Built c.1690 and home to the Stratford Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Perry House presents special programs and events.  

The recent revitalization of the Perry House is a story that stretches over the last twelve years. It began by the saving of this historic home. The “Doorway to Stratford” is a portal to ensure its continuing role in welcoming residents and visitors, teaching history, and participating in the life of the community well into the future. The house was built circa 1690 by Benjamin Beach.  For the first 200 years, changes came slowly. The Homestead had many owners, and in 1853, William Perry purchased the home for his wife and 10 children. A well-known and respected politician and probate judge, his name continues to be associated with the house to this day. Following Perry’s ownership, the pace of change surrounding the house accelerated. The West parlor served as a school from 1889-98, and the house stayed a succession of owners as Stratford passed through sleepy decline to post-war boom. As the highway (I-95) was being constructed in the mid 1950s, Jessie Murphy made substantial changes to accommodate three rental apartments. She willed the house to the Town in 1981 and it was listed with the Department of the Interior two years later. The house was saved from demolition in 1997, recognizing its potential as Stratford’s oldest structure as the gateway and symbol of Colonial heritage demonstrating the town’s ability to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the century. And it was to this end that the Perry House Committee, ultimately The Perry House Foundation was established. Periodically, the Perry House Foundation sponsors programs that increase public awareness of the assets, history and resources of Stratford and the region. 

The Perry House provides a very special and unique setting for weddings, parties, fundraising events, corporate meetings, special events and various cultural and educational and interesting. At the current time, only the first floor of the Homestead is available for rental, but we look forward to providing second floor meeting rooms in the future. The house is fully air conditioned and exceeds code compliance for fire safety. It has two gracious formal front parlors available for flexible use. The rear of the house is a more rustic large “keeping room” with the great hearth which is suitable for dinner meetings of up to 50 persons. The east ell functions as the Tourism Information Center and Chamber of Commerce office, and is available for overflow in a party situation. The capacity inside is 100. The Perry House is rented either by room or the entire first floor. Free parking is available.

Other amenities: Dining nearby, parking, printed guides, self-guided tours