Get into the “spirit” of the season! Our special, candlelit tours will take you around the property and into the house, all the way up to the dark, shadowy attic. Hear long-standing and new Homestead ghost stories from staff members and spooky encounters reported by guests, as featured on the Syfy channel’s Ghost Hunters.
A ghost-hunting duo investigates an old Victorian mansion, hoping to catch evidence of the supernatural. They have been led there by the stories of a mysterious dinner party that had gone missing in the 19th century, and have invited the audience to help discover the truth, and maybe find a ghost (or two!) What happens, though, when the ghosts do more than go bump in the night? Soon, our investigators uncover the secrets of what happened that dark evening in 1888. Can they help settle the spirits of the past, without adding to the population of ghosts who haunt the 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.
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.
Immerse yourself in 18th century chocolate making during this lecture. Guests will be invited to enjoy samples of chocolate and hot cocoa. Like what you sampled? Chocolate bars will be available for sale in the Nathan Hale Homestead Gift Shop.
Phelps-Hatheway's annual program will return in 2023 to usher in the holidays! With the guidance of staff, guests will learn how to create a unique and festive wreath from a wide variety of mixed everygreens and embellishments for themselves or their loved ones.
What could be more pleasant than a summer afternoon in the country? A summer afternoon at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, of course! Once again, Phelps-Hatheway’s museum will open for one day each month for tours of its collections. Come and immerse yourself in the 18th and 19th century as staff introduce you to the families who graced our site for hundreds of years. View the gardens and stop by our Visitor’s Center for charming gifts and a peek at the newest installation by artist Lynne Centore.
Connecticut Landmarks' Hempsted Houses has partnered with the Homeless Hospitality Center to collect donations of winter clothing to benefit the New London community. We will be accepting new hats and gloves in all sizes, and new and gently-used coats in all sizes. Donations of children's winter coats are especially appreciated.
In 2023, staff at three Connecticut Landmarks sites worked with local teachers and students through the Witness Stones Project to learn about the lives of people who were enslaved at our sites. Learn more about this project with Lynn Mervosh, Site Administrator, who was part of the process at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden.
Escapism Productions invite you to attend this production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible., with the unique backdrop of the Hempsted Houses in New London, CT! This haunting theatrical experience unfolds on April 20, 21, 27, and 28. Unlike conventional venues, this rendition invites you to bring your own chairs or blankets and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Hempsted Houses' grounds. Venture with us into this classic show that delves the depths of human nature.
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.
The Last Green Valley’s Lead Night Sky Ranger Geoff McLean introduces the amazing and challenging world of combining photography and astronomical observing. McLean will cover the most useful equipment from a simple camera on a tripod to more sophisticated gear, and the software options to make images that will wow your friends.
The Suffield Tree Committee, the Town of Suffield, and the Suffield Garden Club worked together to establish the Trees for Suffield Initiative to provide residents a tree canopy for generations to come. Following the opening reception to celebrate this vital initiative for Suffield’s present and future, winning submissions from the 2023-2024 Trees for Suffield Photo Contest will be on display from May 4–October 13, 2024.
Welcome to the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden’s 52nd season! View the exhibit of Trees for Suffield photographs in the Visitor’s Center. Step inside the museum to be transported to the 18th and 19th centuries and learn about the lives of those who built, lived in, and preserved the house. A stroll through the Hatheway garden is a must, as the lilacs reach their peak bloom in May.
