Welcome to The Ward-Heitmann House Museum
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Our Mission
The mission of the Ward-Heitmann House Museum Foundation is to restore, preserve, and protect the Ward-Heitmann House—West Haven’s oldest surviving structure and a treasured piece of Connecticut’s colonial heritage—for present and future generations. We are dedicated to historically accurate conservation, stewardship of the building’s fabric and landscape, and the advocacy of traditional preservation practices that honor the house’s 18th-century origins and continuous 250-year history. Through community engagement, education, and responsible fundraising, we ensure that this architectural and cultural landmark remains a vibrant testament to the story of our region, accessible and meaningful as a museum, learning resource, and civic treasure.
The Great Give 2026: May 6th & 7th
The Great Give is back for its 17th year and still an excellent way to help boost support for local non-profit organizations of all kinds. Starting Wednesday, May 6th at 8:00 a.m. and culminating on May 7th at midnight, you can give to the causes that inspire you.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors, the efforts of participating organizations, and sponsorships, the event raised an impressive $4.41 million for 544 local nonprofits, including the Ward-Heitmann House!
We hope you will consider supporting The Ward-Heitmann House Museum, as we are about to launch a major period of renovation to restore the building, with the intention of re-opening to the public in the fall of 2028. Your generosity couldn’t come at a better time.
LINK: THE GREAT GIVE
The Ward-Heitmann House Museum
277 Elm Street, PO Box 573, West Haven, CT 06516
Email: WardHeitmannHouse@gmail.com
Click on photos to enlarge.
Check out more photos of the Ward-Heitmann House Museum HERE
The museum is currently closed to the public, but the Board has been busy obtaining grants and supervising restoration and preservation projects. Please check our Restoration Progress page for updates on current projects.