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From Mansion to Museum: The Life History of a House

OLD LYME, CT – January 28, 2003: Boards and beams only begin to tell the history of a building. Ultimately it is the stories of a house’s inhabitants that give meaning to the materials and a sense of its value to the community. From Mansion to Museum, a new exhibit at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut, explores the history of the landmark Griswold House. From its construction in 1817 as a fashionable residence to its establishment as a museum in 1947, the exhibition chronicles structural changes, the lives of its owners, and its role within the community. From Mansion to Museum also examines plans to refurnish this National Historic Landmark to reflect its remarkable role as the boarding house for the Lyme Art Colony in the early years of the 20th century.

The House that Noyes Built
The Noyes family were the first residents associated with the House. In 1817, William Noyes Jr., a descendent of Lyme’s first minister, hired Hartford architect Samuel Belcher to design a new house for his growing family. Belcher was already in town working on the First Congregational Church. He constructed the Late Georgian house that is today the Florence Griswold Museum. In 1839 Noyes sold the house to Richard Ely who, in turn, sold it to Captain Robert Griswold in 1841.

The Museum recently acquired four 18th century pastel portraits representing members of the Noyes family: William Noyes Jr., his sister Abigail, and their grandparents, Judge William Noyes and his wife Eunice. The portraits were painted by James Martin, an English portraitist who was active in America from 1794 to 1820. These portraits, painted around 1798, are not only artistically significant, but illuminate a fascinating chapter in the history of Old Lyme. They are on display for the first time in this exhibition.

A Moment in Time: Refurnishing the Griswold House
From Mansion to Museum takes a closer look at the family of Captain Robert Griswold through old photographs, personal items, and new research. An exciting period in the history of the home begins in 1850 with the birth of Captain Griswold’s youngest daughter Florence. "Miss Florence" spent her entire life in the house and, from 1899 until her death in 1937, presided over an art colony that shaped the careers of leading artists and changed the identity of this small coastal village. Affectionately dubbed the "Holy House" by the artists-in-residence, the Griswold House became the backdrop for their work and their bohemian lifestyle.

The exhibition highlights the plans to rekindle the spirit of that era through an innovative restoration of the Griswold House focusing on its role as a boarding house for the Lyme Art Colony circa 1910. Throughout 2004 and early 2005, the restoration plan will proceed on a room-by-room basis, identifying appropriate furniture and accessories, as well as lighting, wall, floor and window treatments. The objective of this restoration is to create interior spaces that more accurately tell the story of a pre-World War I boarding house for artists.

From Mansion to Museum: The Life History of a House includes several recently acquired objects that will be used in the furnishing plan. "When the work is complete," Museum director Jeffrey Andersen explained, "the entire first floor of the Griswold House will evoke the energy of a vibrant art colony in residence, with painting supplies placed among family belongings." Visitors will enter the wide hallway to see an informal gallery of paintings and antique furniture. Off the hallway will be two bedrooms – Miss Florence’s own and a guest bedroom furnished with items reminiscent of the Griswold family’s illustrious seafaring past. A parlor, complete with artists’ brushes on the mantel, will conjure images of artists such as Childe Hassam and Willard Metcalf returning from a day of painting. The famed dining room will recall evenings when Woodrow Wilson and his family dined with Miss Florence and the artists. Tours of the House will be accompanied by a rich tapestry of stories designed to engage visitors in new ways.

Understanding the Past
Visitors to the From Mansion to Museum exhibition will understand the importance of each occupant of the Griswold House -- from those who first chose its furnishings to those who left their paintings on its walls. Part history lesson and part detective story, the exhibition shares the process of capturing a pivotal moment in history and recreating it in an engaging manner. The exhibition continues through January 4, 2004.

Tickets to From Mansion to Museum include admission to the Krieble Gallery and special exhibition, The American Artist in Connecticut: The Legacy of the Hartford Steam Boiler Collection. Drawn entirely from a magnificent corporate collection recently acquired by the Museum, the exhibition explores the state’s illustrious history as a source of inspiration for American artists. From portraits of early America to majestic Hudson River School landscapes to intimate American Impressionist views, this exhibition of 82 works of art clearly demonstrates Connecticut’s contribution to the larger development of American art.

The Florence Griswold Museum encompasses 11 acres along the Lieutenant River, an education center, a restored artist studio, gardens, a new riverfront gallery, and the 1817 Griswold House. The Museum is open year round Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for 6-12. Visitors under 6 are free. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95. For additional information contact the Museum at 860/434-5542 or www.flogris.org.
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