Join us on Sunday, October 18 at 2 pm for an in-person discussion of Mary Shelley, and the brilliant plot line of Frankenstein. Pick up a special commemorative bookmark and see Henry Isham’s personal library from the 1800s. Tours of the house available for regular admission.
Something is missing at the Manse … and the spirits know where it is! Join this a one-of-a-kind house tour where history, mystery, and a few friendly ghosts come together! As you make your way through the Manse, you will encounter some familiar—and not-so-familiar—spirits, each with a clue to help solve the mystery of the missing artifact. You will follow the clues, uncover the secrets, and see if you can figure out where the artifact has gone!
Explore the burial customs, traditions, and superstitions around death in New England from colonial times through the 19th century with Dean Massey, an urban planning researcher from Northeastern University. Following the talk, a short walk to the Warner Cemetery will offer provide an opportunity to examine epitaphs and iconography up close, and engage in a discussion about the rich diversity of New England’s remembrance practices.
Experience the city’s oldest house at twilight as you meet the ghosts of New Londoners who have ghoulish stories to tell. Talk with them—if you dare! Participants are welcome to come in costume, though we ask that they refrain from extreme gore, masks that cover the whole face or head, tripping hazards, weapons, or using cultural identities as costumes.
Join Traci Boiselle, a paranormal investigator with 18 years of experience with The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), for a discussion of theories, tools, and methods used in paranormal research. Explore the history of the Hempsted Houses, including her family connection to the property, and see paranormal evidence from New London County investigations. VIP ticket-holders will then join a 45-minute guided paranormal investigation of one of New England’s oldest dwellings: the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House.
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.
Floristry doesn’t need to end when the gardens have gone to rest! Join site administrator Lynn Mervosh and staff for a holiday bulb workshop that will brighten the shortest days of the year. Lynn will share the history of these bulbs and how to encourage a long-lasting display. The Phelps-Hatheway School of Floral Arts was created to showcase the magnificent blooms grown in our small community and in our great state of Connecticut. All ages and abilities are welcome!
As the nights grow longer, bring some light to a November day with an exploration of winter traditions with roots in Europe, including Guy Fawkes Day, Mumming and wassailing, and days of Thanksgiving. 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.
Now an annual tradition, the Phelps-Hatheway Holiday Walking Tours return to close America’s 250th celebration with newly uncovered stories of our place in the emerging nation. Join our costumed guides as they transport guests to the time before electricity illuminated our homes to see the “grand dames” of this historic thoroughfare festively lit and decorated to celebrate the season. During the walk, you’ll gain insight into the dominant architectural styles of the historic district and hear tales of those who worked the land and supported the community throughout the ages.
Now an annual tradition, the Phelps-Hatheway Holiday Walking Tours return to close America’s 250th celebration with newly uncovered stories of our place in the emerging nation. Join our costumed guides as they transport guests to the time before electricity illuminated our homes to see the “grand dames” of this historic thoroughfare festively lit and decorated to celebrate the season. During the walk, you’ll gain insight into the dominant architectural styles of the historic district and hear tales of those who worked the land and supported the community throughout the ages.
This holiday season, we will celebrate as we imagine Julia and Charlotte Isham would have in the 1950s and 60s as the Isham-Terry House is transformed into a mid-century delight! Enjoy colored trees, tons of tinsel, and starbursts galore during special tours of the house. Enjoy Vince Guaraldi’s holiday classics from A Charlie Brown Christmas, featuring the Andrew Wilcox Trio. Children’s activities during the performance will help little ones get into the groove. Tours at 1 & 3 pm; performance at 2 pm.