Historic homes in Hartford, Connecticut, bring state's past to life
Reverend Noah Porter House
116 Main Street
Farmington, CT
Home to the minister of the Congregational Church. The Reverend's family housed one of the three Amistad children during their stay in Connecticut. This site was also the location where the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was founded.
Richard Alsop IV House
301 High Street
Middletown, CT
Phone: 860-685-2500
Open: Tues - Fri 12 - 4 pm, Sat - Sun 2 - 5 pm
Built in 1838, this home is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture in the U.S. The building houses the Davison Art Center.
Riverside Cemetery
Garden Street
Farmington, CT
Historic cemetery with many 18th and 19th century graves. Of particular interest are the Indian obelisk - monument, and the grave of Foone, one of the Amistad Africans. He died during their trial and stay in Farmington. The cemetery sits along the historic Farmington Canal.
Salmon Brook Settlement
208 Salmon Brook Street
Granby, CT
Phone: 860-653-9713
Open: Mid-May - Mid-October, Sundays 2 - 4 pm or by appointment
Four structures span American history on this site. The Abijah Rowe House was built in 1753, and features historic furnishings and Victorian doll and toy rooms. The Weed-Enders House was completed in 1790. It features a complete Victorian parlor, and is the site of the museum store and library. The Cooley School, completed in 1870, is representative of school houses of this period. The newest structure is the 1914 tobacco barn, which contains a general store, historic farm implements, shoe shop and exhibits about the Civil War. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors and children under 12.
Samuel Deming House
66 Main Street
Farmington, CT
A privately owned home that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Not open to the public.
Samuel Deming Store
2 Mill Lane
Farmington, CT
This site was the first place the Amistad Africans stayed when they arrived in Farmington. Later on it became their school. The property is currently under private ownership and not open for visitors.
Samuel Parsons' House
180 South Main Street
Wallingford, CT
Phone: 203-294-1996
Open: Sundays, 2 - 4:30 pm
Built in 1759, this home was also a tavern and a stop for the stage coach. Exhibits focus on local history. Free admission.
Sarah Whitman Hooker Homestead
1237 New Britain Avenue
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-523-5887
Open: Monday, Wednesday, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, and by appointment
Originally built as a traditional New England salt box in 1720, this home was remodeled in 1807. During the American Revolution, the residents sided with England. Visitors can see the original wallpaper, 18th and 19th century fabrics and porcelain. Admission: Adults, $3, children under 16, $2.
Smith - Cowles House
27 Main Street
Farmington, CT
A privately owned home that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Not open to the public.
Soldiers and Sailors' Monument
Bushnell Park
Hartford, CT
This monument honors the memory of all those from Connecticut who have given their lives in defense of the country.
Solomon Goffe House
677 North Colony Street
Meriden, CT
Phone: 203-634-9088
Open: First Sunday of every month, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
This 1711 homestead is now the site of a living history museum. The exhibits are hosted by guides in period costumes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Solomon Rockwell House
225 Prospect Street
Winsted, CT
Phone: 860-379-8433
Open: Mid June - Mid October, Tues - Wed 10 am - 12 pm, Thurs - Sun 2 - 4 pm
19th century Anti-bellum style home, with antique furnishings, decor and clocks. Of special interest are the Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia and an antique musical instrument called a melodeon. Admission: $2 adults.
Stone House
254 Main Street
Deep River, CT
Phone: 860-526-1449
Open: July - August, Saturday - Sunday, 1 -4 pm
Exhibits cover the history of the area, as well as period furniture and household items. Of particular interest are the locally cut glass, Indian artifacts, and Victorian piano.
Hayden Hill Road, off Route 154
Haddam, CT 06438
Phone: 860-345-2400
This three-story, 1794 home has been restored to reflect the lifestyle and furnishings of the period. A garden on the property features herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
Hours: Open year-round; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday, 2 -8 p.m.; Friday, noon-3 p.m.; also from Memorial Day to Columbus day, Sundays, 1- 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $4; seniors, $3; children, $2.
Locations throughout Farmington
In 1839, a group of Africans who were to be sold into slavery took control of the ship Amistad, which then landed in Connecticut. Several trials were held to determine the status of the Africans, who wanted to return to their homeland. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that all people exist in a natural state of freedom, and therefore, the Amistad Africans were free. The trail consists of many locations important to the Amistad trial and to the Africans themselves.
Locations throughout Hartford
In 1839, a group of Africans who were to be sold into slavery took control of the ship Amistad, which then landed in Connecticut. Several trials were held to determine the status of the Africans, who wanted to return to their homeland. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that all people exist in a natural state of freedom, and therefore, the Amistad Africans were free. The trail consists of many locations important to the Amistad trial and to the Africans themselves.
The Beeches
1221 Enfield Street, Route 5
Enfield, CT
The home of Paul Robeson, who was one of the finest bass-baritone singers to ever grace the American stage. Robeson further made a name for himself as an actor and human rights activist, and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. He then left Connecticut and lived the rest of his life in Europe.
