2024: A Year in Review

This season, you have joined us for signature events, family-friendly activities, community celebrations, and immersive tours at each of our eleven sites across the state. None of these high-quality experiences would be possible without the dedication of many people contributing to our goal to bring history to life. At Connecticut Landmarks, home is where the history happens, where legacies live, where conservation occurs, and where the people are.

In this year’s Annual Report, we are highlighting the work of those people: talented staff, dedicated Trustees, enthusiastic volunteers, loyal members, generous donors, and passionate community partners who help keep history moving forward. As you read about this year’s programming, preservation efforts, and collections updates, you will find spotlights on some of the people who make our work possible.

Since I began working at Connecticut Landmarks in 2019, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with folks who bring creativity, wisdom, and inclusiveness into every aspect of their role, even in the face of challenges. Coming to the end of my first season as Connecticut Landmarks’ Executive Director, I could not be more grateful to work with our Board to lead such a talented and motivated team as we plan for next season and the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.

To our members and donors, we thank you for your ongoing support. We hope to see you at our historic sites next season for a program, community event, or the debut of our new annual Members’ Reception for our highest-level members.

Sincerely,

Robert Brock, Executive Director

Deborah Ullman, Chair, Board of Trustees

Connecticut Landmarks Board & Staff

Officers

Deborah Ullman, Chair

Margaret Steeves, Vice-Chair

Judith Saunders, Treasurer & Finance Chair

Joseph Grabarz, Secretary & Collections Stewardship Chair

Michael Arseneault, Governance Chair

Trustees

Elsbeth Geldhof

Donna Lynn Hilton

Carol Kardas

Leonardo Suzio

Aaron Trahan

Honorary Trustees

Douglas Anderson
Christel Ford Berry
James Bowers
Deborah Davis
Jared Edwards

Beth Iacampo

James Parry
Patrick L. Pinnell, FAIA
Ronna Reynolds
David Rhinelander
The Honorable Robert R. Simmons
Tess Torrey
Jim Wu

Trustees Emeritus

Susan R. Kelly

Cornelius O’Leary

Central Office Staff

Robert Brock, Executive Director

Shaelyn Amaio, Director of Public Engagement & Marketing

Aileen Bastos, Preservation Manager

Erin Farley, Collections Manager & Palmer-Warner Project Manager

Olivia Grella, Marketing & Communications Associate

Jocelyn Weaver, Assistant Collections Manager

 

Landmarks Site Staff

Anne Marie Charland, Site Administrator, Nathan Hale Homestead

Jana Colacino, Assistant Site Administrator, North Central Region

Lynette Fisher, Site Administrator, Southeast Region

Lynn Mervosh, Site Administrator, North Central Region

Peg Shimer, Site Administrator, Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

Nicole Thomas,Assistant Site Administrator, Southeast Region

Bringing the Past to Life: 2024 Programs

When you attend a Connecticut Landmarks program, you have become part of our mission to inspire conversations with the past. Whether you are visiting one of New England’s earliest graveyards to discuss those of African descent who are buried there with members of the Hempsted Houses’ staff and the New London chapter of the NAACP; discovering more about the McCook family on a free tour of the Butler-McCook House’s first floor while enjoying an evening of jazz music in the garden with your family; or learning a new skill at our hands-on workshops in the historic barn at the Nathan Hale Homestead, our programs invite visitors to find their home in history through engaging experiences. Below, read more about a sampling of our most beloved programs–returning favorites and new stars–that took place this year at our sites across the state.

In a first-time collaboration, Bethlehem’s Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden and Waterbury’s Mattatuck Museum brought a new perspective to Caroline Ferriday’s summer home during a special month-long art exhibition. The combined efforts of site administrator Peg Shimer, Erin Farley and Jocelyn Weaver from Connecticut Landmarks’ collections team, and curators at the Mattatuck Museum resulted in an outstanding exhibition featuring selections from the Mattatuck Museum’s significant art and history collections. Works exploring the themes of women, 20th-century art, and local art complemented the historic house’s furniture, art, and objects. Photographs, oil paintings, and sculptures nestled among the rooms of the 18th-century home welcomed visitors to peruse the halls and discuss their significance and thematic connections to the history of the house.

Photo by Frank Poulin Photography

Perennial favorite Ed Fast & Congabop filled the Amos Bull Community Room with their Latin rhythms for Make Music Day Hartford this June. Guest musician Sammy Figueroa joined the performance for an unforgettable evening. Sammy Figueroa has long been regarded as one of the world’s great musicians. He is well-known for his versatility in a multitude of musical styles. Besides playing with some of the world’s greatest pop stars, such as David Bowie, Chaka Khan and Mariah Carey, Figueroa has also played with a multitude of distinguished jazz artists including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, George Benson, and many, many more. 

