Kent

Historical

Society

PO Box 651
Kent, CT 06757

860-927-4587

KentHistoricalSociety@juno.com

The Flanders Historic District lies about two miles north of the center of Kent on Rte 7. Seven Hearths is the large gray house on the eastern side of Rte 7 at the base of Studio Hill. Owned by the Kent Historical Society, and open to the public as a house museum, it is on the National Register of Historic Houses.

Built by John Beebe, Jr., this colonial house stands in contrast to the earlier houses of the Flanders District because of its large scale. Constructed as one unit measuring 32 feet by 54 feet, with rooms and a cellar that are nine feet high, its architectural features are of interest to restoration buffs.

The house’s furnishings and other interior accessories reflect phases of Kent history that were part of the occupants lives. Seven Hearths was willed to the Society by George Laurence Nelson, who bought the dilapidate structure in 1919, restored it and lived in it until his death in 1978. Mr. Nelson wrote an enchanting account of his love affair with Seven Hearths, entitled New Life for Old Timber, which is available from the Historical Society bookstore.

Exhibitions at Seven Hearths are changed each year. These include exhibitions from the Society’s own collection, loan collections, community exhibits, as well as presentations of the work of Mr. Nelson and his parents, who were also artists.

Seven Hearths is open from 2:00 to 4:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, and by appointment. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the completion of this stately structure, we invite you to take a virtual tour of the house with us.