Welcome to the Darien Historical Society
The Bates-Scofield Homestead is currently "Under Construction." Click on
Barn Addition to read all about it.

The Darien Historical Society is the prime resource in the town dedicated to collecting and preserving materials of historical value and educating the public about our heritage.The society operates the Bates-Scofield Homestead, an eighteenth century house-museum with herb garden, resource library and exhibition art galleries for the enrichment and enjoyment of all the community.

Darien Historical Society 2009 Schedule

April 15 - 2nd grade House Museum Tours

May 3 - Open House for Capital Fund donors

May 28 - 5th grade Historic Tours of the Town

June 5 - Cocktail Preview Party for “Antiques and Garden Elements”

June 7 - “Antiques and Garden Elements” at Tilley Pond Park

September 20 - Official Dedication of Scofield Barn building and grounds

October 3 - Harvest Festival

October 18 - Annual Meeting

October 24 - Exhibition and Art Auction of Local Barn Paintings

December 4 - Christmas in Connecticut, wreaths and Museum House tour

January – March 2010 Joint exhibition with the Nature Center
May – September 2010 Exhibition – What’s in a Name

DHS Board meets the third Thursday of every month.
Events for pre-school children, Fall 09, multiple classes, Darien nursery schools

About the Bates-Scofield House

A classic New England saltbox, built circa 1736 and named for the Bates family, who built and owned the original farmhouse, and the Scofields, who later occupied it, the house was carefully restored by the Darien Historical Society in 1964.

Eighteenth century farm life in Middlesex Parish (renamed Darien in 1820) is thoughtfully interpreted at the Bates-Scofield House. Built around a massive central chimney with a huge fireplace and beehive oven, the house features eighteenth and early nineteenth century regional furniture.

The garden adjacent to the house, planted and maintained by the Garden Club of Darien, contains over thirty varieties of culinary, medicinal and strewing herbs known to have been used in Connecticut in the eighteenth century.

Continually interested in interpreting the culture of earlier living, the Darien Historical Society recently completed an award-winning painting restoration of the house's interior, which included a return to the vibrant colors and high-gloss glazes originally used.

Visit the Bates-Scofield House and experience a journey back in time.

Tours: Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

There is an admission charge for house tours. Members and children admitted free of charge. For group tours please call (203) 655-9233 for an appointment.

Society and Library Hours
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.