Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden
9 Main Street North, Bethlehem, CT 06751
bellamy.ferriday@ctlandmarks.org • (203) 266-7596
Summer Weather Advisory
Most of our historic properties are not climate controlled. Staff may adjust the route, duration, and schedule of tours due to higher temperatures or extreme weather. Please contact us before your visit to confirm operations. Learn more »
Hours
Open for tours May through October
May–September: Thursday–Sunday, 12 noon–4 pm
October: Saturday, 12 noon–4 pm
Closed Saturday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Tours on the hours; last tour departs one hour before closing.
Guided Garden Tours offered each operating day at 1:30 pm.
New for 2026! The 2 pm tours on Fridays in May & June and Thursdays in July & August will focus on Revolutionary-Era history of the property. This lively historic house tour will be led by a costumed interpreter portraying Jonathan Bellamy — son of Rev. Bellamy, Revolutionary War solider, Yale graduate, and best friend of Aaron Burr. From tales of the revolution and friendship to stories of life in colonial Connecticut, Jonathan brings excitement, humor, and spirit of America’s founding generation to life. Please select the “Bellamy Manse Tour” from the calendar below.
Group Visits
For groups larger than 10 people, please call 203-266-7596 or email bellamy.ferriday@ctlandmarks.org to plan your visit.
Learn more about group tours »
Admission
House Tour
Every tour of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden includes same-day access to explore the garden & grounds. Does NOT include guided garden tour.
$18 / Adult
$15 / Senior, Student, or Teacher
$8 / Child 6-18
Free for Connecticut Landmarks Members & Children under 6
Guided Garden Tour
A daily guided tour of the historic garden, and same-day access to explore the grounds.
$14 / Person
Free for Connecticut Landmarks Members
Grounds Pass
Open access to Gardens & Grounds ONLY. Does not included Guided Garden Tour or access to house interiors.
$10 / Person
Free for Connecticut Landmarks Members
House Tour
Explore the life of Caroline Ferriday, a 20th-century philanthropist who championed human rights and social justice causes. Her work took her around the globe, aiding victims of Ravensbrück concentration camp and supporting the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. A visit to the ten-acre site includes the grounds, a formal parterre garden, and the 18th century residence built by Reverend Joseph Bellamy. Visitors will discuss the ways that beliefs and values can guide one’s actions by interpreting the lives, actions, and commitments of the house’s former residents.
New for 2026! The 2 pm tours on Fridays in May & June and Thursdays in July & August will focus on Revolutionary-Era history of the property. This lively historic house tour will be led by a costumed interpreter portraying Jonathan Bellamy — son of Rev. Bellamy, Revolutionary War solider, Yale graduate, and best friend of Aaron Burr. From tales of the revolution and friendship to stories of life in colonial Connecticut, Jonathan brings excitement, humor, and spirit of America’s founding generation to life. Please select the “Bellamy Manse Tour” from the calendar below.
Upcoming Tours
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Martha Hall Kelly’s best-selling book “Lilac Girls” at the museum that first inspired her! The grounds will be open for exploration throughout the afternoon, with representatives from Connecticut Landmarks and other local businesses and organizations sharing information, offering themed photo ops, and facilitating activities. Site administrator Peg Shimer and author Martha Hall Kelly take guests on a special house tour to point out some of Caroline’s favorite places in the summer home her family called “The Hay.” Tea and conversation will both be flowing in the kitchen where Caroline Ferriday gathered with the ladies of Ravensbrück in 1958 when The Penny Farthing Tea Room and Bakery provides tea and light refreshments. And you can visit Caroline’s childhood playhouse to have your books signed by the author.
LEARN MORE
Help us plant seeds for the future by sponsoring a zinnia plant today!
The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden started its life as the Bellamy Manse, built by Reverend Joseph Bellamy. A preacher of great renown, Bellamy traveled throughout New England preaching the message of the First Great Awakening. His writings were published in New York, Boston, and Scotland. He built the house in two stages, beginning in 1754 and finishing in 1767 as his family, theological seminary, and stature grew. The property increased to 100 acres and was owned by his family for a century.
In 1912, New Yorkers Henry and Eliza Ferriday purchased the property as a summer residence for themselves and their only child Caroline. Beginning when she was 9 years old, Caroline Ferriday spent 78 summers on the property. The Ferriday family updated the house with modern amenities such as heat, electricity, and plumbing. Eliza and Caroline designed a formal parterre garden which features historic roses, peonies, lilacs, and numerous fragrant trees and shrubs. Interested in the life of Bellamy, Caroline researched and collected antiques related to Reverend Bellamy’s life, many of which are still on display in the house.
Caroline Ferriday supported many social justice and human rights causes. In particular, she supported the Free France Movement during World War II and secured medical assistance for survivors of Ravensbrück concentration camp. These survivors, many of which were horribly disfigured, were able to start their lives again thanks to the philanthropy of Caroline Ferriday. She received the Cross of Lorraine and the French Legion of Honor medal for her efforts.
A fictionalized account of Caroline’s life, focusing on her work with the women of Ravensbrück, is chronicled in the New York Times best-selling book Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Kelly also wrote two more historic-fiction novels, Lost Roses and Sunflower Sisters which tell stories of Eliza Ferriday and the Woolsey Sisters, respectively.
Bellamy-Ferriday Bethlehem Residents Grounds Passes Generously Sponsored By
