This talk on the monarch butterfly explores its remarkable annual migration across North America, the stages of its life cycle, and its reliance on milkweed. The program highlights the butterfly’s role in pollination and explains why conserving habitats is vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The Coventry Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead is an experience not to be missed. This market carries the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in the state, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products in one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each week, the staff of the Homestead will lead a family-friendly activity to connect the history of the site with the theme of the market. Admission to the Nathan Hale Homestead is by regular admission and is not included in the Farmers’ Market program.
The Coventry Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead is an experience not to be missed. This market carries the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in the state, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products in one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each week, the staff of the Homestead will lead a family-friendly activity to connect the history of the site with the theme of the market. Admission to the Nathan Hale Homestead is by regular admission and is not included in the Farmers’ Market program.
Letterboxing is a treasure hunt where participants use clues to find hidden boxes containing stamps that they can collect by printing them into their own journals. Join Hale Homestead staff to meet community members, see a stamp-carving demo, enjoy a special one-day Spy Mission Trail, and more!
Learn about the practices that bound – or bundled! – people together in the decades around the American Revolution with presentations and vignettes on dating and marriage practices in the 18th century. As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the Nathan Hale Homestead is asking, how can we party like it’s 1776? Our 18th-Century Celebrations series brings history to life with three immersive events.
Step back in time to learn a craft from the 18th century, with some modern tools to make the process a bit easier! Build a wooden writing box inspired by the Nathan Hale Homestead's collections to store your personal papers with Fred Brehant, a third-generation blacksmith and skilled woodwright located in Hebron, Connecticut. All materials included.
The Coventry Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead is an experience not to be missed. This market carries the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in the state, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products in one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each week, the staff of the Homestead will lead a family-friendly activity to connect the history of the site with the theme of the market. Admission to the Nathan Hale Homestead is by regular admission and is not included in the Farmers’ Market program.
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner while you enjoy music in the lovely setting of the Butler-McCook House & Garden. Plus, be sure to stay for a free tour of the house’s first floor! Audio tours are available via the IZI.Travel app for the historic garden. The Amos Bull and Butler-McCook Houses will also celebrate featured artist exhibitions. Concerts happen rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Amos Bull Community Room.
At our third annual Pipes & Cider Festival, the rich traditions of Scotland come alive! Enjoy local beverage tastings from Fifth State Distillery and Yankee Cider Co., who will feature a signature “Dunstaffnage” whiskey cider crafted to transport you to the Scottish moors with its hints of Highland peat smoke. Immerse yourself in the stirring sounds of Mystic Pipes and Drums, the Middletown Police Benefit Association (MPBA) Pipes & Drums, and the Moodus Drum & Fife Corps, as well as the art and music of Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle. Bring your friends and test your knowledge with a spirited round of pub trivia and visit the historic crafters village with Big Bear Trading Company, Wedges of Time Coffee and Textiles, and others. Raise a glass, embrace the music, and celebrate the magic of Scotland.
The Coventry Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead is an experience not to be missed. This market carries the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in the state, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products in one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each week, the staff of the Homestead will lead a family-friendly activity to connect the history of the site with the theme of the market. Admission to the Nathan Hale Homestead is by regular admission and is not included in the Farmers’ Market program.
Join us to explore the architectural treasures of Coltsville and the Charter Oak neighborhoods. 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.
Welcoming those with Hale and Hearty Roots! People who can trace their ancestry to the Coventry Hales and those interested in Hale family genealogy are invited to revisit the family homestead. 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.
The Coventry Farmers’ Market on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead is an experience not to be missed. This market carries the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in the state, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products in one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. Each week, the staff of the Homestead will lead a family-friendly activity to connect the history of the site with the theme of the market. Admission to the Nathan Hale Homestead is by regular admission and is not included in the Farmers’ Market program.
Join us to explore the architectural treasures of Coltsville and the Charter Oak neighborhoods. 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.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Martha Hall Kelly’s best-selling book "Lilac Girls" at the museum that first inspired her! The grounds will be open for exploration throughout the afternoon, with representatives from Connecticut Landmarks and other local businesses and organizations sharing information, offering themed photo ops, and facilitating activities. Site administrator Peg Shimer and author Martha Hall Kelly take guests on a special house tour to point out some of Caroline’s favorite places in the summer home her family called “The Hay.” Tea and conversation will both be flowing in the kitchen where Caroline Ferriday gathered with the ladies of Ravensbrück in 1958 when The Penny Farthing Tea Room and Bakery provides tea and light refreshments. And you can visit Caroline's childhood playhouse to have your books signed by the author.