Connecticut Landmarks

CT Historic Gardens Day: Bellamy-Ferriday
2022-06-26 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St N, Bethlehem, CT, 06751, United States
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in this celbration of Connecticut’s stunning historic green spaces by visiting one of 15-member gardens around the state. For more information visit cthistoricgardens.org
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden
Come and enjoy the landscape filled with specimen trees and mature plantings, the formal parterre garden, and the historic orchard in this self guided experience. rounds admission is free; regular admission applies for historic house tour.

CT Historic Gardens Day: Butler-McCook
2022-06-26 12:00 - 16:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in this celbration of Connecticut’s stunning historic green spaces by visiting one of 15-member gardens around the state. For more information visit cthistoricgardens.org
Butler-McCook House & Garden
Tour the historic Jacob Widenmann garden installed by Eliza Butler McCook and her sister Mary in 1865, and maintained today by the West Hartford Garden Club. Grounds admission is free; regular admission applies for historic house tour. Garden will be open rain or shine.
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CT Historic Gardens Day: Phelps-Hatheway
2022-06-26 12:00 - 16:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in this celbration of Connecticut’s stunning historic green spaces by visiting one of 15-member gardens around the state. For more information visit cthistoricgardens.org
Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden
Speak with members of the Suffield Garden Club who have lovingly maintained the grounds since 1964. A special botanically-inspired tour of the interior will be available hourly. Grounds admission is free; regular admission applies for historic house tour.

In the Garden with Tovah Martin
2022-06-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St N, Bethlehem, CT, 06751, United States
Renowned horticulturalist Tovah Martin shares her love of plants and plants capes in this garden talk. Discover some of the unique planting materials available today while enjoying the beauty of the gardens of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. Advance registration is strongly recommended.
Members should register or sign in using the link in the upper right corner or call the office to receive their discount.
This program will take place in the Visitors Center at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. Parking is available onsite.
If you have any questions, please email bellamy.ferriday@ctlandmarks.org or call 203-266-7596.
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Make Music Day: Hartford
2022-06-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Hartford joins cities worldwide on the longest day of the year to celebrate the 5th Make Music Hartford. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes and join the party with audience favorite Ed Fast & Conga Bop in Hartford’s best kept secret – our historic garden oasis.
The evening begins at 6 pm with a participatory Rhythm and Dance class led by Ed Fast and members of Conga Bop, along with our favorite dance maven Chantal Edwards, so you will know all the rhythms and moves for when the full band takes to our Garmany Music Terrace!
At 7 pm, the audience will be on their feet for the hottest band in Afro-Cuban Jazz. Without a doubt, the night will not end before we form the longest conga line of Make Music Hartford!

If you have any questions, please email butler.mccook@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-247.8996.
Sponsored by the Greater Hartford Arts Council.
Program is free, registration requested.
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White Sails, Black Hands: The African-American Experience on Connecticut's Waters
2022-06-18 00:00 - 14:00 | City Pier, New London, CT, United States
Spend an afternoon with Hempsted staff on the Thames River Heritage Water Taxi to learn about New London’s history. Beginning in 1639 when the first enslaved person was brought to Connecticut, the population of people of color steadily increased in New London County. Although every town in New London County had a significant number of people of African descent or of mixed races living and working in them, their stories are rarely told.
This tour explores the stories of a fugitive slave, Revolutionary patriot, Black governors, whalers, the Amistad, and more. See areas related to Hempsted family history, the early Mamacoke settlement, native fishing grounds, and the sites of colonial ferries, Fort Trumbull, and other important landmarks.
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Second Saturdays: Bees and Trees
2022-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
It’s pollinator season! Let’s take a look at all of the pollinator friends that live in the garden and the much bigger living things who provide food, shade, and shelter. Then, meet inside the House to find bugs, birds and trees represented in the museum and learn about how CTL staff cares for the collection. Collect bright green leaves from the gardens to make your own masterpiece!

This program will take place at the Phelps-Hatheway House. Parking is available onsite. Please use this map for reference.
If you have any questions, please email phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-668-0055.

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CT Open House Day: Nathan Hale Homestead
2022-06-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St, Coventry, CT, 06238, United States
Organized by the Department of Economic and Community Development, this unique one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s fascinating worlds of art, history, film, and tourism – a great way for residents to discover (or rediscover!) all that is happening in the state. For more information visit CTVisit.com/open-house-day
Tours will be modified to be shorter. Reservations are required. Free, donations welcome.
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CT Open House Day: Isham-Terry House
2022-06-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Isham-Terry House, 211 High Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States

Sunset Sounds: The Dwonztet
2022-06-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner and enjoy music in the lovely setting of the Butler-McCook historic garden on the Richard P. Garmany Fund Music & Education Terrace at the Amos Bull House. Celebrate a featured artist’s exhibition opening at the Amos Bull & Butler-McCook Houses and experience free tours of the first floor of the Butler-McCook House & Garden.
Featured Artists for June: The Dwonztet with Matt Dwonszyk, Taber Gable, Andrew Renfroe, Jonathan Barber, and Kris Allen, featuring Shenel Johns and special guest Ghazi Omair.