 

The smooth sounds of jazz filled Hartford's sky at the Sunset Sounds Concert Series. Each summer, Hartford's community of jazz enthusiasts join us to enjoy music by local jazz musicians in the vibrant setting of the Butler-McCook Garden. Through assistant site administrator Jana Colacino's connection to Hartford's jazz scene, this season we welcomed the talented Jen Allen “Heart Alchemy;” Kojo Melché Roney Quartet, featuring Antoine Roney - who was the first scholarship student of renowned jazz musician and educator Jackie McLean; Will Goble Quintet; and Rick Germanson & Friends, featuring Nat Reeves and 90-year-old drummer Steve Little. These events are possible thanks to Jana’s dedication, the passion and talent of the artists, and the support of the Richard P. Garmany Fund at Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign with major support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; and the Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Trust Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.

 

This season, the Aetna Gallery in the Butler-McCook House hosted an exhibition by Windsor artist, Michelle Hawran, whose colorful paintings share the stories of her family’s past. This year, Hawran's painting of the Butler-McCook House & Garden was selected for the Connecticut Historic Gardens Day poster. "Through the Rose Arch” is a vibrant recreation of what a visitor to the garden would feel while standing under the rose arch, surrounded by the many beautiful plants that Connecticut has to offer. Hawran painted en plain air in the Butler-McCook Garden on Connecticut Historic Gardens Day this year.

Suffield's Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden's visitor center was a creative hub this season. To highlight the 18th-century Parisian wallpaper conservation project underway in the house, participants created their own design inspired by Réveillon wallpaper during a free craft. At this year’s Connecticut Historic Gardens Day, 13 guests worked their muscles to create a floral masterpiece during the Flower Pounding Workshop. Using fresh local blooms from Willow View Farm, attendees created a piece of art to remember by arranging and hammering the flowers to reveal lovely floral impressions on paper.

 

On May 3rd, Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden hosted an opening reception celebrating the Trees for Suffield Photo Contest. The Suffield Tree Committee, the Town of Suffield, and the Suffield Garden Club worked together to establish Trees for Suffield, which is a vital initiative to provide residents with a tree canopy for generations to come. Winning submissions from the 2023-2024 photo contest were beautifully displayed in the visitor center throughout the 2024 season. The reception welcomed Suffield community members, Connecticut Landmarks members, and award recipients to enjoy an afternoon celebrating art, local history, and local initiatives.

This season at New London's Hempsted Houses, demonstrations exploring colonial living introduced visitors to 18th-century headstone lettering techniques and historic trades and tools. In July, families traveled back in time with the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum encampment. Sounds of music filled the air as the Hempsted grounds were transformed into workshops where visitors learned about 18th-century tools and techniques with woodworker, carpenter, and Joiner, John Baron, and Blacksmith Baird Wech-Collins. Specialty demonstrations continued in September with headstone carver Andrew Carr. To engage with Joshua Hempsted’s work as a headstone letterer, Carr re-created a headstone using Joshua’s lettering style with 18th-century techniques. This demonstration was attended by headstone carving enthusiasts and was livestreamed to our social media audience to reach history lovers all over!

 

Photo by La Chale Renee' Photography

In June, the Hempsted Houses held the 9th annual Juneteenth celebration, also known as Emancipation Day. The oldest celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth marks the day that Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed a full two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19th, 1865. Partnering this year with the New London NAACP, OIC New London, and the New London County Historical Society, attendees engaged in activities encouraging conversations about emancipation, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility.

Friday's virtual presentation and community campfire featured special conversations with Living Historians Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions. Saturday's event celebrated Juneteenth with music and dance performances, children’s activities and crafts, local vendors, poetry readings, and living history presentations that highlighted the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood. In partnership with the New London Historical Society, we hosted an overnight program with Joseph McGill and the Slave Dwelling Project. Guests had the opportunity to further the conversation with Joe and other historians by sleeping in the Shaw Mansion, which housed several enslaved people. The event culminated with Sunday church services and an afternoon of music with the Jim Hunter Jazz Group and the New London Public Schools Bands.

On November 10th, attendees enjoyed an afternoon’s vocal and instrumental performance by pianist Andrew Wilcox and vocalist Mae Czuba to hear the late-19th and early-20th century songs that would have filled the Ishams’ parlor, drawing upon the sheet music in the Isham-Terry collection and representing the lives and interests of the household’s amateur musicians. Wilcox and Czuba performed a medley of tunes, including "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" with a Louis Armstrong-inspired twist, "Our Mayor," "When the Twilight Comes to Kiss the Rose Goodnight," and "Lonely Star." The duo provided insight into their selection and rehearsal process, while Wilcox and assistant site administrator Jana Colacino explored the historical significance of the music selections.

 

The Isham-Terry House has provided a spooktacular setting for Escapism Productions for several years. We are always excited to welcome their performers back to see what new productions they will share with audiences that are part theater, part escape room, and 100% immersive. This year, audience members explored the house in "The Vexed Visitation: An Immersive Victorian Halloween Tale." The parlor and library were also home to "The Final Act at Home: A Victorian Wake," a fact-based exploration of a Victorian wake presented by Escapism Productions' researchers and performers.

