Coliseum, Basilica, Ice House, Merritt Parkway Toll Booth Plaza, Rose/Wedding Garden, Stephen Boothe House, Presidential Models (miniatures of several presidential homes), Garage, Model Railroad, Boothe Observatory, Ham Radio Shed, Trolley Station, and Animal Pen. There is also an aviary.
Blacksmith Demonstration
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting each of the museum buildings including the unique architecture of the Redwood Building, built during the Depression with California redwood shipped through the Panama Canal. Interesting architectural details include the 4 foot x 6 foot timbers, galvanized dowels instead of nails, and glass block instead of windows. Also interesting, was watching the working blacksmith create spoons in the Blacksmith Shop. All aboard! Train enthusiasts will especially enjoy visiting the Model Railroad Museum.
Redwood Building
Serendipitously, it was "Celebrate Stratford 2016 – Civil War Day" on the day that we visited with a Civil War Reenactment by Company F, 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, where we had the opportunity to experience military and firing demonstrations, see period toys, games, and sports, watch open fire cooking demonstrations, and much more.
Civil War Pup Tent
Boothe Memorial Park & Museum is perfect for families with children, as well as for adults.
Upcoming event: Boothe Memorial Park & Museum hosts "The Great Pumpkin Festival" on October 15, 2016 from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm with hayrides, costume parade, pumpkin carving, games, food, prizes, and more.
Civil War Re-Enactment
Boothe Memorial Park grounds are open and are free of charge year round. The museum is open for tours from the first of June until the first of October, with tours on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
5800 Main St. – Putney
Stratford, Connecticut
United States
School Programs and Museum Telephone: +1-203-381-2046
Putney Chapel Weddings Telephone: +1-203-381-2046
Park Facility Rentals Telephone: +1-203-385-4052
Website: www.TownofStratford.com
Approximate drive times: New Haven, Connecticut – 30 minutes, Greenwich, Connecticut – 45 minutes, Hartford, Connecticut and New York City – 60 minutes.
Edward Nesta & Debra Argen
Enjoying Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
For more ideas of things to do in Stratford, Connecticut, please visit the website: www.TownofStratford.com.
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