Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Martha Hall Kelly’s best-selling book Lilac Girls at the museum that first inspired her!

In 2000, Martha Hall Kelly toured Bethlehem’s Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, home of 20-century philanthropist, Caroline Woolsey Ferriday. Kelly departed the property with a deeper understanding of Ferriday’s profoundly moving actions—and an idea. Kelly’s novel, Lilac Girls, is based on the true story of 75 women imprisoned and experimented on at Ravensbrück and how Ferriday brought them to the U.S. for rehabilitation and the trip of a lifetime. Each year, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden welcomes visitors from across the world to tour the home of the novel’s real-life heroine.

In celebration of Lilac Girls 10th anniversary, you’re invited to spend September 26 exploring the property’s fascinating history—plus enjoy an afternoon tea, a chance to meet Martha Hall Kelly, and other surprises!

CTL Members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets beginning on Bastille Day — Tuesday, July 14 — at 10 am. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 am on Tuesday, July 28.

Not yet a member?  Join today to unlock all the perks of membership, including discounts, presales, and exclusive events.

See the full schedule and learn more »

Connecticut is bracing for a significant heat wave this week. At our historic properties, hot weather creates challenges for people visiting our historic interiors. Many of our museums do not have modern climate control. Due to the increased temperatures, tours may be limited in size or rerouted to avoid particularly warm parts of the house. Some tours may need to be abridged or canceled.

“Our priority is always the safety of our guests, staff, and collections,” said Robert Brock, Executive Director. “During times of extreme weather, our site administrators determine the adaptations that need to be made to balance a great visitor experience with safety for all.”

Please check our website and social media channels for updates before you visit our historic sites, or call the site you would like to visit to confirm operations.

Find museum contact information here »

The Nathan Hale Homestead and Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden are pleased to be included as stops on a new audio trail throughout Connecticut featuring more than a dozen historic Revolutionary War sites and audio versions of historic documents related to those sites. Visitors to the grounds of the Hale Homestead and Phelps-Hatheway House will be able to scan QR codes on signs to access audio recordings detailing the histories of the sites and their structures. This project will make history come to life for individuals of all abilities, including those with low vision and other challenges accessing print materials. The signs with QR codes will be freely accessible from dawn-dusk when the grounds of each museum are open.

“We are thrilled that our visitors have a new way to learn about our sites, even if they are not able to visit while the museum interiors are open,” said Shaelyn Amaio, Deputy Director. “Connecting with other sites with stories from this period helps us place these homes in context as we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”

Connecticut Landmarks extends its gratitude to CRIS Radio for spearheading the project, and the historians, archivists, CCSU students, and other history organizations who made the trail possible. The Lebanon Historical Society Museum will celebrate the launch of the audio trail with a short ceremony on Saturday, June 20, at 10 am. Additional programming focusing on the Revolutionary War period will continue after the ceremony.

Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary the best way we know how: by beating the competition in pub trivia!

Don your thinking caps for tavern-style trivia in the Nathan Hale Homestead barn. Teams of up to 6 may compete in a general knowledge competition. Teams may bring their own snacks and refreshments. Prizes for the top 3 teams, the team with the most red, white, and blue spirit, and the team with the best team name!

Additional tickets have been added due to demand, but act quickly to secure your spot before they’re gone!

Tickets are $8/Person; $40/Team of 6 for CTL Members and $10/Person; $50/Team of 6 for the general public

Reserve yours now »

One of Caroline Ferriday’s interests was the life and work of Reverend Joseph Bellamy, the renowned religious leader who originally built the house where her family summered beginning when she was nine. Bellamy was a key figure in the Great Awakening, an intense 18th-century revival of Puritan religious beliefs.

Explore the life of “The Pope of Litchfield County” and understand Reverend Joseph Bellamy’s enduring impact in Bethlehem, New England, and beyond on this special tour of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. After becoming the minister of Bethlehem’s Congregational church, he built and expanded his house from 1754-1767 as his family, theological seminary, and stature grew. In this house, Bellamy instructed students including Aaron Burr, Jonathan Edwards II, and James Morris, and wrote his great tract, True Religion Delineated. Delve into the 18th century history of the “Bellamy Manse” with this new tour for the 2026 season!

The tour will be offered at 2 pm on Fridays in May & June and Thursdays in July & August. Please visit the Bellamy-Ferriday page on our website and select the “Bellamy Manse” tour from the calendar.

Learn more and purchase tickets »

Connecticut Landmarks seeks an experienced fundraising professional with strong communication skills to augment and diversify philanthropic support for the organization and expand awareness of its mission, programs, and value across the state. The successful candidate will devise and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan including communications and financial goals, metrics, and milestones. The incumbent joins our core staff and will work closely with the Executive Director (ED), the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees and the Board to implement integrated, dynamic, and impactful fundraising initiatives that strengthen and advance CTL’s mission.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and two work samples (development plan, donor solicitation packages, letters of introduction, etc.) to: Robert Brock, Executive Director, robert.brock@ctlandmarks.org by May 15, 2026.

Learn more on our Opportunities page »