Hicks-Stearns Family Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1978 (house built in 1788) |
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| Location | 42 Tolland Green Tolland, Connecticut 06084 USA |
| Type | Historic house museum |
| Collections | Family heirlooms |
The Hicks-Stearns Family Museum is a special place in Tolland, Connecticut. It is a historic house museum that shows what life was like in the Victorian era. The house itself is very old, built in 1788. It first served as a tavern, a place where travelers could eat and stay.
The Hicks family lived in this house for many years, from 1845 until 1970. Today, the Hicks-Stearns Family Museum is one of Tolland's most important landmarks. Other famous spots nearby include the Old Tolland County Jail and Museum and the Tolland County Courthouse.
Contents
Exploring the Historic House
The Hicks-Stearns family house is a mix of old and newer styles. It has a kitchen from the colonial times. But it also features a parlor and furniture from the Victorian era. This shows how homes changed over the years.
What You Can See Inside
The museum has many interesting items that belonged to the family. You can see family heirlooms, which are special items passed down through generations. There are also unique cloth tea balls and an old Victrola. This was a type of record player. You might also spot some cool faux bamboo furniture.
The First Owner
The very first person to own this house was Benoni Shepard. He was a deacon in the Congregational church. He was also Tolland's first postmaster, meaning he was in charge of the mail.
Visiting the Museum
The museum is a lively place. It offers tours where you can learn about the house and its history. They also host concerts and special holiday programs. You can visit the museum from May through December.
The Hicks Family Story
The Hicks family lived in the house for a long time. One of the most important people who lived there was Ratcliffe Hicks. He was born in 1843. Ratcliffe was the oldest son of Charles Hicks, a successful merchant. His mother was Maria Stearns.
Ratcliffe Hicks: Lawyer and Leader
Ratcliffe Hicks went to Brown University and became a successful lawyer. He was also a leader in business. He was the president of the Canfield Rubber Works in Bridgeport. Ratcliffe also served as a state legislator in Connecticut. This means he helped make laws for the state.
Changes to the House
Ratcliffe Hicks made many changes to the family house. He added Victorian-style features. He built a front porch and a unique three-story tower. These additions made the house look much grander.
A Lasting Legacy
Ratcliffe Hicks passed away in 1906. In his will, he left money to start a school. This school would teach about agriculture (farming) and forestry (managing forests). The school opened in 1941. It became part of the University of Connecticut.
Today, the UConn has the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. There is also the Ratcliffe Hicks Building & Arena. Both are named after him.
Elizabeth Hicks: Artist and Giver
Ratcliffe Hicks had a daughter named Elizabeth Hicks. She was born in 1884. Elizabeth was a painter and a kind person who gave a lot to charity. She passed away in 1974.
Elizabeth Hicks made sure the Tolland family home would become a museum. She left the house to a special trust. This trust helped turn the house into the museum we know today. UConn's Elizabeth Hicks Residence Hall, a women's dormitory, is also named after her. It was dedicated in 1951.
