Paranormal Investigation group Eastern Connecticut Paranormal investigated the Nathan Hale Homestead Museum in hopes to connect with residents from long ago. Tonight, join us as they share stories about their investigations throughout Northeastern Connecticut.
Get hands-on with history with a new workshop for 2025! Designed to acquaint participants with the process of wood block printing, which was used to manufacture our 18th-century Parisian wallpapers, the objective of this workshop is to bring the manufacturing process of our wallpapers to life! Guests will gain hands-on experience that will couple with a tour of the house to view the stunning Réveillon wallpapers. All materials included. Light refreshments will be provided.
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. Offered in collaboration with Thames River Heritage Park. Advance registration required.
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. Understand the role of Connecticut in the American Revolution, examine colonial era trade and commercial exchange, consider land and real estate speculation and Indigenous people’s land rights, and observe the ways we display wealth and status in our homes. Stop into the visitor’s center for the Pastel Paintings exhibition by artist Gina Trusiewicz.
Upon a Midnight Dreary invites the audience to explore the haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe. As you move through the space within the Isham-Terry House, you will encounter live performances of Poe’s most iconic works, each brought to life by a different actor in a unique room. From "The Raven" to "The Tell-Tale Heart," each piece is presented as a dramatic monologue, blending poetry and prose with atmospheric staging.
Explore this beloved family home to learn about the booming industries and culture of Hartford in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, understand medical practice and public health at this time, and learn more about the Isham and Terry families through the items they owned.
New Englanders have always shown particular care for their dearly departed. Explore the burial customs, traditions, and superstitions around death in the region from colonial times through the 19th century with Dean Massey, an urban planning researcher at a university in Boston. Following Massey's talk, a short walk to the Warner Cemetery will offer participants the opportunity to closely examine epitaphs and iconography up close, as well as engage in a thoughtful discussion about the rich diversity of New England’s remembrance practices.
Get into the spirit of the season & meet the ghosts of New Londoners who have ghoulish stories to tell – hear their tales & talk with them if you dare! Experience the city's oldest house at twilight & make s’mores over an open fire.
Ever wonder what tools are necessary for ghost hunting? Join staff for a 30-minute demonstration about the tools and activities paranormal investigators use to detect or debunk the spirit world. Afterwards, test your knowledge by breaking into two groups to explore the Homestead and try your hands at paranormal investigating.
Visit the Butler-McCook House & Garden, the only 18th-century home remaining on Hartford’s Main Street, for a guided tour to learn about the McCook family, who loved music, art, and travel through explorations of the museum’s collections which include paintings, Japanese samurai armor, furniture, and toys.
Last year, you joined us to celebrate the start of conservation work on our 18th-century wallpaper. This November, we invite you to return to celebrate the conclusion of this wonderful project with Phelps-Hatheway staff, Studio TKM Associates, and special guest speakers who will address the unique nature of the papers and the importance of the conservation work. As daylight wanes, we’ll toast again to this unique project and the future of Phelps-Hatheway’s exquisite collection. Tours of the Phelps-Hatheway House included with purchase.
Explore this beloved family home to learn about the booming industries and culture of Hartford in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, understand medical practice and public health at this time, and learn more about the Isham and Terry families through the items they owned.
Connecticut Landmarks' Hempsted Houses have partnered with the Homeless Hospitality Center in New London, Fiddleheads Food Co-op, and the Covenant House of New London to help give the gift of warmth to the New London community this winter season with a winter clothing drive. All donated items will go to the Homeless Hospitality Center and the Covenant House who will distribute the clothing to those in need. 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.
Experience the holidays as the McCook family would have celebrated them and hear stories from their rich memories, along with a display of special items from the museum’s collection, as we close out our 2025 season. America's Tapestry will also be stitching at the Butler-McCook House & Garden during this open tour day!
Taking place during the Butler-McCook House & Garden's Open Tour Day, stitchers from America’s Tapestry will be joined by local artists from Hartford Stitch for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and history. Join us to stitch history together! America’s Tapestry is a nationwide community project featuring 13 hand-embroidered panels, one for each of the original colonies, depicting diverse stories from the American Revolution. Each panel is crafted by volunteers from New Hampshire to Georgia, and visitors are invited to contribute their own stitches to the Connecticut panel. All materials will be provided! While you're here, explore the museum’s holiday display and its permanent collection, which includes beautiful embroideries and period archives that bring the revolutionary era to life.