As summer comes to an end, pack a picnic basket, grab a frisbee, load the kids and grandparents into the station wagon, and join us on the lawns of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden for an afternoon of summertime fun. Music and games with the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, what could be more fun?
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.
A remarkable man who lived during remarkable times, a man that helped shape his community. Reverend Bellamy was the founder of the first theology school in the colonies, a farmer, a husband and a father, patriot and enslaver. Join us for a talk with Vin Bove, Bethlehem Historical Society member followed by a special Bellamy-focused house tour.
Cruise along the Thames River and hear about sites along the Thames that sparked authors' imaginations to write their stories. Explore books that tell the tales of the people and events that inspired them like Night of the Moonjelllies, Love and Brutality: The Mysterious Saga of Gallows Road, For Adam's Sake: A Family Saga in Colonial New England; Diary of Joshua Hempsted, Morton F. Plant and the Connecticut Shoreline, Venture Smith: The First Slave Narrative, Jordan Freedman Was My Friend, and Ice Diaries - the incredible true story of Capt. William R. Anderson and his crew's harrowing top-secret mission aboard the USS Nautilus, and more. As these authors attest by their writing, the Thames truly is one river with a thousand stories.
Spend an afternoon with Hempsted staff on the Thames River Heritage Water Taxi to learn about New London's history. 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.
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.
Visit the Butler-McCook House & Garden is 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.
Between 1790 and 1840, Americans began to incorporate a worldview interest in a new decorative style called "Fancy." The movement began in Europe and emphasized interior and architectural details with brilliant color, gilding, marbling, and graining. Join interpreter and historical woodworker John Baron and staff for a workshop and lecture on these historical finishing techniques that were so popular.
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.
What could be more pleasant than a summer afternoon in the country? A summer afternoon at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, of course! Once again, Phelps-Hatheway’s museum will open for one day each month for tours of its collections. Come and immerse yourself in the 18th and 19th century as staff introduce you to the families who graced our site for hundreds of years. View the gardens and stop by our Visitor’s Center for charming gifts and a peek at the newest installation by artist Lynne Centore.
Travel back in time to meet Nathan Hale’s great grandfather, Reverend John Hale, who was a preacher in Beverly, Massachusetts, when local girls began accusing women in the community of witchcraft.
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.
Learn how women used clothing and textiles as a political tool during the American Revolutionary War. Jessica Green, Nathan Hale Homestead staff member and public historian, will discuss how the American Revolution triggered political branding through homespun products and the boycott of British fabrics
Our "Talk & Tour" series concludes with Joseph Grabarz, lobbyist and former State Representative (1989-1993), as he inspires us to use our voices to effect change in the world like Caroline Ferriday. Grabarz shares fascinating highlights from his career promoting health and civil rights issues. Learn how he represents various organizations in the halls of government, and how you can reach out to your legislators to make a difference.
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.
