Harrison House Museum is a historic house, barn and garden in Branford, Connecticut, maintained by the Branford Historical Society. Its history, period furnishings and two-acre grounds make it a window into Branford’s past, with public tours offered during a regular summer season.
- Address: 124 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405
- Public tour season: June through September, Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free for regular tours; donations are appreciated
- Site: Historic house, barn and gardens
What is Harrison House Museum?
Harrison House Museum is a historic Branford home whose story spans several generations and whose grounds preserve a range of historic features.
Nathaniel Harrison built the house in 1724 as a two-over-two house. The Harrison family and their descendants lived there until 1800, followed by the Linsley family and their descendants until 1938. Architectural historian J. Frederick Kelly bought the house that year and restored it to its original condition.
The Branford Historical Society, founded in 1960, maintains the site. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and forms part of the Canoe Brook Historic District.
Inside, period furnishings include a corner cupboard, a large hall fireplace, four-poster and rope beds, and 17th-century chests of Branford origin. An exhibit room presents Branford artifacts, memorabilia and archives. The Society also features changing exhibits in the house’s museum room and lean-to.
Outside, the two-acre grounds include a barn built in the 1890s, a colonial flower garden and an herb garden maintained by the Branford Garden Club.
How do you get to Harrison House Museum?
The museum is at 124 Main Street in Branford. Use the street address to plan your route.
For another local history stop, what to know about Medad Stone Tavern Museum may help you plan a second museum visit.
When are tours, and what does admission cost?
Public tours run June through September, and regular tour admission is free.
Opening hours
- Saturday: 1 PM–4 PM
- Monday to Friday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Donations are appreciated. The Branford Historical Society says private tours may be arranged by appointment, subject to its ability to accommodate the request. For tour inquiries, contact the Society at 203-488-4828 or tours@branfordhistoricalsociety.org.
Because the public tour schedule follows a seasonal pattern, check the official site before you go.
What should you know before your visit?
A tour brings together the historic house and its grounds, so allow time to see both if the grounds are accessible during your visit. The interiors include period furnishings and displays of Branford history, while the outdoor site includes the barn and gardens.
Private tours are possible by appointment, but depend on the Society’s availability. Contact the Society before making plans for a private visit. For the regular public tours, keep the Saturday afternoon schedule in mind and plan around the June-to-September season.
What else can you combine with a museum visit?
Branford city centre is about five minutes by car from Branford Motel, making it a natural addition to a day that includes the museum. The centre is also about 53 minutes away on foot from the motel. For practical details, see how to find your way around Branford city centre.
The museum’s location on Main Street gives you a straightforward point of reference for arranging a town visit. You could plan the museum around its Saturday tour hours, then continue to Branford centre; the museum’s seasonal schedule is the main timing constraint to account for.
Harrison House Museum is about six minutes by car from a motel in Branford.
FAQs
Where is Harrison House Museum?
It is at 124 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.
Is admission free?
Yes. Admission to regular tours is free, and donations are appreciated.
Can you arrange a private tour?
Private tours may be arranged by appointment, subject to the Branford Historical Society’s ability to accommodate the request.
What can you see at the museum?
The site includes a historic house with period furnishings, a barn, gardens and exhibits about Branford.