Advance registration is appreciated, but walk-ups are always welcome!
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Site Administrator Jana Colacino at butler.mccook@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-247-8996 to have your call directed.

Sponsored by: the Richard P. Garmany Fund at Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign with major support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; and the Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Trust Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.

While there is no admission fee for Sunset Sounds, donations to support ongoing programming at the Butler-McCook House & Garden are always appreciated!
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Connecticut Trails Day: Suffield's Historic Main Street
2022-06-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
Trails Day is a two-day national event that pays tribute to all the wonderful trails our country has to offer. Part of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s CT Trails Day. More details at www.ctwoodlands.org. Heavy rain cancels these walks.

View the stunning homes and parcels that make up the historic district along Suffield’s Main Street and learn about the town’s rise to prominence in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The 1-mile walk on paved sidewalks is suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers. Leashed dogs are also welcome!
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Connecticut Trails Day: Discovering Main Street Hartford
2022-06-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Trails Day is a two-day national event that pays tribute to all the wonderful trails our country has to offer. Part of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s CT Trails Day. More details at www.ctwoodlands.org. Heavy rain cancels these walks.

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 to learn how the city has eveolved through its significant structures: City Hall, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Traveler’s Tower, the Old State House, Center Church, and the Ancient Burying Ground.
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Connecticut Trails Day: Field & Wall Walk
2022-06-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Palmer-Warner House, 307 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Trails Day is a two-day national event that pays tribute to all the wonderful trails our country has to offer. Part of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s CT Trails Day. More details at www.ctwoodlands.org. Heavy rain cancels these walks.

Walk onto the grounds of the Palmer-Warner House to explore the traditional New England walled fields and forested landscape. Learn how Frederick Palmer and Howard Metzger shaped the landscape seen today. The walk will be through tall grass and may be strenuous at times. Wear long pants and good walking shoes. The use of binoculars is encouraged. Led by Executive Director Aaron Marcavitch.

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Scouting for History Day
2022-05-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St, Coventry, CT, 06238, United States
Calling all Scouts and Youth! Participate in historical activities designed to help all levels move toward completing required badges, including pitching a tent, hiking, knot tying, learning to play marbles, cooking over a fire, and visiting a museum. Cost includes a “Scouting for History” patch.
Not required to be a Scout to join in. We welcome all families, homeschool groups, and youth programs.
$8/scout, adult chaperones freeBuy Tickets

Landmarks Lunch & Learn: History of Gardens of CT Landmarks
2022-05-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Program
This month, step into our gardens without getting muddy in this virtual introduction to the horticultural treasures at CTL’s historic properties in Bethlehem, Suffield, and Hartford, all designated as Connecticut’s Historic Gardens.
Connecticut Landmarks will take you inside the history of the organization’s people, buildings, and gardens, and make deeper connections to the unique arts and culture around the sites.

This event will be held over Zoom. Registrants will receive a link to view the program the day of the event.
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Site Administrator Jana Colacino at butler.mccook@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-247-8996 to have your call directed.

While there is no admission fee for Landmarks Lunch & Learn programs, donations to support ongoing programming at Connecticut Landmarks are always appreciated!
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Hartford's Historic South End Walking Tour
2022-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Explore the architectural and artistic treasures of Connecticut’s capital city with the staff of the Butler-McCook House & Garden.
Visit the historic South End of Hartford, exploring the architectural treasures of Coltsville and the Charter Oak neighborhoods. Discuss the impacts of industry and immigration on these neighborhoods in Hartford, includign sites like the Colt Factory and its worker houses, the Church of the Good Shepard and Parish House, the Capewell Nail Factory, and the Polish National Home.
RAIN DATE: Sunday, May 22
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Second Saturdays: Spring is Here!
2022-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
See Phelps-Hatheway come to life during the Suffield Garden Club’s May Market! Embark on a garden-themed tour of the museum and an exciting scavenger hunt of the gardens as they begin to bloom. Plant seeds for summer herbs and share stories about your favorite flowers.

This program will take place at the Phelps-Hatheway House. Parking is available onsite. Please use this map for reference.
If you have any questions, please email phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-668-0055.

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Revolutionary Day at Bellamy-Ferriday House
2022-05-14 11:00 - 14:00 | Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St N, Bethlehem, CT, 06751, United States
The Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution come to the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden for a reencacment demonstration. Talk with Revolutionary War era color guard members as they visit the historic grounds of the “Bellamy Manse” and learn about service in the Continential Army.