 

Nursing students from the CT State Community College Capital returned to the Isham-Terry House this season to learn about former resident Oliver K. Isham, who practiced medicine in Hartford from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries. Our staff worked closely with program director Jeff Partridge to set goals for the program, highlighting the changes in nursing care over time, and discussing bioethics and medical law using primary sources that outline Dr. Isham’s controversial court cases. Students explored Isham’s medical tools and archives to understand treatments that were common when he practiced, and toured the house to better understand Hartford’s changing physical and cultural landscapes.

This year, Coventry's Nathan Hale Homestead hosted 29 field trips from public schools and homeschool groups across Connecticut. 1,438 students engaged in activities covering themes such as the American Revolution, what it means to be a spy throughout history, and life on a colonial farm.

In October, Connecticut Landmarks announced that the Nathan Hale Homestead is a Wheels to Learning program venue for the 2024-2025 school year. We are also grateful to have received a quick grant from The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts to support field trip programming that will enable future generations of learners to experience history firsthand. Wheels to Learning is a pilot program that seeks to understand if providing funding for transportation will increase access to out-of-classroom enriching learning experiences. K-12 public schools within Windham County can apply to waive Nathan Hale Homestead field trip and bus costs through the Wheels to Learning website. We can’t wait to welcome returning and new students to the Homestead!

On November 3rd, the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden welcomed 24 guests to engage in a discussion about the process of conserving 18th-century Parisian wallpaper, and demonstrations of conservation techniques led by the conservators at Studio TKM Associates. Site administrator Lynn Mervosh welcomed attendees into the Burbank Parlor to share the history of the house and the events leading up to Oliver Phelps' decision to decorate the new wing of his Suffield home with handblocked Réveillon wallpaper. Following Lynn's presentation, Deborah LaCamera from Studio TKM Associates provided insight into the conservation work currently underway, supported by grant funding from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures Historic Preservation Fund. Attendees learned how the original paper was made, and the techniques used by the team to assess and document the condition of the paper, to analyze key color and design elements for conservation, and to create a conservation plan to stabilize the paper in place. The presentations were followed by a champagne toast to the start of the project, and three different demonstrations in the Phelps wing led by conservators, where guests could observe conservation techniques firsthand and ask questions.

Discover more about the wallpaper conservation project here and learn how you can help us match the grant funding that allowed us to start this work!

Stories in Focus: 2024 Site Spotlights

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Connecticut Landmarks cares for twelve historic houses, seven of which are open regularly as museums for public tours and programs. To understand the operations of our organization, it can be helpful to look at the story of a few sites holistically, including education and interpretation, collections stewardship, and historic preservation. Below, we share some highlights of our seasons at the Palmer-Warner House, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, and the Nathan Hale Homestead.

A Welcoming Place for All at East Haddam’s Palmer-Warner House

New exterior signage, freshened-up interiors, and a bright Pride flag welcomed visitors to the Palmer-Warner House this summer. The museum’s shift to new seasonal Open Tour Saturdays, spearheaded by site administrator Lynette Fisher, embodies an important new phase of operations that complements the innovative public programs already taking place. We were excited to welcome 446 visitors for tours and events to the home Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger made together in what they called “the wilds of Connecticut.”

At the Palmer-Warner House, home is where acceptance is. Connecticut Landmarks is honored to provide a safe space for people to build community through history. During Pride Month in June, specialty tours introduced visitors to the house’s residents and explored the themes of Equity, Unity, and Reflection. A Historic Timeline of Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ Community, on loan from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, was also on view. The month culminated in a historic Pride Month Celebration in collaboration with the East Haddam Historical Society. The event featured an afternoon of special guests, exhibitions, and discussions exploring our state’s rich LGBTQ+ history.

Special programming highlighted the House’s colonial history and landscape. In May, participants built tables in a hands-on woodworking workshop led by traditional furniture maker John Baron. More than 20 people visited the Palmer Cemetery in October to explore colonial New England burial customs with Dean Massey, an urban planning researcher at Northeastern University. In September, stone artisan, gardener, and horticulturist Andrew Pighills discussed the evolution of stone walls and how they fit into broader landscapes from colonial times to the present day.

The first ever Summer Pipes & Cider welcomed a sold-out crowd to celebrate Scottish culture on a warm September day. Guests sipped local cider from Yankee Cider Co. and embarked on a trail walk led by Coreyanne Armstrong and the Portland & District Pipers. Joined by Nathan Hale Homestead staff, attendees tested their knowledge in pub trivia and toured the House to learn about Frederic Palmer’s Scottish heritage.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests in 2025. Stay tuned to our event calendar for next season’s programming and Open Tour Days!

Creating Space for Connection at Bethlehem’s Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

At Connecticut Landmarks, collaboration with local organizations, artists, authors, and community members is central to the work we do to help people connect to history in new ways. This season, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden became a place where history, art, literature, and law intertwined through new programs and longstanding partnerships.

