An outstanding collection of Chinese porcelain is displayed in the dining room as well as a circa 1750 Crown Great Chair (Heart and Crown), a form unique to this area. A huge fireplace, complete with period accessories, dominates the kitchen. A rare 18th century clothes press, original to the house, is located in the "west chamber" along with a canopy bed on which is a candlewick spread dated "1808 MB". The fireplace wall of this room exhibits its original paneling. Slave quarters and displays of fishing, oystering, and farming tools are located in the basement.

Adjacent to the Judson House is the modern Catharine Bunnell Mitchell Museum with permanent exhibits of Stratford history and changing gallery exhibits which feature items from the collections of the Stratford Historical Society.

An extensive Genealogy library is located in the Office area of the Museum and is available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm year round. Genealogical requests may be made by telephone, e-mail, U.S. mail and in person.

The Beach Family Carriage House: The carriage house, built approximately 1880-1885, was built by the prominent Beach family of 1812 Elm St. The carriage and horse were housed on the ground floor while the upper floor was used for storage of hay and grains.

Before 1909, when electricity came to Stratford, the Beach family owned a gasoline-powered electric generator which benefited several houses in the Elm St. area. The original green glass insulators on the building probably date to the turn of the 20th century. The upper level was used for many years for Halloween parties and other family and neighborhood gatherings.

In late February 2004, the Stratford Historical Society was given the opportunity to acquire and move the Carriage House which was in the way of development of the property at 1812 Elm St. The Society accepted the challenge, saved the building, and celebrated its re-birth in August 2005. If you would care to participate in this project, you may make a donation to help fund the effort.

HOURS & SEASON: Judson House and the Catharine B. Mitchell Museum are open from the first Sunday in June through October, Wednesday and Sunday from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Last entry at 3:00 p.m. School tours may be scheduled for May, June, September and October.

The office is open year round on Tues. & Thurs. from 9 to 2:30. The office can be contacted for further information and research at (203) 378-0630. The address is as follows:

Stratford Historical Society
Box 382
Stratford, CT 06615-0382

President Rudolph Mastroianni; Recording Secretary Barbara Firisin

The Stratford Historical Society, a non-profit volunteer organization, welcomes financial contributions to help fund the restoration project. For more information or to contribute, call 203-378-0630.