Welcoming those with Hale & Hearty Roots!

Nathan Hale is known today as America’s first spy, but before the American Revolution he was just a kid who grew up on a farm in Coventry, Connecticut. Not only is this year the anniversary of the country’s founding and signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is also the 250th anniversary of the completion of the house in October 1776. What better year to celebrate the legacy of the Hale family?

People who can trace their ancestry to the Coventry Hales and those interested in Hale family genealogy are invited to revisit the family homestead on Saturday, September 19th. Learn about the branches of the Hale family tree, understand genealogical resources available, connect with other descendants, and tour the home that Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong Hale built for their family. After a communal lunch with music and games, visit the Coventry Town Green where the Hales mustered out for the American Revolution, the location of the church where Richard and John were deacons, the site of Elizabeth Hale Rose’s home, and the cemetery where Hale family members rest.

Learn more and reserve your tickets today »

 

By |2026-04-20T16:15:56-04:00April 20th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Welcoming those with Hale & Hearty Roots!

Help History Bloom as Bellamy-Ferriday’s Next Gardener!

Connecticut Landmarks is accepting applications for a Gardener to care for the historic garden—a museum in and of itself—at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem.

In 1915, Eliza Ferriday began transforming this property’s aesthetic by establishing a formal parterre garden on the 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. Through the break in the hemlock hedge, visitors enter the garden they designed. Blossoming from the end of May – June, the rose collection includes Gallicas, Albas, Centifolias, Moss and Damask Roses, as well as several Rugosas. Eliza & Caroline Ferriday also collected 15 different varieties of lilacs, including French varieties inspired by Caroline’s love of French culture & design.

The Gardener is responsible for caring for the gardens during the growing season, managing season opening and fall clean-ups, and supporting programming goals to ensure the public has access to and understands the gardens. This position works closely with the Site Administrator. The successful candidate will possess well-documented gardening skills including experience with pruning, weeding, irrigation, fertilization, and landscaping. They will enjoy working with people and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Job description, information and application instructions available here »

By |2026-05-07T09:11:56-04:00April 19th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Help History Bloom as Bellamy-Ferriday’s Next Gardener!

Welcome to the 2026 Season at Connecticut Landmarks Museums!

The first weekend in May marks Connecticut Landmarks’ opening weekend. Our historic sites and their staff welcome visitors to open the door to the past with tours, hands-on programs, and special events. Tours of our historic house museums are available from May through October. Days and times vary by location. Make your reservations today!

In 2026, we are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with an incredible, thought-provoking calendar of events. Join us for new events such as weekly story times in the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden, flower-arranging workshops at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, or Tables of Revolution: Voices at the Hearth at the Hempsted Houses (newly reopened following significant restoration work!). We will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the publication of Lilac Girls in Bethlehem this fall, and a special series in Coventry will explore Colonial-era celebrations through immersive presentations. Returning favorites include Things That Go Bump in the Night at the Nathan Hale Homestead; the Palmer-Warner House’s Pipes & Cider Festival; and the Sunset Sounds Concert Series at the Butler-McCook House & Garden.

Details and registration for all events can be found on our events calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to our sites this season!

By |2026-04-16T14:50:26-04:00April 16th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Welcome to the 2026 Season at Connecticut Landmarks Museums!

A Mother’s Day Gift for the History Books

Show your favorite maternal figure how much you care by giving her a gift that lasts a whole year!

Membership with Connecticut Landmarks connects her with the stories of New Englanders who have supported causes they believed in, preserved the homes they loved, and cared for the communities they cherished. Membership benefits include free admission to tours of our nine historic house museums, discounts on dozens of public programs, invitations to members-only programs, and savings in our museum stores.

Waited until the last minute to shop? Our gift memberships can be sent straight to her email inbox, so she can start planning her first visit right as our properties open in May!

This Mother’s Day, give her three historic gardens‘ worth of flowers! Plus, learn how you can celebrate Mother’s Day with us on Saturday, May 9 with Mother’s Day Tea at Suffield’s Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden! 