Afternoon Tea with Martha Hall Kelly

We were thrilled to welcome back New York Times best-selling author Martha Hall Kelly this June for a new event hosted at the exquisite Winvian Farm in Morris. After delicious afternoon tea, Kelly discussed her books (Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves) and how she discovered inspiration for her novels while touring the home of philanthropist and human rights activist, Caroline Woolsey Ferriday. Forty-six history lovers and bibliophiles had the opportunity to ask questions, chat with new acquaintances, and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sit with Kelly during tea service. Twenty-three guests continued their day at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, where they toured the property to discover more about the life of Caroline Ferriday, who used the power of her words to create change and aid those in need. Connecticut Landmarks is honored to collaborate with Martha Hall Kelly to share the stories of the Ferriday and Woolsey families and create space for readers to connect to their favorite authors in the historic places that inspired their stories.

The Education of Aaron Burr

In addition to the Mattatuck Museum partnership, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden worked with the Litchfield Historical Society in a first-time collaboration this August for “The Education of Aaron Burr.” Seventeen attendees followed in Burr’s footsteps with a tour beginning at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden and continuing to Tapping Reeve House & Law School. Burr spent his late teens and early twenties studying with Rev. Joseph Bellamy and Tapping Reeve, both father figures who aided in the education of the young Burr. These formative years in Litchfield County would influence Burr’s life for years to come. We were pleased to partner with the Litchfield Historical Society for this program to invite visitors to immerse themselves in local places where the story of a national historic figure began his journey.

Lilac Walks

Passing under the archway between the Bellamy-Ferriday House and visitor center, visitors find themselves transported into the historic garden curated by Caroline Ferriday and her mother, Eliza. Every May, attendees gather to experience the beauty of the garden during spring’s Lilac Walks. This season, 71 guests toured the gardens to indulge in the fragrant scents of the stunning variety of lilacs. Guided by site administrator Peg Shimer, attendees learned about the long history of the lilacs and the care they require. Learn more about the importance of preserving the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden as a vital resource to cultural heritage, botanical artistry, and community connection here.

Making Memories at Coventry’s Nathan Hale Homestead

The Nathan Hale Homestead is a place where history is made every day. Whether it’s local residents who bring their beloved pets to enjoy the rural landscape; an unforgettable wedding experience amidst the rich history of the property; or loved ones making their annual visit to the Flag Field for Heroes to honor those who have served our country, we are grateful to every person who has created a cherished memory at our site.

Coventry Farmers’ Market

The Nathan Hale Homestead welcomed 77,152 visitors to the site during the 21st season of the Coventry Farmers’ Market this June through October. Visitors traveled from across the state and beyond to experience the largest farmers’ market in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each Sunday, Homestead staff invited visitors to join them in the birthplace of home-grown hero, Nathan Hale, for family-friendly programs. Fan-favorites included the plant and seed swap in the Homestead Barn, 18th-century crafts and games, and hearth cooking in the colonial kitchen, where the sweet aroma of baked apples, doughnuts, strawberries, and honey invited visitors to discover historic recipes with delicious outcomes!

8th Annual Flag Field for Heroes

The Nathan Hale Homestead is proud to honor those who have served our country each July with the annual Flag Field for Heroes event, which blankets the front lawn of the birthplace of Connecticut’s State Hero with dozens of American flags, each honoring a service member, veteran, or other hero. The moving display was in place this July in front of the home that sent six sons to fight in the American Revolution. A free opening ceremony kicked-off the event on July 6th with patriotic poem readings, fife and drum music, and remarks from our veterans.

Over the years, site administrator Anne Marie Charland has watched this program emerge into an inspirational event displaying over 200 flags. Our Flag Field for Heroes has flag honorees dating from the French Indian War to men and women serving today. This event would not be possible without the partnership of the Coventry Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Coventry American Legion, and the support of hundreds of folks who donate so we can provide a space for families to visit and honor their loved one in the tranquility of the Homestead’s rural setting.

Walktober: Foraging Connecticut

In a brand-new program spearheaded by Nathan Hale Homestead museum interpreter, Isabel, 52 attendees gathered on a sunny October day to explore the Homestead’s 18th-century kitchen garden to see how plants that are considered invasive in a modern garden, and can usually be found growing as wildflowers, were once grown with care for their useful properties. After foraging through the garden, the group continued down the Old Road to Norwich into the Nathan Hale State Forest to comb the landscape for edible plant life. The Nathan Hale Homestead maintains its kitchen garden in keeping with what homesteading families would have relied upon in the Revolutionary Period. The garden features herbs and medicinal plants, as well as some ornamental varieties. This program was presented free as part of The Last Green Valley’s Walktober programming.

Caring for Our State’s Oldest Houses

Stepping over the threshold into our historic house museums, visitors are greeted with a feeling that when they stand in the homes where history happened, they become part of the homes’ legacies, too. The stories we tell are made possible by the structures we care for, and we take our responsibility to steward these sites seriously. Our preservation manager, Aileen Bastos, works with local craftspeople and tradespeople to make sure that our properties are maintained according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Below, learn about a few of the projects that we took on this year to help preserve our sites so future generations can find their home in history.

