Greenwich Historical Society / Bush-Holley Historic Site

Bush-Holley Historic Site is located in a National Historic Landmark home (c.1730) that in 1900 became a boarding house and the gathering place for many prominent American artists and writers. The pieces of the Greenwich Historical Society collection that are exhibited in Bush-Holley House provide the context for its dual interpretation—the Bush family from 1790 to 1825 and the Cos Cob art colony from 1890 to 1920.

At the turn of the 20th century Cos Cob Village and harbor became one of the first American Impressionist art colonies. Among the early members were Frederick Childe Hassam, b 1859- d 1935; Elmer MacRae, b 1875- d 1953; Theodore Robinson, b 1852- d 1896; John Henry Twachtman, b 1853- d 1902; and Julian Alden Weir, b 1852- d 1919. 

The Greenwich Historical Society holds many important examples of American Impressionist works by leading figures in the movement. The collection includes fine and decorative arts; maritime, agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts; costumes and textiles; and paintings and other works by those artists who boarded at or visited the Bush-Holley House.

Museum is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, a partnership of 18 museums and historic sites. The Art Pass, which is good for a year, includes one day admission to each museum.