Traverse the streets and sites of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Hartford to commemorate this illustrious native son. Highlights include the Butler-McCook House & Garden, Olmsted’s birth site, Bushnell Park, the Capitol Grounds, High Street, Ann Street, and Keney Clock Tower, with optional visit (by car) to Olmsted’s gravesite in Old North Cemetery at the conclusion.
Leaving from the Butler-McCook House & Garden, this walk will proceed north up Main Street to the G. Fox Building along the east side, and return to Butler-McCook along the west side with a collaborative stop at the Ancient Burying Ground. This walk is a variant of our “Discovering Main Street Hartford” walk, discussing changes to Main Street and encouraging participant discussion about what has been saved and why, as well as inviting participants to share their recollections about Main Street and its importance.
Join us on this new walk for 2025, as we cover what may seem like familiar geographic ground of Main Street, only with new stories to tell as we celebrate the lives of Hartford Women. Learn about Hannah Bunce Watson, Caroline Hewins, Elizabeth Colt, Beatrice Fox Auerbach, Ann Uccello & Carrie Saxon Perry, Ella Grasso, Katharine Houghton Hepburn, Mary Townsend Seymour and CT Suffragists, the Beecher sisters, and more.
Public art and monuments create a shared understanding of the events, people, and ideas that a city values. Set out from the Butler-McCook House to explore the artistic treasures and monuments of Hartford along Main Street, in Bushnell Park, and at the State Capitol Building.
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 who have long been erased from memory. A reception will follow in the Visitor Center.
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.
Join staff for a journey through colonial New London. Visit sites that our diarist frequented, including those of Joshua Hempsted’s relatives, and view the Stonington Farm property from across the river. As we stop at local destinations on our way back to the Hempsted Houses, you will hear about Adam Jackson, who Joshua Hempsted enslaved on the property. Visitors will also learn about Jackson’s family, including his parents, Joan and John Jackson, and their three decade long court case to free their nine children.
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.
Walking tour of one of New England’s earliest graveyards, with a special focus on those of African descent who are buried there.
Join us on this new walk for 2025, as we cover what may seem like familiar geographic ground of Main Street, only with new stories to tell as we celebrate the lives of Hartford Women. Learn about Hannah Bunce Watson, Caroline Hewins, Elizabeth Colt, Beatrice Fox Auerbach, Ann Uccello & Carrie Saxon Perry, Ella Grasso, Katharine Houghton Hepburn, Mary Townsend Seymour and CT Suffragists, the Beecher sisters, and more.
Join us for a walking tour of the Hempstead Historic District, one of New London’s first African-American neighborhoods. Hear the stories of the people who lived in this neighborhood and explore how this diverse area evolved. The neighborhood grew up around the Joshua Hempsted House, built in 1678. Residents have included slaveholders, civic leaders, abolitionists, a Revolutionary War hero, and at least two enslaved people. Offered in collaboration with Thames River Heritage Park. Advance registration required.
Suffield’s South Main Street bears a particular charm as the holidays approach. 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. Offered in collaboration with the Suffield Historical Society.
Suffield’s South Main Street bears a particular charm as the holidays approach. 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. Offered in collaboration with the Suffield Historical Society.
May 4th marks the 200th birthday of Frederic Edwin Church. Not only was Hartford the birthplace of this renown Hudson River School painter, but the city was also integral to the birth of American art thanks to Daniel Wadsworth and his patronage. On this walk, we'll discuss Church and other Hartford-connected artists, such as Cole, Bierstadt, Wheeler, Tryon and more. Following the walk, the 2 pm tour of the Butler-McCook House will focus on the Butler and McCook families as art lovers.
New for 2026! Explore Hartford's Revolutionary past in this walk and talk in the south end with Connecticut Landmarks' Jana Colacino and Ruth Shapleigh Brown of the Connecticut Gravestone Network.