31 Hillhouse — 1826

History

The Whelpley house, now home to the Ethics, Politics & Economics and the International Security Studies departments at Yale, is the oldest remaining building on Hillhouse Avenue. Originally built for Mrs. Abigail Whelpley and her two sons, it was purchased in 1848 by Yale professor and future university president, Noah Porter.  He renovated the structure soon afterwards, building several additions, among them dormer windows and a mansard roof. When ownership officially transferred to Yale in the early 20th century, the home served as a student residence. In the years afterwards, however, the three-story house fell into disrepair. In 1999, Yale presided over the renovation of the Whelpley House, which restored the original colonial façade, upgraded the structural supports and modernized the facility to fit the needs of the departments it houses today.

Did You Know?

The Whelpley house is a Contributing Structure within the Hillhouse Avenue National Historic District.