Visit the Hempsted Houses to join stitchers from America’s Tapestry and local artists from Hartford Stitch for a morning of fun, creativity, and history. Join us to stitch history together - no experience required!
Join Bob Van Dyke, director of the CT Valley School of Woodworking (Manchester, CT) as he demonstrates the making of more common inlays that were used in 18th-century furniture shops. Guests will have the opportunity to study pieces from the Phelps-Hatheway collection.
Stop into Phelps-Hatheway's Visitor Center for the Season of Change art exhibition by Laurie Tavino and Ray Pioggia. In this exhibit, photographic and hand-rendered images in color and monochrome depict scenes and themes from locations throughout Suffield - a number of which are views that no longer exist.
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.
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.
Help us plant the seeds for the future of the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden with our special zinnia seed campaign! Sponsor a zinnia seed for $10 and a garden stake with your name will be placed next to the spot where the seed is planted. Your sponsorship comes with a garden pass to return to see the plants in bloom.
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.
The Progress Flag Field honors the legacy of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger, who created a welcoming space for friends, family, and the LGBTQ+ community. This installation serves as a place for reflection, with each flag representing the diverse identities within the community. It honors those who fought for equality and celebrates unity, resilience, and the importance of safe spaces.
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.