Hartford’s summer air will once again be filled with vibrant jazz melodies against the backdrop of sunset skies. Every second Thursday from June through September, bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner while you enjoy music and an artist’s exhibition in the lovely setting of the Butler-McCook House & Garden during our Sunset Sounds Concert Series. The series kicks off this Thursday with Jen Allen “Heart Alchemy.”  Be sure to stay for a free tour of Butler-McCook House’s first floor! Audio tours are available via the IZI.Travel app for the historic garden. The Amos Bull House will also celebrate a featured artist’s exhibition in our community room.

On Friday, June 21, perennial crowd favorite Ed Fast and Congabop returns to Hartford’s best kept secret—our historic garden oasis–as we join cities worldwide on the longest day of the year to celebrate the annual Make Music Day Hartford. Bring your dancing shoes and have no doubt that this will be an exciting performance filled with Fast’s original tunes and rumbafied standards and his stellar line-up of performers, including legendary percussionist Sammy Figueroa.

Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome to all music performances!

See Other Programs in Sunset Sounds Concert Series »

Opening day of the Coventry Farmers’ Market is this Sunday, June 2! The state’s largest farmers’ market brings fresh local finds to the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead every Sunday from 10:00 am-1:00 pm through the end of October. Each week, the staff of the Homestead hosts family-friendly programs including 18th–century games, hearth cooking, cheese-making, woodworking, and so much more. 

FREE admission to the grounds; fees apply for some programs.

The Nathan Hale Homestead is open from 10 am–2 pm on Sundays. Tours of the museum’s interiors are available for regular admission fees. Feel free to stop in to the Museum Shop to continue your shopping adventure!

See market themes and Homestead programming »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »