45°
The hour-long guided tour starting at 11 a.m. will include the Lambert House, which was built on the site in about 1726, and eight other buildings that were moved there in order to preserve them.
The free tours will be conducted monthly. Comfortable walking attire is suggested.
The historic buildings are the Lambert Cottage, Kent District School, Hurlbutt Street Country Store & Post Office, Wilton Railroad Station, Davenport Barn, Cannon Family General Store, the 18th-century Cannon Family Corn Crib and the not-to-be-missed George Davenport Greek Revival Privy. The entire site comprises Historic District No. 1.
The buildings at Lambert Corner were moved to the site of the original Lambert homestead, know as Lilacstead at Routes 7 and 33 over the past 40 years. Most of the buildings are now used as shops and offices.
The Wilton Historical Society was a pioneer in what is now called adaptive reuse, in which historic structures are updated for contemporary use. The society has rescued, in total, 17 buildings typical of a New England rural community on three campuses in Wilton, all visible from Route 7.
Russell, author of "Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress," will share some of the interesting stories of the people associated with the buildings. One tale involves Suzanna Rogers Lamberts mother, Elizabeth Fitch. In driving through Wilton in her coach with four decorated horses and a group of liverymen, she made such a spectacle that the townspeople ran to their windows each time she drove by.
Tours will end at noon at the Historical Christmas Barn store at 150 Danbury Road, where cider and cookies will be served.
Other businesses in the complex will be open. Blue Star Bazaar, which sells clothing, gifts, and accessories, will give each participant a discount coupon.
"Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress" is available for purchase at the Wilton Historical Societys Betts Store.
To register for this event, call 203-762-7257.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
