Stop into Phelps-Hatheway's Visitor Center for the Season of Change art exhibition by Laurie Tavino and Ray Pioggia. In this exhibit, photographic and hand-rendered images in color and monochrome depict scenes and themes from locations throughout Suffield - a number of which are views that no longer exist.
Welcome spring with Suffield Garden Club’s 48th annual May Market! Guests will find an array of flowers, shrubs, herbs, garden sculptures, terrariums, birdbaths, and nature photography, as well as local honey, jams, jellies and fragrant soaps. Looking for gifts for the home? Vendors bearing handwoven baskets, blankets, jewelry, and refinished furniture will have that special item just for you. Visitors can also find bespoke treasures in Phelps-Hatheway's gift shop.
Expand your knowledge of Hartford’s architectural treasures by venturing east and west of Main Street. Understand the historical and cultural significance of buildings along South Prospect Street, from the 1788 Amos Bull House to the BPO Elks Lodge, to the Hartford Times Building. To the west, explore more of the city’s South Downtown neighborhood on Elm and Gold Streets.
Turn off your cell phones, take deep breaths, and let your mind observe nature using all your senses through the practice of shinrin yoku, also known as forest bathing, with Certified Forest Therapy Guide Professor Suzanne Hudd.
Help us plant the seeds for the future of the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden with our special zinnia seed campaign! Sponsor a zinnia seed for $10 and a garden stake with your name will be placed next to the spot where the seed is planted. Your sponsorship comes with a garden pass to return to see the plants in bloom.
The Phelps-Hatheway School of Floral Arts was created to showcase the magnificent blooms grown in our small community and, for the final session, in our great state of Connecticut. All ages and abilities are welcome! Late May marks the return of the peony, known for its deep hues and exquisite fragrance. Debora Reynolds, long-time supporter of the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, flower farmer, and floral designer, brings decades of experience in the growing and styling of the peony. Debora will share her horticulture tips and guide you on your way to the perfect arrangement.
The Progress Flag Field honors the legacy of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger, who created a welcoming space for friends, family, and the LGBTQ+ community. This installation serves as a place for reflection, with each flag representing the diverse identities within the community. It honors those who fought for equality and celebrates unity, resilience, and the importance of safe spaces.
In collaboration with the Suffield Historical Society and Kent Memorial Library, join staff to learn the stories of individuals who resided on Suffield’s North and South Main Streets yet have long been erased from memory. A reception will follow in the Visitor Center.
Updated for 2026! 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 exploring this city's colonial roots and more! This walk includes some of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. This program is offered FREE as part of Connecticut Trails Day.
What could be more delightful than a beautiful summer day and a garden full of blooms? On Sundays in June, bring your painting supplies and explore the grounds to find the perfect spot for inspiration. Grounds fees are waived for those painting on Plein Air days.
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner as our historic garden comes alive with music! Round out your evening with free tours of the house museum’s first floor, an audio tour of the garden, and featured artist exhibitions. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Amos Bull Community Room.
Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions.
Join Connecticut Landmarks for a Juneteenth celebration with the City of New London, highlighting the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood, with partners.
Bring your project, a comfy folding chair or blanket, and enjoy the grounds of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden! Grounds fees will be waived for those who have knitting projects with them.
Pastor Michael Cagle leads participants in community for a spiritual and lively non-denominational church service followed by performances by The Jim Hunter Jazz Group and the New London Public Schools Bands.