Free with regular admission.

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May Market at Phelps-Hatheway
2022-05-14 08:00 - 14:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
Goodbye winter, hello spring! Now in its 44th year, the Suffield Garden Club’s May Market officially marks the beginning of planting season. This favorite community event and fundraiser is sure to chase away the winter blues with a variety of annuals and perennials, trees, and shrubs, home decor and local crafts available for puchase. The market will be held rain or shine. Special tours of the museum will be offered during the program from 3-4pm with a regular admission fee.
Market is free, tours with regular admission.

Art Exhibition: Phelps-Hatheway
2022-05-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden presents a two-person exhibition featuring small-scale abstract and imaginative artworks by mixed media artist Katherine Tolve and painter Carianne Mack Garside. By creating small-scale artworks to explore new ideas, techniques and subject matters, these artists make an impact all on their own. This exhibition pays homage to smaller intimate works of art that are often the backbone of larger creations. Bigger is not always better. Art Exhibition Opening will be held in the Visitors Center. Tours of the house are not included. Works will be on display from May 7 through November 14, 2022.

This program will take place in the Visitors Center at the Phelps-Hatheway House. Parking is available onsite. Please use this map for reference.
If you have any questions, please email phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org or call 860-668-0055.
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Hempsted Halloween
2021-10-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
Get into the spirit of the season and meet the ghosts of New Londoners who have ghoulish stories to tell – hear their tales and talk with them if you dare! On Saturday, October 23rd from 4 to 7 pm, experience the grounds of the city’s oldest house at twilight. Enjoy fun and games for witches and warlocks of all ages, including tarot card readings and a Halloween-themed caricature artist.
Admission is FREE, with a suggested donation of $5 per person to support programming at the Hempsted Houses. Registration is required at https://hempsted-halloween-2021.eventbrite.com; day-of event registration will be allowed only if the site has not reached capacity. The event is supported in part by: the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee; the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc.
In order to protect the health of our staff, visitors, and community, all visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. The historic house museum interior will remain closed to the public during the Hempsted Halloween event.

Things That Go Bump In The Night
2021-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St, Coventry, CT, 06238, United States
Get into the “spirit” of the season with Things that Go Bump in the Night at the Nathan Hale Homestead! Shiver and shudder through a special candlelight tour that will take you around the property and into the house – all the way up to the dark and eerie attic. The moonlit tour will feature the Hale Staff’s spooky encounters, as featured on the Syfy channel’s Ghost Hunters.
The program will be presented on Thursday and Friday, October 14th and 15th, 21st and 22nd, and 28th and 29th. Prepare to be scared while surrounded by the very history that spawned the stories. This tour will include creaks and cold spots and is not recommended for young souls. All tours begin at 7 pm; please arrive by 6:45 pm to check in. Appropriate footwear and reliable flashlights strongly recommended. Admission is $25, $20 for CTL Members. Reservations required as space is limited; register at https://bump-in-the-night-2021.eventbrite.com.
Masks are required within our historic interiors due to the smaller spaces and limited airflow that is common in historic buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are encouraged for the outdoor portion of the program where distancing may be difficult. In order to protect the health of our staff, visitors, and community, attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination, or negative results of a COVID-19 PCR test administered within 72 hours of the event, in order to participate in ANY indoor programming. Please bring a copy or photo of your vaccination card, or negative PCR test timestamped within the last 72 hours, along with a corresponding state or federal ID for entry.

East Haddam Fall Celebration: Amasa Day House
2021-10-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Amasa Day House, 33 Plains Rd, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
Visit the Amasa Day House and explore the 1st floor furnished largely with objects owned by members of the Day family, including toys and locally produced ceramics and silver, and admire the original 19th-century floor and stair stenciling.
At 1 pm, come see Kandie Carle, of the East Haddam Stage Company, and Marc Casslar, of the Vintage Dance Society of CT, as they grace the grounds of the Amasa Day House. They will be highlighting social dances circa 1860, including the Waltz, Polka and Schottische!
The event will be held rain or shine and is free to the public. Donations welcome to support the Amasa Day House. Registration for timed entry is recommended at at https://ctl-amasa-day-ehfc.eventbrite.com; same-day on-site registration will be allowed only if the event has not reached capacity.
In order to protect the health of our staff, visitors, and community, all visitors are required to wear masks within our historic interiors due to the smaller spaces and limited airflow that is common in historic buildings. Masks are encouraged for outdoor programs where distancing is difficult.

