Joshua Hempsted held many positions throughout his lifetime, one of which was headstone letterer. On Wednesday, December 27th, 1749, our diarist writes, “fair & cold I finisht engraving a headstone for Samll Bills wife.” Join headstone carver Andrew Carr as he re-creates a headstone using Joshua’s lettering style with 18th–century carving techniques. A tour of the house is included with admission.
Ever wonder what it was like to work in the 18th century? Travel back to the colonial era with the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum encampment as they recreate life as a Revolutionary War soldier. Learn about 18th-century tools and techniques used in the historic trades with demonstrations by woodworker, carpenter & Joiner John Baron and Blacksmith Baird Wech-Collins who will forge a variety of tools and hardware.
Pastor Michael Cagle leads participants in community for a spiritual and lively non-denominational church service followed by performances by The Jim Hunter Jazz Group and the New London Public Schools Bands.
Join Connecticut Landmarks for a Juneteenth celebration with the City of New London, highlighting the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood, with partners.
Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions.
Join us as we dedicate a Witness Stone in memory of Adam Jackson, who was enslaved on the property for more than three decades. Students from The Williams School share their journey learning about the lives of Adam and his family. The installation will take place on the grounds, accompanied by remarks from members of the community and student project presentations.
Escapism Productions invite you to attend this production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible., with the unique backdrop of the Hempsted Houses in New London, CT! This haunting theatrical experience unfolds on April 20, 21, 27, and 28. Unlike conventional venues, this rendition invites you to bring your own chairs or blankets and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Hempsted Houses' grounds. Venture with us into this classic show that delves the depths of human nature.
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.
Walking tour of one of New England’s earliest graveyards, with a special focus on those of African descent who are buried there.
Celebrate the ongoing growth of the Connecticut Freedom Trail by helping to create the Hempsted Houses’ Freedom Garden by painting a freedom rock, and learning more about notable abolitionists like Marth and Mary Hempsted and the roles they played in advocating for the complete abolition of enslaved people on a special tour of the Joshua Hempsted House. The Connecticut Freedom Trail, founded in 1996, documents and designates sites that embody the struggle toward freedom and human dignity and celebrate the accomplishments of the state's African American communities.
Old Possum’s Dixieland Jazz band , specializing in trad jazz, will perform at Hempsted Houses as part of Make Music Day New London, a global celebration of the longest day of the year. Get ready to tap your feet to your favorites from the Great American Songbook, and novelty tunes, too!
Reflect in community with neighbors under the tent on our historic property
Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project.
Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project.
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. Advance registration required.