Use arrows to navigate through a selection of images from preservation projects.

Significant Restoration Work at New London’s Hempsted Houses

Home is where preservation happens at Connecticut Landmarks’ historic sites. At the Hempsted Houses, the stories we share about colonial life and northern slavery through the history of the Hempsted and Jackson families would not be possible without the structures within which they lived and worked. Connecticut Landmarks has undertaken a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the Joshua Hempsted House, with sections built in 1678 and 1728. With the expertise of structural engineering company DeStefano & Chamberlain, along with the guidance of Preservation Connecticut and the CT State Historic Preservation Office, we are working to control moisture, mitigate pest damage, and ensure the structural integrity of the 350-year-old house. Jim DeStefano and his team performed a structural assessment of the site earlier this year and will be working closely with us on this project. In July, two commercial-grade dehumidifiers were installed for monitoring by our collections team. Look for updates on our website, social media, and print materials, as education is a key component of this project.

Smaller-scale preservation projects were also completed this season as part of the larger preservation efforts at the property. An inspection earlier this year by J.P. Bachand revealed that the ridge boards along the roof line at the Joshua Hempsted needed attention. These were properly secured with roof screws. Bachand and his team made repairs to the chimney at the Joshua Hempsted House by sealing around the perimeter of the stainless-steel cover with caulk to prevent water infiltration. The team also repaired small holes in the masonry joints and used sealant around the metal flashing at the roof line. This work was completed with the guidance of Preservation Connecticut.

Following years of exposure to wind and rain, a wooden window in the garret of the Joshua Hempsted House required repair. The third-floor space is believed to have been a sleep and work space used by Adam Jackson. Fink and Son Historic Restoration removed the original window, boarded the opening, and repaired the window frame. The restored window was then reinstalled. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the windows and roof in the home to protect against moisture or weather-related damage so we can continue to share the story of Jackson, the enslaved man who lived and worked at the Hempsted Houses for more than three decades, in the place wherein he resided.

Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden Projects

When Oliver Phelps purchased the Burbank House in 1788, he made many changes to the original structure, including adding quoins at each corner. These wooden decorations were added to give the look of stone to the facade. Over time, the quoins on the northeast side of the house have suffered from rot and decay. Ben and his assistant Steve from Fink and Son Historic Restoration used their expertise to replicate and replace the quoins to prevent further damage of this beautiful detail. The Pine Room porch, located on the east side of the house, has similarly experienced damage due to an influx of moisture over the years. Fink and Son recently dismantled a large section of the porch, and Connecticut Landmarks has contracted GNCB Consulting Engineers to review the area and issue a report to determine the integrity of the foundation before the porch area is repaired.

Connecticut Landmarks is honored to be one of the sixteen Connecticut recipients of a 1772 Foundation grant administered in cooperation with Preservation Connecticut. The funds from this grant will help restore Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden’s 900-feet of historic wood fencing. The fence, originally built in three stages, has three unique styles: a simple picket fence, an ornate section originally constructed by Asher Benjamin circa 1794 with decorative coined columns, as well as a gothic-style fence. With the expertise of Kronenberger & Sons, new wooden replicas of the column caps have been reproduced and installed. Missing elements due to weather damage, rot, and age will be replaced; repairs made where needed; and the entire fence will be power washed, primed, and repainted.

Conditions Assessments with Public History Graduate Students at Central Connecticut State University

CCSU Public History students in a Historic Preservation class performed conditions assessments for the Nathan Hale Homestead, the Isham-Terry House, the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, and the Palmer-Warner House. Preservation Manager Aileen Bastos guided students through this process. Through our connections to universities, we foster our commitment to educating students on the importance of historic preservation. The conditions assessments created through this partnership were integral to the application processes for several grant opportunities we sought this season in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the founding of America in 2026.

Shutter and Apron Replacement at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

After a preliminary assessment of the current shutter conditions, Connecticut Landmarks, with the assistance of a historic carpenter, determined that the shutters need replacement. We contracted the expertise of Hartford-based nonprofit, Fresh Start Pallet Products, to replicate the shutters. Fresh Start employs and trains individuals recovering from addiction and life challenges, as well as recent refugees beginning their new life here in the United States. Their team creates high-quality products, primarily from reclaimed-salvaged wood, and, in partnership with community organizations, provides education and training through the Richard P. Garmany Fresh Start Academy. The completed shutters look fantastic, and we look forward to sharing the final product on our preservation blog and social media channels once they’ve been installed.

With heavy rain, which has become more frequent in recent years, the gravel apron near the property’s entrance washes out onto the street and creates a “gully” on the left side of the driveway. To remedy this situation, Ironwood Landscaping installed cobblestones in cement this Fall.

