Key Points

  • The Wilton Historical Society has completed a new cedar shingle roof on the c. 1726 Lambert House as part of a $179,000 multi-year preservation project.
  • The restoration supports preparations for the 300th anniversaries of the Lambert House and Wilton Parish, as well as America’s 250th anniversary.
  • Additional work at Lambert Corner and expanded public programming are planned to celebrate Wilton’s early history.

Why It Matters: The Lambert House is one of Wilton’s oldest surviving buildings and a symbol of the town’s colonial history, appearing on the official Town Seal. Preserving it helps ensure a landmark central to Wilton’s heritage remains protected for future generations while serving as a focal point for upcoming 300th anniversary commemorations.

One of Wilton’s oldest surviving buildings has a new roof.

The Wilton Historical Society recently completed the installation of a new cedar shingle roof on the c. 1726 Lambert House, the centerpiece of the organization’s broader $179,000, multi-year preservation effort timed to coincide with several significant milestones in 2026: the nation’s 250th anniversary, the 300th anniversary of Wilton Parish and the 300th anniversary of the Lambert House itself.

Located at 150 Danbury Rd. at Lambert Corner, the house is believed to be among the oldest buildings still standing in Wilton and is prominently featured on Wilton’s Town Seal.

The Lamberts were one of the earliest colonial settlers in Wilton, purchasing the land where the house currently stands at the intersection of Rtes. 7 and 33. Built by David Lambert in the early 18th century, the house has served many roles over the past three centuries, including a private residence, tavern, museum headquarters and retail shop.

Lambert’s son, David II, later helped establish Wilton as an independent town in 1802.

Roof replacement is one part of a larger, multi-year project to restore and revitalize the historic buildings at Lambert Corner with new siding and roofing, as well as to renovate two smaller structures the Historical Society said are in critical condition.

The Historical Society will also incorporate programming at the Historical Society’s museum on Danbury Rd. as well as offer walking tours at Lambert Corner celebrating Wilton’s early history.

Historical Society officials said the new cedar shingle roof will protect the Lambert House from the elements for the foreseeable future.

Since purchasing the Lambert House in 1965 as its first permanent headquarters, the Historical Society has expanded its preservation efforts to include 18 historic buildings, many of which have been preserved through adaptive reuse.

Wilton was in the forefront of the adaptive use movement in the 1970s, allowing commercial use of historic buildings to provide income for restoration and ongoing maintenance. The management and care of all of the Historical Society’s 18 historic buildings is largely handled by a small but dedicated committee of volunteers.

The Society said the latest phase of the project was funded through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) with support from Wilton RE, Eversource and Santa Energy, as well as grants from the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust and Walmart. Earlier phases received funding from the Drum Hill Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The 1772 Foundation and Preservation Connecticut.

The Wilton Historical Society also recognized Rinaldi Brothers Roofing for donating labor toward the project.

Officials noted that the Historical Society receives no town or state funding, and their work is made possible through private donations and volunteer assistance.