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 »

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 »