Floor Replacement in Hartford’s Butler-McCook House & Garden

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 & Garden 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. This past Spring, an eight-inch character oak floor was installed and stained to match the existing by floor restoration expert Tony Stockley. The floor restoration is the first of many anticipated updates to our historic house museums’ visitor centers as recipients of a Good to Great grant, which will allow Connecticut Landmarks to improve the visitor experience in our museums.

Stewarding the Landscape at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

In an age where rapid modernization often overshadows our historical landscapes, the preservation of historic gardens like the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden stands as a vital testament to cultural heritage, botanical artistry, and community connection. Established in 1915 by Eliza Ferriday and later nurtured by her daughter Caroline, this garden is more than just a collection of plants; it is a living narrative that encapsulates the passion, artistry, and dedication of two remarkable women.

The Bellamy-Ferriday Garden serves as a vital historical archive, offering insight into early 20th-century horticultural practices and aesthetic values. The formal parterre garden, with its meticulously designed layout, reflects the design principles and plant selections popularized during that era. By maintaining this garden, we ensure that future generations can experience and learn from the historical significance it embodies. For instance, the introduction of French lilacs speaks to Caroline’s admiration for French culture, merging personal narrative with horticultural practice.

Stepping through its hemlock hedge, visitors enter a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This tranquil space encourages community engagement through events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. The garden acts as a communal gathering place where visitors can learn about horticulture, participate in conservation efforts, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nature. The diverse collection of roses and lilacs, including rare and heirloom varieties, also play a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity. By nurturing these plants, we protect not only the beauty of the garden but the ecological health of our region.

The care of this crucial resource is possible thanks to staff and volunteer support, who work to maintain the garden so we can honor the legacy of Eliza and Caroline Ferriday, ensuring that their passion for horticulture and cultural appreciation continues to inspire future generations. However, the scope of maintenance, increase in expenses, and unpredictability of weather patterns has made the work we do increasingly difficult to address rising issues. Connecticut Landmarks is working to bring in the expertise of trained professionals who can provide the specialized knowledge required for the care of the garden’s unique plant varieties.

We have also designated a Bellamy-Ferriday Tree Fund, which will use donations made to the fund to maintain, care for, and replace lost trees on the grounds of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. The work we do to preserve the garden would not be possible without the support of our donors, who generously contribute to ensure the garden remains a vital resource and a place for all to enjoy its history and beauty.

A Community That Cares:

Museum Interpreters, Members & Donors

Connecticut Landmarks’ visitors, members, and donors come together at our historic sites to learn from the places that shaped our state. Whether you’ve been a member for over a decade, like Donald Rogers highlighted below, or are visiting our historic house museums for the very first time, our museum interpreters are always happy to greet you and honored to be in conversation with you about our state’s rich past.


Spotlighting Staff

Museum interpreters at Connecticut Landmarks connect our visitors to the past through interactive tours, programs, field trips, and events. Drawing on a wide range of backgrounds and interests, our museum interpreters’ passion for creating unforgettable experiences through local history is fundamental to all they do. In addition to our central office staff and site administrators, we are grateful for the more than 30 museum interpreters like those highlighted below, who foster welcoming and enthusiastic environments.

Jackie Hemond (she/her) has been a librarian since 1981 and was Director of Kent Memorial Library in Suffield from 2014-2019. She is currently an interpreter at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, in addition to serving as President and Trustee at the Suffield Historical Society. She says, “the best part of working as an interpreter is seeing people ‘connect the dots.’ Children understand that people in the past did some of the same things they do but with different tools—colonial toasters look different than modern toasters but they both do the job. Adults can see that small-town Suffield’s history reflects the broader national history, like ripples in the ocean.”

Mary Hogan (she/her) has worked as a museum interpreter with Connecticut Landmarks since Spring 2024. Most of her career has been in the government and nonprofit sectors, often in roles that, while not always within a library, still required a library degree. She is currently also a remote intern/volunteer with the Law Library of Congress. She owned an 1802 house (or rather it owned her) for more than 15 years. She loves working at the Hempsted Houses, Palmer-Warner House and Amasa Day House because she’s fascinated by the stories they tell and the people who lived there. She says, “working at Hempsted, Palmer-Warner, and Amasa Day is like stepping back in time. I get to immerse myself in the lives of people who lived decades and centuries ago and share their stories with others. I love interacting with visitors and seeing how they connect with the stories we tell. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Nathan Jedziniak (he/him) has been working at Nathan Hale Homestead since April 2024. He graduated from CCSU with a degree in History and minor in Public History in 2023, and as of September 2024, he is attending CCSU for his master’s degree in Public History. He says, “I very much enjoy giving tours and taking people back in time to American Revolution. My favorite work experience happened during a field trip. One of the students was extremely thrilled to learn about being a soldier in the Continental Army—his family had just started getting into reenactment in the Lebanon town militia.”

