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 to Olmsted’s gravesite in Old North Cemetery at the conclusion.
Located at the juncture of the Little River and the Connecticut River, Hartford’s downtown includes numerous historic bridges and walkways. Explore the unique histories of these landmarks and engineering marvels, including the Little River Bridge, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, the Bulkeley Bridge, and the G. Fox walkway, among others, in this new walking tour for the 2023 season.
Expand your knowledge of Hartford’s architectural treasures beyond Main Street, as we venture to the east of Main Street to appreciate the history along South Prospect beginning with the 1788 Amos Bull House, the Hartford Times Building, BPO Elks, and the Hartford Club, as well as to the west of Main Street, including Gold and Elm Streets.
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 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. Advance registration required.
Joshua Hempsted began his diary in 1711 to keep track of his many business activities, court sessions, ship traffic, travels, and other events significant to New London and Connecticut. He kept a diary until just before his death in 1758. Join members of the Hempsted staff as they move through time and tell stories about John Winthrop Jr, the Rogerenes, the lighthouses, and the Battle of Groton Heights, where Stephen Hempsted was seriously wounded. The tour will include stories of the growth of shipbuilding, the Navy, and the Victorian times when the Harbor View neighborhood of summer cottages included one built by Wm. H. Hempsted, the businesses of Groton Bank, and the Avery-Copp House.
Visit the historic South End of Hartford, exploring the architectural treasures of Coltsville and the Charter Oak neighborhoods. Discuss the impacts of industry and immigration on these neighborhoods in Hartford, includign sites like the Colt Factory and its worker houses, the Church of the Good Shepard 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 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.
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.
Hartford Whalers! Hartford Dark Blues! Willie Pep! Pro Football in Hartford? Where was the Velodrome? Take to the streets of Hartford to uncover the fascinating history of sports in the city from ballooning to bicycles, boxing to baseball, and so much more, beginning in the Butler-McCook Garden on this new walk for the 2024 season.