The kitchen where Caroline Ferriday gathered with the ladies of Ravensbrück in 1958 continues to welcome rich conversations today. Join Connecticut Landmarks’ staff and guest speakers to consider the history of the property from new perspectives. On August 15th, learn about the evolving landscape of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden.
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.
Explore an encampment where you’ll experience the life of a pirate. Stay for ship making, racing, crafts, and walking the plank like a pirate! Spend some time listening to stories of real-life pirates like Captain Kidd who visited Connecticut in 1690 and is said to have left behind treasure near modern day Milford, CT.
Step away from the chaos of daily life and clear your mind at a drum circle facilitated by Kenny “Doc” Frazier. A drum circle encourages empowerment and success while inspiring creativity through rhythmic drum play. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drums. A limited number of drum pads will be available to borrow.
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! The day begins at Suffield’s Willow View Farm where owner Julie Harrison grows flowers adjacent to the town’s oldest house. After a brief farm tour, guests may pick a large cup full of flowers. After, retire to Phelps-Hatheway House’s late 18th-century carriage house, where we will take in the garden while enjoying beverages and pastries. A special tour of the museum’s interiors will trace the importance of gardens and floral design from the 18th-21st centuries.
This talk on the monarch butterfly explores its remarkable annual migration across North America, the stages of its life cycle, and its reliance on milkweed. The program highlights the butterfly’s role in pollination and explains why conserving habitats is vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
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.
Letterboxing is a treasure hunt where participants use clues to find hidden boxes containing stamps that they can collect by printing them into their own journals. Join Hale Homestead staff to meet community members, see a stamp-carving demo, enjoy a special one-day Spy Mission Trail, and more!
Learn about the practices that bound – or bundled! – people together in the decades around the American Revolution with presentations and vignettes on dating and marriage practices in the 18th century. As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the Nathan Hale Homestead is asking, how can we party like it’s 1776? Our 18th-Century Celebrations series brings history to life with three immersive events.
Step back in time to learn a craft from the 18th century, with some modern tools to make the process a bit easier! Build a wooden writing box inspired by the Nathan Hale Homestead's collections to store your personal papers with Fred Brehant, a third-generation blacksmith and skilled woodwright located in Hebron, Connecticut. All materials included.
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.
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner while you enjoy music in the lovely setting of the Butler-McCook House & Garden. Plus, be sure to stay for a free tour of the house’s first floor! Audio tours are available via the IZI.Travel app for the historic garden. The Amos Bull and Butler-McCook Houses will also celebrate featured artist exhibitions. Concerts happen rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Amos Bull Community Room.
At our third annual Pipes & Cider Festival, the rich traditions of Scotland come alive! Enjoy local beverage tastings from Fifth State Distillery and Yankee Cider Co., who will feature a signature “Dunstaffnage” whiskey cider crafted to transport you to the Scottish moors with its hints of Highland peat smoke. Immerse yourself in the stirring sounds of Mystic Pipes and Drums, the Middletown Police Benefit Association (MPBA) Pipes & Drums, and the Moodus Drum & Fife Corps, as well as the art and music of Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle. Bring your friends and test your knowledge with a spirited round of pub trivia and visit the historic crafters village with Big Bear Trading Company, Wedges of Time Coffee and Textiles, and others. Raise a glass, embrace the music, and celebrate the magic of Scotland.
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.