The Oliver Ellsworth Homestead is a notable, recently completed project which combines an exact restoration of this important eighteenth century house with the most up to date mechanical systems. These systems were designed to preserve the building and its museum quality furnishings collection. Smith Edwards Architects headed a professional design team which included historical and scientific researchers, architectural historians, and preservationists. The result is a project that has received national recognition by the Association of Preservation Technology at its annual conference.

The Daughters of the American Revolution specifically wanted to complete an outstanding project which would establish new standards for restoration and technology. The restoration date for the interpretative plan and furnishings plan was established as 1807 and its details were based on Ellsworth’s probate records. Paint analysis and physical investigation revealed idiosyncratic colors schemes and details which challenged the prevailing ideas of interior decoration of the Colonial Period. The educational value of this research is enormous, and its embodiment in the Ellsworth House restoration has raised the standards of Connecticut historic preservation projects.

Oliver Ellsworth Homestead
Windsor, Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution
Connecticut Chapters
Completed 1991