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« FAQ About Guilford

How many museums are there in Guilford? Where are they and what are their hours of operation?

Guilford has 5 museums open to the public. For visiting hours, contact the numbers listed:

The Henry Whitfield State Museum: 453-2457
The Hyland House: 453-9477
Thomas Griswold House: 453-3176
Medad Stone Tavern: 453-3176
Dudley Farm Museum: 457-0770

If I live in a local Historic District, must I get permission to replace my roof, put in new windows, or add a deck or garden shed or other structure to my property? If so, whom do I contact?

First, to find out if you live in a local historic district, look at the map on this web site which outlines the boundaries of the two historic districts in the town center. Any proposed exterior changes to property which are visible from the public right-of-way are legally subject to review by the historic district commission. Contact the chairperson, Guilford Historic District Commission via the Selectmen's Office at 453-8015 for details.

If I want to paint my house in a local Historic District, can I repaint it a different color without permission?

There are no controls over paint color or anything that is considered routine maintenance and repair.

I am thinking of moving to Guilford because I want to raise my children in a town with an appreciation for the past. What do I need to know that would make me choose Guilford?

1. Read the plaque opposite Town Hall on Park Street which describes the arrival of the first settlers from England.
2. Read the words of the contract between the early settlers and the Menunkatuck Indians which is reproduced in a frame on the first floor corridor in the town hall.
3. See the brief history of Guilford on the home page of the town's Web site.
4. Spend time in the Guilford Library's Historic Resource Room which houses a rich collection of historic documents and maps.
5. Review the background documents in the library files which describe the four places in Guilford which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places-see map on this web site for their locations.
6. Speak with the town historian, Joel Helander.

As buildable land becomes less available, and Guilford continues to grow, demolition of older and more modest homes is increasing. What is currently being done about this trend?

There are many individuals and local groups concerned about this trend. Many communities have adopted demolition delay ordinances. Currently, members of the Guilford Preservation Alliance are working to draft such an ordinance for Guilford. Under the ordinance currently being developed by the GPA, anytime someone wished to demolish a building larger than 500 square feet and/or more than 50 years old, a permit must first be obtained from the Town's building department after which the following events would occur:

1. the building department would issue letters to any preservation organization which has requested notification.
2. a notice would be placed in the local newspapers.
3. adjacent property owners would be notified.