Explore the places in the museum where the Burbank, Phelps, and Hatheway families kept cool (or at least tried to!) and learn about personal hygiene in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors will entertain themselves with simple games and make a handmade fan to refresh weary bodies.
Spend an afternoon with Hempsted staff on the Thames River Heritage Water Taxi to learn about New London's history. Joshua Hempsted began his diary in 1711 as a way to keep track of his many business activities, court sessions, and travels, as well as ship traffic and many other events important to New London. Join Hempsted Staff on a guided boat tour as we explore trade, slavery, and the Great Awakening through entries from Joshua Hempsted’s Colonial Diary.
Visit the Revolutionary War encampments of both the Continental Army and the British Army, as they reenact the daily lives of soldiers and perform tactical demonstrations with period weapons, including drilling, musket and cannon firing, and even a Revolutionary War battle! Visit 18th-Century crafters and participate in hands-on programming, including weaving and spinning, wood working, soap making, hearth cooking, plain colonial-era games, and so much more.
What could be better than an afternoon in the garden? After a successful debut in 2021, the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden will once again offer a concert series in its 1867 barn. New this year are esteemed artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts.
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.
Did you ever wonder what school was like in the 18th and 19th centuries? If you think that your classes are long and homework tedious, think again! Learn about Suffield’s first schoolhouse, the subjects' children studied, and what happened when their homework was late. Practice your penmanship with a quill pen, draw figures on a small chalkboard and practice times tables using bean bags.
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.
A slow-paced guided walk through the Nathan Hale Homestead property. Guides will explain life in the 18th century including chores, the changes George Dudley Seymour made to the Hale landscape in the early 20th century and the current life of the museum and property.
This slow-paced walk includes an introduction to the centuries-old hobby of Letterboxing. A guide will discuss box types, history, supplies, and take guests on a walk to find beginner level letterboxes in the Connecticut State Forest. Supplies for beginners can be purchased.
Walking tour of one of New England’s earliest graveyards, with a special focus on those of African descent who are buried there.
What could be better than an afternoon in the garden? After a successful debut in 2021, the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden will once again offer a concert series in its 1867 barn. New this year are esteemed artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts.
In 1788, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham tried to purchase 6 million acres of land from the Seneca Nation. Michael Galban and staff from the Seneca Arts and Culture Center will discuss the past and present of the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Confederacy.
Walk through the 1st floor of the Palmer-Warner House to learn about the research and collections work being done within the house. Visitors are also welcome to explore the historic grounds, or just enjoy the view from the back porch. Visit the Barn and speak with a member of the Nation Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program to learn more about the Lower Connecticut River Heritage Loop Project as part of the East Haddam Connectivity Corridor.
Visit the Amasa Day House to explore the 1st floor and admire the furnishings, original 19th-century floor, and stair stenciling. Connecticut Landmarks staff will be stationed on the 1st floor to chat.
What could be better than an afternoon in the garden? After a successful debut in 2021, the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden will once again offer a concert series in its 1867 barn. New this year are esteemed artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts.