A monthlong Pride celebration in East Haddam!

We are pleased to invite you to learn about LGBTQ history during the Palmer-Warner House’s expanded open tour days in the month of June for Pride Month! Commemorating the Stonewall Uprisings in June 1969, Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and communities, more deeply understand LGBTQ+ histories, and laud progress towards freedom and acceptance.

On Saturdays, June 1-22 from 12 noon–4 pm, specialty tours of the Palmer-Warner House will introduce visitors to its residents and explore the themes of Equity, Unity, and Reflection. Visitors to the house and grounds can take in A Historic Timeline of Connecticut’s LGBTQ Community on loan from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History will be on view in the barn. Join us on Saturday, June 29, for our culminating celebration in partnership with the East Haddam Historical Society.

“Connecticut Landmarks takes seriously its responsibility to share the stories of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger and the life they built together in East Haddam. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be in community with our LGBTQ+ friends and allies, and look forward to celebrating and learning with you throughout Pride Month and all year long,” said Shaelyn Amaio, Director of Public Engagement & Marketing for the organization.

Learn more and reserve your tickets today »

By |2024-05-29T16:50:44-04:00May 29th, 2024|News|Comments Off on A monthlong Pride celebration in East Haddam!

Take to the CT Trails this weekend!

The first weekend of June trail lovers across Connecticut head outside to hike, play, ride, explore, climb, run and paddle for Connecticut Trails Day!

In Hartford, Jana Colacino will lead her famous “Discovering Historic Main Street” walking tour on Sunday, June 2, at 10 am. Join an easy 1.5-mile walking tour on the sidewalks of Hartford’s historic Main Street from the Butler-McCook House & Garden to the G. Fox Building to learn how the city has evolved through its significant structures: City Hall, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Travelers Tower, the Old State House, Center Church and the Ancient Burying Ground.

The walk is free, but advance registration is recommended as capacity is limited and walk-ups will only be accommodated as space allows.

Learn more and register »

By |2024-05-28T14:41:29-04:00May 28th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Take to the CT Trails this weekend!

Restored Flooring in Butler-McCook Visitor Center

In February 2023, Connecticut experienced a cold snap, causing temperatures to plummet rapidly, and without warning. The bathroom pipes in the visitor center at the Butler-McCook House in Hartford burst, flooding the Main Street History Center exhibition. Moisture remediation, including several commercial-grade dehumidifiers and fans were employed and the exposed wood floor, which had been damaged extensively, was removed. Over the past few weeks, an eight-inch character oak floor was installed and stained to match the existing by floor restoration expert Tony Stockley. Butler-McCook House & Garden’s staff have been thrilled to welcome visitors back for tours and events in our Main Street History Center!

By |2024-05-22T16:10:10-04:00May 22nd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off on Restored Flooring in Butler-McCook Visitor Center

A Note on Our Lilacs

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will be proceeding with this week’s Lilac Walks to share the history of the lilacs and the ways in which we care for them, though with fewer blossoms. While we try to anticipate the peak blooming period for our lilacs every year, we are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature. This year, our lilacs enjoyed a warm, wet spring and bloomed a little earlier than we guessed. This week’s heat has further impacted the delicate blooms, and the flowers are now past their prime.

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will be open as planned this week, Wednesday-Sunday from 12 noon-4 pm, with house tours departing every half hour until 3:30 pm.

Plan your visit »

By |2024-05-22T09:27:59-04:00May 22nd, 2024|Lilacs, News|Comments Off on A Note on Our Lilacs

Hempsted Houses Closed Saturday, May 25

Due to unforeseen circumstances related to ongoing restoration work, the Hempsted Houses in New London will be closed on Saturday, May 25. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This season, Connecticut Landmarks is undertaking a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of our visitors and our historic property, tours are currently restricted in size and in access. Schedules may have to be shifted throughout the season. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.

In light of this, we have reduced admission costs until further notice, and will be focusing on delivering outstanding community-focused events that mainly take place on the grounds of the property. Tours of the houses themselves will be offered as we are able to accommodate them. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for the oldest home in New London. Your donations support our work.

Learn more about upcoming programs »

By |2024-05-20T13:18:37-04:00May 20th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Hempsted Houses Closed Saturday, May 25

Tickets on sale to ALL for Afternoon Tea with Martha Hall Kelly

Inspiration is everywhere in the Litchfield hills! Join Martha Hall Kelly to discuss her books (Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, The Golden Doves) and the history that sparked her imagination over afternoon tea at the exquisite Winvian Farm. This intimate event will include a talk and Q&A from the author herself, as well as a proper English tea served with delicious light refreshments.

Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:00 am. Tickets for this event are very limited, and we anticipate that they will sell out.

Learn more about this signature event »

By |2024-05-15T09:46:43-04:00May 15th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Tickets on sale to ALL for Afternoon Tea with Martha Hall Kelly

Celebrating Preservation Month

To celebrate Preservation Month this May, we’re putting a spotlight on the people who are saving places and building our communities across the state through preservation. Connecticut Landmarks’ staff, contractors, and volunteers pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting our twelve historic properties. Without their work, thousands of visitors could not find their home in history at the (insert site tags). The stories we tell are made possible by the structures we care for, and we take our responsibility to steward these sites seriously.

We begin by introducing our dedicated Preservation Manager, Aileen Bastos. With a rich background in historic preservation, Aileen is committed to ensuring that our properties are maintained according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Whether she’s collaborating with local preservation organizations and contractors on projects, working with CCSU public history graduate students on condition assessment reports, or throwing on her cargos to give our outdoor structures fresh paint, our historic properties are in good hands with Aileen.

Learn more about Aileen »

By |2024-05-15T09:44:22-04:00May 14th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Celebrating Preservation Month

Significant Restoration Work in New London

Connecticut Landmarks is undertaking a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of our visitors and our historic property, tours are currently restricted to the first floor of the home. Tours of the property during general open hours have been canceled until further notice, though visitors may inquire about a private tour by advance reservation. In light of this, we have reduced admission costs until further notice. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for the oldest remaining home in New London.

By |2024-05-20T13:19:21-04:00May 2nd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off on Significant Restoration Work in New London
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