Pratt House
19 West Avenue, Essex, CT
Step back in time through an exploration of one of the oldest homes in Essex and its reproduction barn, gardens, and museum shop
Begun in 1701 by the grandson of one of Essex’s three first settlers, Lieutenant William Pratt, this building housed members of the Pratt family - including nine generations of blacksmiths - for over three centuries.
Period furnishings fill the home, providing visitors with an intimate look at the kinds of everyday objects that would have filled many homes found in our local area.
Of special note are the beautiful iron door-latches, cooking utensils and fireplace tools that were probably forged by one or more of the Pratt black smiths.
Come visit and learn how Pratt House’s architectural style and development mirrors that of many local period homes, and how its changes through the years speak to the times of economic boom and bust in the local economy.
Pratt House is open to the public for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays,
June through September from 1-4pm.
Group and off-season tours as well as special events can also be arranged with sufficient notice.
Please contact us for appointments and group tours.
Pratt House is free to the public but always welcomes donations.
Introducing
"Art on the Lawn"
Begun as an experiment during the fall of 2024 with the installation of “Fish Bones” by EHS volunteer Jim Loeffler, EHS is committed to bringing more featured artists to the Pratt House lawn this summer. Through this program, we hope to both better utilize the public space surrounding Pratt House and promote the arts by spotlighting the work of local artists.
Featured Artist
Horace Miller
May 10 - June 30
About the Artist
Horace Miller, a professional artist and teacher, is a graduate of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica and currently studies at Central Connecticut State University. His current body of work, “Expressions of the Story of Us” attempts to highlight the similarities in all human struggle, despite our cultural and ethnic differences.
Featured Artwork
Mr. Miller is showing two pieces on the lawn.
“Anticipating Equilibrium”, expresses the artist’s idea that, in challenging times, when life will flip and toss us, “we should try to navigate the toss, work through it, and anticipate balance until we get back on our feet.” The artist believes we are we are built for struggle, and that it can unlock our hidden potential for good. It is his hope that, at the end of this life of struggle, “we will exit this plain of existence with a sense of equilibrium.”
Medium: Welded steel, dimensions: 4.5’ x 3’
“On The Shoulders of Giants” pays homage to those who help others, especially through a process of sacrifice, to reach their goals. Invoking parents, teachers, friends and the like, this piece expresses the artist’s conviction that, “no matter how successful we are or become, someone helped us to get there. Everyone is standing on the shoulder of a giant.
Medium : Welded steel, dimensions : 7.5’ x 4’
Click here to learn more.
Pratt House Gardens
The Pratt House kitchen garden is located just outside of the home and is cared for and maintained by EHS volunteers.
The Pratt House pollinator garden located in the northeast corner of the property is cared for and maintained in partnership with Essex Land Trust.
Interested in Becoming a Pratt House Tour Guide?
If you love the Essex area and want to share your passion for its unique history with neighbors, students and visitors, EHS invites you to become a Pratt House guide!
Our training is a great opportunity to engage in life-long learning and to meet and spend time with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. Hours are flexible and limited. Many hands make light work - so encourage your friends to join as well!
Contact us to learn more and get our training schedule for Summer 2025.
Pratt House Guides celebrate the completion of another successful summer season during a Thank You dinner hosted by EHS Staff and Board of Directors.
Pratt’s Provisions Museum Store
During Pratt House hours, come visit our Pratt’s Provisions Museum Store featuring EHS published titles, reproduction colonial toys, books published by local authors and about Essex History, merchandise that shows off your support of EHS, and more!
Exciting plans are underway to expand the use of Pratt House and its beautiful grounds!
We will soon be breaking ground on an expansion that will allow us to make Pratt House the center of a new Culture Campus featuring:
A Town Welcome Center located in our renovated 3-season barn;
An Outdoor Amphitheatre for student and adult continuing education;
Pathways connecting Pratt House to the town park and library; and
Improved accessibility throughout.
Stay tuned for updates and sponsorship opportunities!
“We shape our buildings; thereafter, our buildings shape us.”