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So far Olivia Grella has created 52 blog entries.

Significant Restoration Work Underway at the Hempsted Houses

Have you seen the new sign outside our museum? We are pleased to announce that significant restoration work on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House is currently underway. Connecticut Landmarks and Crosskey Architects have contracted the expertise of Kronenberger & Sons Restoration to complete this project to restore the 350-year-old house’s structural integrity. This work couples with the installation of two commercial-grade dehumidifiers installed in the house to help control moisture and mitigate pest damage. These important preservation efforts ensure our ability to continue engaging visitors in stories about colonial life and northern slavery through the history of the Hempsted and Jackson families in the spaces where they lived – empowering folks to begin their conversation with history and make a difference today.

We would like to thank DeStefano & Chamberlain, Preservation Connecticut, the CT State Historic Preservation Office, Crosskey Architects, and Kronenberger & Sons Restoration for their guidance and expertise with this project. We also want to extend our gratitude to the supporters of the Hempsted Houses. Your commitment to our work, the history of the property, and presence during events, tours, and programs makes the experiences at our museum even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you for generations to come!

Click here to discover more about the Hempsted Houses, restoration work, and impact on tours » 

By |2025-10-01T10:51:38-04:00September 5th, 2025|Hempsted 2025, Preservation|Comments Off on Significant Restoration Work Underway at the Hempsted Houses
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Connecticut Landmarks Presents on Current Preservation Projects

Aileen Bastos, Lynn Mervosh, and Olivia Grella presented last week at Preservation Connecticut‘s Talking About Preservation webinar series. As one of Preservation Connecticut’s preservation partners in the state, we were excited to present about our nine historic house museums, four stewardship properties, and preservation work underway across various sites (plus events coming up this summer!). We also shared updates on the 18th-century Réveillon wallpaper conservation project at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden in Suffield.

Watch the presentation »

By |2025-06-24T09:39:50-04:00June 24th, 2025|Preservation|Comments Off on Connecticut Landmarks Presents on Current Preservation Projects
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Change in Musician Lineup for July Sunset Sounds Concert

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Sunset Sounds Concert on Thursday, July 12 at 6 pm will now feature a performance by Nigel Bello and Friends. The original performance by Kellin Hanas Quintet will be rescheduled for 2026. Stay tuned to our website, social media and program guide for event updates! 

Nigel Bello is an 18-year-old trombonist from Hartford, CT.  His father, Nelson, introduced him to the trombone at the age of 6 and he has been playing for the past 13 years. Nigel has studied with Steve Davis, Dr. Emmett Goods, and Hommy Ramos. He has shared the stage with musicians such as Zaccai and Luques Curtis, Nat Reeves, Gary Bartz, and Steve Davis. In 2023, he traveled to France with the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s Jazz Orchestra as their second-chair trombone. Nigel has also played in many professional settings, such as opening the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series and the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, as well as accompanying musicians such as Michael Stuart, Frankie Ruiz Jr., Johnny Rivera, Nino Segarra, and many others. He now attends Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, continuing his musical journey.

Nigel Bello and Friends includes: Nigel Bello-trombone, Felipe Fournier-vibes, Luis Quintero-percussion, Zaccai Curtis-piano, Nathan Edwards-tenor sax, Nelson Bello-percussion, Luques Curtis bass.

Admission to the concert is free. The Amos Bull and Butler-McCook Houses will also celebrate featured artist exhibitions of Luis Cotto and Emma Chadwick.

See full event listing »

 

By |2025-06-17T11:54:57-04:00June 17th, 2025|News|Comments Off on Change in Musician Lineup for July Sunset Sounds Concert
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Celebrate Pride Month with Connecticut Landmarks

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. Connecticut Landmarks takes seriously its responsibility to share the stories of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger and the life they built together at the Palmer-Warner House. We are 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.

Join us in East Haddam each Saturday in June from 1 pm-4 pm for the Palmer-Warner House’s Pride of Place tour, which will explore the lives of previous residents Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger and the broader themes of identity, resilience, and legacy that define the LGBTQ+ experience. Purchase tickets here »

Beginning June 7, “Letters of Unity: Building LGBTQ+ Community Through the Written Word” will celebrate the power of written communication in shaping LGBTQ+ identity, activism, and community. This display will be on view in the barn during open hours, and admission is included with house tours.

On Saturday, June 14 at 1 pm, join us for the installation of the Progress Flag Field. This installation serves as a place for reflection, with each flag representing the diverse identities within the community. It honors those who fought for equality and celebrates unity, resilience, and the importance of safe spaces. Whether you’re celebrating someone’s journey, honoring a life lost, or standing in solidarity with those still seeking acceptance, your sponsorship helps build a visible, vibrant symbol of support. Please consider dedicating a flag with a name, a memory, or a message — every story matters. Sponsor a flag here ».

We are also proud to honor the LGBTQ+ community by welcoming visitors to explore a special exhibit on display in the barn, TRANSPARENT: Creating Advocacy Through Art by Samuel Avery Giardina. This powerful exhibit explores personal identity, transformation, and the profound impact of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.

By |2025-06-06T11:32:30-04:00June 6th, 2025|News|Comments Off on Celebrate Pride Month with Connecticut Landmarks
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New Opening Date: Progress Flag Field

Due to the forecast for Saturday, June 7th, we have made the decision to push the installation of the Progress Flag Field to Saturday, June 14th. Letters of Unity: Building LGBTQ+ Community Through the Written Word will open on June 7th as planned.

The Palmer-Warner House is open each Saturday in June from 1 pm-4 pm, and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month thereafter through October. If you have any questions, please reach out to palmer.warner@ctlandmarks.org

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you soon!

By |2025-06-05T15:04:06-04:00June 5th, 2025|News|Comments Off on New Opening Date: Progress Flag Field
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Garden Talk on Roses with George McLeary: Limited Spots Available

In 1915, Eliza Ferriday established a formal parterre garden on the Bellamy-Ferriday House’s west side. Over a 70-year period, Eliza and her daughter, Caroline Ferriday, created a garden showcasing their love of roses, lilacs and peonies.

Next Thursday, June 5, join former Bellamy-Ferriday Horticulturist George McLeary from 2 pm-3 pm for an afternoon discussion of the history of the property’s roses, their types, and how we care for them. Following the talk, a guided tour will lead participants through the garden to experience the sweet scents of the roses with practical advice on care and pruning. Light refreshments will be served!

This garden is a living narrative that encapsulates the passion, artistry, and dedication of two remarkable women. Stepping through its hemlock hedge, visitors enter a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The diverse collection of roses and lilacs, including rare and heirloom varieties, 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.

By |2025-05-30T12:34:56-04:00May 30th, 2025|News|Comments Off on Garden Talk on Roses with George McLeary: Limited Spots Available
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Connecticut Landmarks’ Historic Sites are Blue Star Museums

Did you know that six of Connecticut Landmarks’ historic house museums are among the more than 2,000 museums who are part of the Blue Star Museums program this summer?

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families.

Active-duty U.S. military personnel and up to five family members can visit the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Nathan Hale Homestead, Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, Isham-Terry House, Butler-McCook House & Garden, and the Palmer-Warner House for free on open tour days between tomorrow and September 1st. Please visit each property’s page for open hours and contact information. Present your military ID to our museum staff upon arrival to register your group for a tour.

We look forward to welcoming you and your families to our historic properties!

Read Blue Star Museums FAQ here »

By |2025-05-14T12:16:03-04:00May 16th, 2025|News|Comments Off on Connecticut Landmarks’ Historic Sites are Blue Star Museums
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