Bridget Charland (she/her) started volunteering at Nathan Hale Homestead about 12 years ago and has been working there for about 9 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a minor in History. She currently works part time at Nathan Hale Homestead and full time as a field archaeologist for a cultural resource management firm. She says, “my favorite tours to give are our nighttime candlelight tours. These tours offer an opportunity to share different stories about the Hale family, George Dudley Seymour, and other past residents that don’t typically get told during the daily tours. It is also amazing to see the house as the Hales would have witnessed it: lit up only by candlelight in the dark night.”

Barbara Walters (she/her) started working at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Spring of 2019. She was an elementary school teacher for 38 years and has always had an interest in U.S. history. She says, “this job has been perfect for me- I loved working with children, and I get to work field trips in the spring and the fall. The programs we are able to share with students are really enjoyable. The interactions I have with the multiple visitors are something that is really special. I get to interact with people from all over the world. One of the most memorable experiences for me was being able to witness a citizenship ceremony. I was moved to tears during this event. Nathan Hale Homestead has given me so many opportunities to grow and learn.”


Welcome to our 254 New Members!

Connecticut Landmarks’ members are history buffs, old-home enthusiasts, lifelong learners, explorers, and nature-lovers who support local history through their annual membership. Our members visit our sites and return each season for brand-new and beloved programs. Our refreshed membership program invites new members to enjoy traditional benefits, plus even more discounts on events and higher discounts in our museum shops. Membership tiers which include North American Reciprocal Museum membership open doors to history at Connecticut Labdmarks’ seven historic house museums and grant access to over a thousand cultural institutions across the nation. Connecticut Landmarks is excited to announce the launch of our highest-level membership tiers, which offer exclusive access to an annual Members’ Reception, luncheon with our Executive Director, rental discounts, private group tours for you and your friends, plus more!

Perhaps, the most enjoyable part of my membership is the Sunset Sounds summer concert series featuring very good jazz artists. Connecticut Landmarks is obviously well-connected in the local jazz scene. The concerts can be a total experience including outdoor music on the lawn, tours of the Butler-McCook House during intermission, and art for viewing (and buying) up in the Amos Bull House gallery. And it’s all free. The Series is a not-so-hidden City of Hartford treasure. I appreciate Connecticut Landmarks’ multiple programs and willingness to experiment as a historical organization.

– Donald Rogers, PhD
Member since 2012

Adam Zimmerman
Aidan Charland
Alan Supersano
Alyson Lukas
Amy Matusiak-dhaher
Amy Weber Reid
Amy Williams
Andrea Kulak
Andrea Leshinskie
Andres Verzosa
Andrew Crask
Andrew Pease
Andy King
Angela Badore
Angela Olson
Angelina Pease
Ann Nicol
Anne Harrigan
Anne Small
Anne Valentino
Annette Willis
Anthony Bostick
Anthony Richardson
Arthur Blumer
Audrey Mills
Barbara Burns
Barbara Campbell
Barbara Walters
Barry Winnick
Beth Bolduc
Bethlehem Public Library
Beverly Mosch
Beverly Willnauer
Bill Devine
Bill Terbush
Blyse Saby
Brian Spaulding
Bridget Charland
Carmen Diaz
Carol Clawson
Carol L. Kardas
Carol Palumbo

Carol Spaulding
Carole Olderman
Carolyn Happy
Casey Devine
Cassady Vrabel
Cathleen Cullen
Cathy Popp
Charles Janson
Charles Scalise
Chelsea Echevarria
Cheryl Weston
Christin George
Christine Gilbert
Christopher Dielsi
Christopher Houlihan
Concetta Perrotta
Connor H. Valentin
Craig Cavanaugh
Craig Olmsted
Dan Bolduc
Dana Olmsted
Daphne Dristy
Darby Pollansky
Daryl Byrne
Dave Andrews
David Altschuler
David H. Iscoe
David Whaples
Deborah Flynn
Deirdre H. DiCara
Delmer Weston
Denayah Bostick
Dennis Foley
Dennis Timberman
Diana Lenkowsky
Diana Supersano
Diane Chisnall-JoyDiane Dynia
Donna Barten
Donna Winnick
Dorothy & Michael Ambruso
Dorothy Dalton
Dorothy J Kelley

Eileen Roark
Elena Murphy
Ellen Ciccarillo Clarke
Ellen Purpura
Elliot Goldstein
Emily Jury
Erin Beecher
Erin Farley
Eva Klinger
Evelyn Murphy
Gary Cicognani
Gwendolyn Moraski
Halyna Mckee
Harry Schmitt
Ingo Roehrs
Isabel Butterick
Isabella Ducharme
Jackie Lightfield
Jacob Gross
Jacqueline Shadford
Jaimie Kimball
James A Boone
Jamie Hackbarth
Jan Pierro
Janet Jandreau
Janet Lussier
Janice Baltrushes
Jarred Booth
Jean Horrigan
Jennifer Daniels
Jennifer Gross
Jeremy Teitelbaum
Jerry Gale
Jessica Green
Jim Celentano
Jo Ann Simendinger
Joan Cominski
Jocelyn Weaver
Jody Wintsch
John Baron
John Bielonko

