History

Online Library

Looking for a perfect gift? Consider the Historic Woodbridge book. Click here for more details.

1868 Town Map

Take a look at our interactive map of the Town of Woodbridge circa 1868. We reply upon Google Maps to facilitate making the map work. If you're not familiar with this technology please read on.

The interactive map starts at our Town cemter. You will see some yellow houses. Click on one and you will see who owned the house in 1868. If we have additional information available a link will appear that will take you to details of the history of the house. You can zoom in and out of the map using the '+', '-', and slider control on the left side of the map. To move around use your mouse. Click-and-drag anywhere on the map (excluding locations such as a house) to move it.

Also, please note the map is split into two parts. The northeast corner of the town is on Page 2. You can see Page 2 of the homes by scrolling to the bottom of the list of homes, on the left side of the page, and click on Page 2. Alternatively you can go directly to Page 2 by clicking here.

Google Map Page 1

Google Map Page 2

View original map

Thomas Darling

Read a brief history of Thomas Darling and his family

Thomas Darling (1720-1789) played a significant role in colonial Connecticut and counted such prominant citizens as Benjamin Franklin, Ezra Stiles, Roger Sherman, and Benedict Arnold among his friends and associates.

He studied theology at Yale University in New Haven, CT, graduated in 1740, and was licensed to preach in 1743. Though he never sought the ministry as a profession, he earnestly trained others for it as the only tutor at Yale during the years 1743-1745.

In 1745 he married Abigail, the daughter of his mentor, Rev. Joseph Noyes. She bore him three sons and five daughters and all but one lived to adulthood. During the next thirty-one years in New Haven he was a manufacturer, merchant, Justice of the Peace, and "entrepreneur." He ran a Rope Walk, helped set up the first printing press in New Haven, tried to establish a glass business, and was a deputy to the General Assembly.

It was 1774 when he moved to Woodbridge (known then as Amity Parish). He was a well respected citizen and political figure, an advocate of religious freedom, a supporter of the United States Constitution, and was described by a contemporary as "...a man of large stature... calm and judicious... of integrity and uprightness."

The Museum

When Thomas Darling decided to leave New Haven to pursue a country squire's life, he hired Abiel Gray of West Hartford, CT to build his new home. It took Gray two years (1772-1774) to complete the project. The Gambrel roof structure is built on a central hall plan and incorporates several unusual features. The paneling and woodwork in the hallway and front rooms are rich in detail and accentuated by the nine foot three inch ceilings. Imported tiles of Biblical scenes over one fireplace suggest a New York influence.

Many of the furnishings are Darling family pieces, as the house and grounds were owned by the family until 1973. The massive kitchen fireplace is filled with the Darling family's original cooking utensils (uncovered during renovations).

Miss S. Berenice Baldwin willed the contents of the house to the Society, having sold the structure and 150 acres of the original farm to the town of Woodbridge. Miss Baldwin also had the distinction of being the first person to donate to the Society with her gift of $5.00 back in 1937! The town has placed the care of the house and outbuildings in the hands of the Society. This collection includes a large 18th century barn, a 19th century horse barn, a carriage shed, a chicken coop, a pig house, and a 19th century privy.

Adjacent to the house, the town maintains several fields and there are some easy walking trails skirting the base of West Rock.

The Society has also amassed a large collection of farm implements which are on display in the horse barn. Quilts, linens, and period clothing comprise another special collection. Local archival records date back to the 17th century, and the extensive Darling family papers span three centuries.

The Society

The Society was founded in 1936 by a small group of citizens concerned with preserving the history of Woodbridge and Bethany. This has been accomplished through the acquisition of significant artifacts and by documenting many of the oral histories of earlier residents.

From Lucy Finney's living room (our first headquarters) to the 18th century splendor of the Thomas Darling House, the Society has become more than a vehicle to gather and preserve. Its role has expanded to include the dissemination of information to all who are interested and to promote a spirit of community in a rapidly changing world. Membership is open to all.

Hours & Directions

The Darling House Museum is open several times during the year by way of significant events. It is available for tours anytime! School and group tours are encouraged and may be booked by special arrangement by e-mail or phone 203-387-2823. The archives are currently unavailable while we begin a long range plan of organization. As soon as some order is achieved, they will be available by appointment! Special exhibits are on display in the Woodbridge Public Library and in the Darling Museum during the summer season.

From either direction on the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) take Exit 59 for the Litchfield Turnpike (Route 69). At the end of the ramp take a left, and stay on Route 69 for 2.7 miles. The Darling House will be on the right (see the picture on the main page for an idea of what it looks like). After passing the house and shed, there is an entrance for a large parking lot on the right. The Museum entrance is located at the back of the Darling House.

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