Dear Friends of Connecticut Landmarks,

As you may be aware, on Monday, August 3, 2026, Connecticut Landmarks staff discovered that the Nathan Hale Homestead had been vandalized. Further investigation showed these acts extended to the Hale family barns and the barn used by the Coventry Farmers’ Market, held weekly on the grounds. In addition to cash and objects stolen from the property, some materials were stripped from appliances and infrastructure with the apparent intention of being sold.

In the difficult days following the vandalism, we have been filled with gratitude by the outpouring of support. At Connecticut Landmarks, the homes we care for make the visitor experience more meaningful because you are standing in places where history happened. We hold this at the core of our mission, and it is equally as true that a house is not a home without people. The previous inhabitants whose lives inform the stories we share made these houses homes. Today, people like you continue to make our historic house museums home for historical inquiry, discovery, and community building. Your support through challenging moments allows us to continue important work in preservation and education. For this, we are beyond grateful – thank you.

While it is disappointing that these acts were undertaken just as a significant restoration project is returning the home to pristine condition for its 250th anniversary, your support ensures that the Nathan Hale Homestead will remain a historic asset and beloved community gathering spot where we can continue to share the Hale story for another 250 years.

Together, we can continue to move history forward.

Sincerest regards,

Robert Brock, Executive Director, Connecticut Landmarks

Anne Marie Charland, Site Administrator, Nathan Hale Homestead

From the Nathan Hale Homestead social media pages:

Nathan Hale Homestead and Connecticut Landmarks would like to take a moment to thank everyone; public officials, news outlets, neighbors, patrons, law enforcement and general public for their outpouring of support. Your kind words, expressions of concern, and donations have been uplifting during very difficult time.

Much of the vandalism has been “cleaned up” but now we start the process of trying to repair the damage. This process will be a long road and we appreciate your patience. That being said we are open for our regular business hours, Friday and Saturdays 12pm – 4pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm. Tomorrow’s hearth cooking family program will be postponed until a later date.

We would like to note that our phone lines remain out of order since the incident. If you would like to reach us please email annemarie.charland@ctlandmarks.org or hale@ctlandmarks.org