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 »

Saturday, May 4 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 seven historic house museums are available from May through October. Days and times vary by location. Make your reservations today!

Our 2024 season features new events including the Palmer-Warner House and East Haddam Historical Society’s Pride Month Celebration; Mattatuck Museum Takeover at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden; and Making Music Together: The Ishams’ Parlor Music at the Isham-Terry House. Returning favorites include Things That Go Bump in the Night at the Nathan Hale Homestead; the Hempsted Houses’ Juneteenth Festival; Suffield Garden Club’s 46^th Annual May Market at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden; 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!

Connecticut Landmarks’ Butler-McCook House & Garden invites visitors to take to the streets of Connecticut’s capital city this Spring with four Historic Hartford Walking Tours, including a brand-new sports-themed tour for the 2024 season.

For the first walking tour of the season, explore the architectural treasures of Coltsville and the Charter Oak neighborhoods. Butler-McCook staff will discuss the impacts of industry and immigration on these neighborhoods in Hartford, including sites like the Colt Factory and its worker houses, the Church of the Good Shepherd and Parish House, the Capewell Nail Factory, and the Polish National Home. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 10 am–12 noon. Tickets are $10, $5 for CTL Members.

Additional walks on a variety of topics, including a BRAND NEW tour focusing on Hartford’s sports history, are planned throughout the spring.

Learn more and purchase tickets here »

Robert Brock was appointed as Interim Executive Director by the Board of Trustees of Connecticut Landmarks effective March 29th. He previously served as Deputy Director of CTL since August 2020 and joined the organization in January 2019 as the Assistant Director of Operations.

Prior to coming to Hartford, Mr. Brock was the Director of Visitor Experience at the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis where he was responsible for the operations of all front-line staff including visitor experience, reservations, ticketing and scheduling, budgeting, and event logistics.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Brock worked in city and state government in Massachusetts including serving three years as deputy press secretary to the Mayor of Boston.  He holds a M.S. in Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Learn more about CTL staff »

Connect with our house museums and other history lovers in new ways this season with our refreshed Membership Program!

Enjoy members-only tours and events, including our ever-popular Historic Hartford Walking Tours and exclusive Lilac Walks at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. Discounts and pre-sales on favorite programs ensure you have access to the hottest history events in town. Visit our membership page to view our updated membership benefits, including new levels for public libraries, historical societies, and universities!

Buy Now! Purchase or renew your membership before 5/31 to stay connected to Connecticut Landmarks into 2025 at our 2023 rates!

Learn more and join today »

Our season officially kicks off in May, but you can visit six of our historic house museums between now and May 1 with by-appointment tours! Visit the web page of any property you’re interested in visiting and click the tour inquiry button. Our site administrators will work with you to set up a tour date!

Find a museum to visit  »