John Flynn
John Robert Williamson
Joyce Lin
Judie Saunders
Juli Winkel
Julianne Jones
Julie Drouin
Justin Edwards
Kandie Carle
Kathleen Bielonko
Kathleen Finnegan
Kathleen Healey
Kathryn Crask
Kathryn Whitaker
Kelley Coull
Kendra Williamson
kHYal NLN
Kristen Roach
Kristian Jeanloz
Kristin Hartness
Laura Chilson-Parks
Linda DeMott
Linda’s Guest
Lisa Sgamboti
Lisabeth LaLonde
Lois Muraro
Louise Blalock
Lynn Rahman
Maisley Strange
Marc Jones
Marguerite Benoit
Maria Sgamboti
Mariette Kane
Mark Rosenberg
Mary Ann Zabik
Mary Beth Baker
Mary Hogan
Mary K Olmsted
Mary Meenan
Mary Naeher
Mary Pardee
Matthew Larson
Matthew Toyota

Matthew Willis
Maura Terbush
Melissa Watterworth
Meredith Shimer
Meredith Boone
Michael Cominski
Michaela Grob
Michele Schnitzer
Mike Donaghey
Molly Charland
Mona Teitelbaum
Nancy Altschuler
Nancy Dart
Natalia Pylypyszyn
Natalie Jury
Natalie Welsh
Nathan Jedziniak
Nathan Loeffler
Nicholas Arruda
Nick Lorusso
Nick McCarthy
Nicole Andrews
Nicole Thomas
Pamela Aubin
Pamela Scalise
Patricia Lapierre
Patricia Spugani
Patty Szarka
Paul Barten
Paul Rood
Paula Patterson
Paula Todd
Peter and Becky Ehrhart
Phyllis Emigh
Pierce
Prudence Bostick
Rachel Riendeau Ed.D.
Rachel Sherman
Ray Dalton
Raymond Happy
Rebecca Fahey
Regina Catterson
Rexana Rodriguez

Richard Bello
Richard Hershner
Richard Ratzan
Rita Mattus
Robert Naeher
Robert Toyota
Robert Wintsch
Robert Yaro
Rockville Public Library
Rose Macneely
Ruth Huizenga
Sandra Blumer
Shelley Stedman
Stacey Goldstein
Steve Batt
Stuart Schimler
Susan Lamontagne
Susan Nowak
Susan Ratzan
Susan Yaro
T. Dwight Olmsted
Teresa Foley
Thomas Gardener
Thomas Mullin
Tila Rahman
Tim Grob
Tim Purpura
Timothy Macneely
Tom Hockaday
Tom Horrigan
Tom Huizenga
Ursula Wiebusch
Valerie Chase
Victoria O’connor
Vincent Ehrhart
Virginia H. Heaton Petty
Wendy Timberman
William Hyatt
William LePage
William Pease
YanFen Mei

Thank you to our valued donors who support opportunities for people to connect with history, and each other, through our historic houses

Donald Rogers
Jeff Blazejovsky
June Danaher
John Holmy
Eleanor Stargardter
Maureen Zavodjancik
Kathleen Barrett
Maya Key
William Myers
Aaron Trahan
Raymond S. Pierson
Elizabeth Lightfoot
Beth Iacampo
Michael W. Arseneault
John E. Farley
Barry Winnick
Todd and Lynn Mervosh
Alyssa Oddo
William Schneider
Michael Corbiel
Ed Dorgan

Doug Malan
Wayne Gannaway
Joeseph Missbrenner
Charles Brown
Joan Morach
Shirley Fulton
Joyce Zien
Noelia Kneeland
Elsbeth Geldhof
Kevin Gough
Lee F. West
Jan Larkin
William A. MacDonnell
Mary Cockram
Nancy Viggiano
Mazaika Family Foundation, Inc.
Elizabeth Lightfoot
Paul J. Knierim
Don Menzies
Mike Bartholomay
Lee Frevig

Jay Levin
Suffield Garden Club
Douglas Shipman
Carol L. Kardas
John F. Byrnes
Joseph Grabarz
Tess Torrey
James E. Bowers
Stuart Schimler
Cornelius P. O’Leary
Judie Saunders
Margaret Steeves
Kate Dimancescu
Peggy and Ted Sands
Town of Suffield
Susan Horn
Robert Brock
James Frink
Trudy Jones
Ginnie Hilyard
Paul Eversman

Robert Flicker
Veronica Cook
Celeste Cobb
Robin L. Zitter
Deirdre H. DiCara
Sarah Morrison
Deborah Ullman
Philip G. Samponaro
Bryan Bennica
Kathy Livingston
Robert Yaro
Lynn E. Strawson
Genevieve O’Connell
Leonardo Suzio
Ferriday Fund
Frank Wemple
Aaron Marcavitch
Philip C. Sayres
Deanna Congo
Mike M.

FY2024 Financial Report Summary