The Bradley/Barnes Homestead

Beginning as a six room Greek Revival style homestead, the Barnes Museum was built in 1836 for Amon and Sylvia Bradley and was lived in by the Bradley/Barnes family for 137 years.  Amon was a Southington entrepreneur and he and Sylvia raised their three children, Franklin, Alice and Emma in the old homestead.  After Amon's death in 1906, Bradley Barnes, Amon's grandson, inherited the homestead and lived in the house till his death in 1973.  The entrepreneurial ventures started by Bradley Barnes' grandfather and father, as well as his own investments, gave Bradley the title of the "richest man in Southington."  Upon his death in 1973, Bradley willed his entire fortune away to friends and employees, as well as local schools, libraries and hospitals. He then bequeathed his family homestead, as well as all of its contents, to the Town of Southington to be run under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Southington Public Library as a museum.

Step into Southington's past in the historically preserved home of Bradley and Leila Barnes—known today as the Barnes Museum. Guests will be guided through 17 rooms filled with art, antique furniture, and personal belongings from the Edwardian and Victorian Era. Admire the unique textiles in the museum’s collection, including Victorian gowns, top hats, and button laced boots of the past. Reflect on the super-speed at which technology has advanced by seeing the many innovative mechanisms Bradley kept during his life. Enjoy the views of the historic garden through the fantastical conservatory known today as the Goblet Room. You won’t want to miss seeing this charming, unique, and original historic homestead.