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.
When you think of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, you think of lilacs. Each spring, the stunning variety of lilacs curated by Caroline Ferriday and her mother scent the gardens and show off their fleeting blossoms in shades of purples, pinks, and even whites. Tour the gardens to learn about the long history of the lilacs on the property and how we care for them.
Honor those special maternal figures in your life with a celebration like no other at Phelps-Hatheway's Mother’s Day Tea! Sample exquisite bites created especially for Phelps-Hatheway by Chef Reneé of Blonde on the Run Catering, accompanied by steaming pots of Harney and Sons tea. Tea service will begin with a brief explanation of our favorite beverage’s role in both world and domestic history and will end with a glimpse into the lives of the women who called the property home since 1761.
When you think of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, you think of lilacs. Each spring, the stunning variety of lilacs curated by Caroline Ferriday and her mother scent the gardens and show off their fleeting blossoms in shades of purples, pinks, and even whites. Tour the gardens to learn about the long history of the lilacs on the property and how we care for them.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Living Historians Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions as they commemorate Juneteenth in this special virtual presentation. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, announced in 1865 by Union Soldiers in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free.
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.