Give the gift of Connecticut Landmarks membership»

By |2026-04-21T09:39:27-04:00April 15th, 2026|News, Uncategorized|Comments Off on A Mother’s Day Gift for the History Books

Save the Dates! 2026 Historic Hartford Walking Tours

Prepare your favorite walking shoes! Our popular Historic Hartford Walking Tours return this April with new themes and specialty walks to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding! Here is a preview of what’s in store for this season:

  • New for 2026! Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Hartford Art and Artists (Saturday, May 2, 10 am – 12 noon)
  • New for 2026! Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Old South Cemetery and the Camp Field (Saturday, May 9, 10 am – 12 noon)
  • Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Beyond Main Street (Saturday, May 16, 10 am – 12 noon)
  • New for 2026! Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Revolutionary Hartford (Saturday, September 19, 10 am – 12 noon) Join us to learn about Hartford’s Colonial roots – featuring part of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route!
  • Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Charter Oak & Coltsville (Saturday, September 26, 10 am – 12 noon)

See the full schedule of Walking Tours here »

By |2026-04-16T14:22:19-04:00April 1st, 2026|News|Comments Off on Save the Dates! 2026 Historic Hartford Walking Tours

Help Bring History to Life as a Museum Interpreter!

Are you an excellent storyteller with an interest in local history who’s excited to connect audiences of all ages with the stories of the past? We’re hiring Museum Interpreters to lead interactive visitor tours, support programs and events, and guide hands-on activities at our museums in Hartford, Coventry, East Haddam, and Bethlehem! No tour experience necessary! Our season starts in May with training taking place in March and April.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Job descriptions, information and application instructions available here »

By |2026-03-04T15:39:18-05:00March 4th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Help Bring History to Life as a Museum Interpreter!

Now Hiring: Assistant Site Administrator, Nathan Hale Homestead

Connecticut Landmarks seeks a permanent part-time Assistant Site Administrator to support the Site Administrator with the seasonal operations of the Nathan Hale Homestead. The Assistant Site Administrator, in collaboration with the Site Administrator, helps plan and deliver a broad range of creative programs, events, and exhibits that advance Connecticut Landmarks’ mission and brand, expand community partnerships, and encourage deeper engagement with diverse audiences. The Assistant Site Administrator will also assume responsibility for the overall management of the site in the absence of the site administrator. Assistant Site Administrators work closely with site staff on promoting and selling memberships, leading tours, executing events and programs, and helping to manage the site’s gift shop. The Assistant Site Administrator will play a key role in using and training staff on Blackbaud Altru, CTL’s ticketing, membership, and fundraising database software.

Learn More on the Opportunities Page »

By |2026-02-25T12:57:51-05:00February 25th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Now Hiring: Assistant Site Administrator, Nathan Hale Homestead

Thank You for an Amazing 2025 Season!

In 2025, Connecticut Landmarks continued to deliver high-quality, thought-provoking programs, tours, and field trips to connect people to our state’s complex past, while navigating rapidly changing funding landscapes and a country that is more divided than ever. We are proud of the role we play in bringing people together to understand the Connecticut story and preserving the past for future generations. We invite you to explore our 2025 Annual Report–which includes a special section about our recently launched strategic plan–to discover how we encourage critical thinking and create spaces for connection through education, preservation, and storytelling at our historic house museums.

Read our Annual Report »

By |2026-02-25T12:59:02-05:00February 10th, 2026|News|Comments Off on Thank You for an Amazing 2025 Season!

Give the Gift of History this Holiday Season

A membership to Connecticut Landmarks is the perfect gift for history buffs, old home enthusiasts, families, lifelong learners, nature lovers, and explorers. Our members enjoy free admission to all seven of our historic sites across the state, discounts to programs and in our museum shops, invitations to special events, plus so much more! Know someone who loves museums, botanical gardens, historic houses, and science centers? Buy your loved one a NARM level membership, opening the door to over 1,000 cultural institutions across the nation, including Connecticut Landmarks’ seven historic house museums. Memberships not only support our education and preservation work, but they truly are the gift that keeps on giving all year long. And best of all, your membership will be emailed immediately — perfect for when you save the best gifts for last!

Gift a Membership »

By |2025-12-18T11:36:32-05:00December 18th, 2025|News|Comments Off on Give the Gift of History this Holiday Season

Winter Clothing Drive

Connecticut Landmarks’ Hempsted Houses have partnered with the Homeless Hospitality Center in New LondonFiddleheads Food Co-opand the Covenant House of New London to help give the gift of warmth to the New London community this winter season with a winter clothing drive. All donated items will go to the Homeless Hospitality Center and the Covenant House who will distribute the clothing to those in need. Your support is greatly appreciated!

From December 5, 2025 through January 10, 2026, we will be accepting new hats and gloves in all sizes, and new and gently-used coats in all sizes. Donations of children’s winter coats are especially appreciated.

Drop-Off Location (look for designated donation box):

  • Fiddleheads Food Co-op, 13 Broad St, New London (view map) during business hours (8 am-9 pm)

Learn More About Our Community Partners »

By |2025-12-05T12:05:27-05:00December 5th, 2025|News, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Winter Clothing Drive
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