Parlor Event Series: Poe in the Parlor
2021-09-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Isham-Terry House, 211 High Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
How did people entertain themselves before the advent of our omnipresent screens? Join in the fun as we hearken back to “the good ol’ days” with this series of events highlighting Victorian parlor culture. Each event includes house tour & light refreshments.
Experience the writings of Edgar Allen Poe as they come alive in the parlor of the Isham-Terry House with a dramatic performance of The Tell-Tale Heart & several other poems by actor Campbell Harmon as the author himself. Harmon will also speak, in character, about Poe’s life, his death, & his profound influence on American literature. Admission is $25, $20 for CTL Members. Registration required at https://poe-in-the-isham-parlor.eventbrite.com.

White Sails, Black Hands: The African American Experience on CT Waters
2021-06-19 14:30 - 15:45 | Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempstead Street, New London, CT, 06320, United States
New London History Aboard the Thames River Water Taxi
An afternoon tour on the Thames River Heritage Water Taxi led by Hempsted staff showing the New London history. Tour will highlight areas related to Hempsted family history, the early Mamacoke settlement & Native fishing grounds, sites of colonial ferries, Fort Trumbull & other important landmarks.
Sat., June 19, 2:30 – 3:45 pm
Sun., July 11, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
Sun., Aug. 7, 2:30 – 3:45 pm
Sat., Aug. 28, 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
Sat., Sept. 18, 1 – 2:15 pm
White Sails, Black Hands: The African American Experience on CT Waters
Beginning in 1639 when the first enslaved person arrived in Connecticut, the number of persons of color steadily increased in New London County. Every town in New London County had a significant percent of African Americans and people of mixed race living and working in them, however, their stories are not always told. This tour will explore the stories of a fugitive slave, Black Revolutionary Patriots, Black Governors and Whalers, the Amistad and more. Admission is $25 per person, $12 for children 12 & under. Registration required at https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/boat-tours.

Sat., July 17, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
Stories Based on a Colonial Diary
Joshua Hempsted began his diary in 1711 as a way to keep track of his many business activities, court sessions, ship traffic, his travels, and many other events important to New London or Connecticut. He keep the diary until just before his death in 1758. In its printed form, it is about 700 pages long. The diary has been used to study such diverse subjects as trade with the West Indies, slavery, and the Great Awakening, a period of evangelical Protestant revival. It is also used extensively for genealogical research. This tour will cover some of the diary stories told about activities around the Thames River and other interesting sites along the way. Admission is $25 per person, $12 for children 12 & under. Registration required at https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/boat-tours.

CT Open House Day: Butler-McCook
2021-06-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Butler-McCook House & Garden, 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06103, United States
Provided by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, this unique one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s fascinating world of art, history, film & tourism. A great way for residents to discover, or rediscover, all that is happening in our state. Free. Registration required at https://mccook-open-house-day-2021.eventbrite.com.
Enjoy free 1st floor tours of Connecticut Landmarks’ participating sites on CT Open House Day. Donations are welcome to support preservation and programming at the historic properties. Advance registration is required; same day registration is allowed only if the site has not reached capacity. In order to protect the health of our staff, visitors, and community, all visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines inside our historic interiors.
Visit any of Connecticut Landmarks’ participating museums on Open House Day and receive a $10 discount on a Family Membership (regularly $55) or a $5 discount on an Individual Membership (regularly $40). Join a community of people who find inspiration in our state’s heritage – a CTL Membership is the gateway to exploring Connecticut history and the treasures of Connecticut Landmarks. Membership offers discounts to programs and special events each season, free admission to all of CTL’s historic properties, and much much more!

“Littlest Historian” Story and Sharing Time
2021-06-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
One is never too young to learn about history! This series will introduce new friends ages 3-5 to the wonderful world of historic houses and museums. Each week, little historians can bring their caregivers to explore our historic property, listen to a story, and learn about what goes on inside a museum.
How old is your house? In the first program of our series, we’ll take a look at our 260 year old house and explore how historians take care of something very old. Enjoy a reading of The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton and point out the differences between your house and ours. $5 per child, includes coloring sheet. Free for caregivers. Option to purchase a $5 add-on take-home craft kit, or $15 for craft kit and a copy of The Little House. Registration required at phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org or (860) 668-0055.

Art Exhibition Opening: Suffield Artists Celebrate the 350th Anniversary of a Town
2021-05-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Phelps-Hatheway House, 55 S Main St, Suffield, CT, 06078, United States
Art Opening: Visions of Suffield
Please join us in welcoming several of our past artists (and some new friends, too!) to the Visitor Center as part of the Suffield 350th Celebration! Explore their creations, learn about their inspiration & discover which works they have chosen for this special anniversary commemoration in the gallery. Free, regular admission applies for house tour. Advance registration is required for historic house tour at (860) 668-0055. Same-day registration will be allowed only if the site has not reached capacity.