Sites throughout Connecticut
The Connecticut Freedom Trail is list of over 60 historic locations throughout the state. Each location played an important role in the African-American journey from slavery to freedom in Connecticut. Places in addition to those listed on the Amistad Trail include historic homes, churches, graves, monuments, and sites on the Underground Railroad.
Sites throughout Connecticut
The Connecticut Freedom Trail is list of over 60 historic locations throughout the state. Each location played an important role in the African-American journey from slavery to freedom in Connecticut. Places in addition to those listed on the Amistad Trail include historic homes, churches, graves, monuments, and sites on the Underground Railroad.
Sites throughout Connecticut
The Connecticut Freedom Trail is list of over 60 historic locations throughout the state. Each location played an important role in the African-American journey from slavery to freedom in Connecticut. Places in addition to those listed on the Amistad Trail include historic homes, churches, graves, monuments, and sites on the Underground Railroad.
Sites throughout Connecticut
The Connecticut Freedom Trail is list of over 60 historic locations throughout the state. Each location played an important role in the African-American journey from slavery to freedom in Connecticut. Places in addition to those listed on the Amistad Trail include historic homes, churches, graves, monuments, and sites on the Underground Railroad.
The Living Museum of Avon
8 East Main Street (Route 44)
Avon, CT 06001
Phone: 860-678-7621
Open: June-September, Sunday, 2-4 p.m., and by appointment
Restored 19th-century schoolhouse contains maps, photographs, implements and clothes, diorama of the Farmington Canal all relating to 1830s. Admission: Donation.
The Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Ave.
Hartford, CT 06105
Phone: 860-247-0998
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.; first Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Tuesday from January-April; Closed January 1, Easter, Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25.
Elaborate Victorian (1874) mansion with rare interiors by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1881) was the author's home for 17 years (1874-1891). Nineteen furnished rooms including many of Twain's possessions. National Historic Landmark. The Museum Center features fine gift shop, cafe, Ken Burns' documentary, orientation and changing exhibition galleries, lectures and special programs. Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, $11; students age13-18, $10; children age 6-12, $8.
Timothy Wadsworth House
340 Main Street
Farmington, CT
A privately owned home that was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Not open to the public.
Union Baptist Church
1921 Main Street
Hartford, CT
A historic church, and a focal point for the African-American community in Hartford over the decades.
Union Hall
Church Street
Farmington, CT
Now the Farmington Art Guild, this building was once the site of frequent meetings of both abolitionists and anti-abolitionists.
Uriah Tuttle House
3925 Torringford St
Torrington, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Wadsworth Atheneum
600 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-278-2670
Open: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; open first Thursday of each month until 8 p.m. Closed major holidays.
The nation's oldest public art museum (1842). World-renowned collections include Hudson River School landscapes, Old Master paintings, modernist masterpieces, Impressionist paintings, American furniture, decorative arts, cutting-edge contemporary art. Restaurant (860-728-5989); gift shop. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; students with ID, $5; children age 12 and under, free; first Thursday of each month, $5 from 5-8 p.m.
211 Main Street
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: 860-529-0612
The Webb-Deane-Stevens (WDS) Museum provides the quintessential New England experience. During the museum’s ours, visitors are immersed in life of the mid-18th and early-19th centuries with stories of the charm, hardship, and political intrigue of that era. Three meticulously restored homes are included in the one-hour tour. The 1752 Joseph Webb House served as George Washington’s headquarters in May 1781; the Silas Deane House, circa 1770, was built for America’s Revolutionary War diplomat to France; the Isaac Stevens House, 1789, depicts the life of a middle class family in the 1820s and 30s using many original family possessions.
The lovely Colonial Revival Garden was designed by one of America’s first female landscape architects.
Hours: May 1-October 31, daily, except Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. April and November weekends only. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission for tour: Adults, $10; seniors over age 60, $9; for students and children age 5-18, $5; families, $25
Welles Shipman Ward House
972 Main Street
South Glastonbury, CT
Phone: 860-633-6890
Open: Mid May - June, Sept - October, 2 - 4 pm
Antique carts and carriages, an herb garden, a barn and antique tools await visitors to this 1755 home. Admission $2, children 2-13 free.
West Burying Ground
Vine and Washington Streets
Middletown, CT
A cemetery of 19th century graves. Of particular interest are the graves of a number of African-Americans who fought in the Civil War.
West Cornwall Covered Bridge
West Cornwall Covered Bridge
West Cornwall, CT
Built in 1837 and still in use today.
Wethersfield Historical Society
150 Main Street
Wethersfield, CT
Phone: 860-529-7656
Open: Open April 1 - December 15, Thurs-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm, Sun, 1-4 pm.
The society maintains a research library, a museum, the Hurlbut-Dunham house -- built in 1790, and the Cove Warehouse, which focuses on maritime history. Each site has separate hours and admission policies. Call the Historical Society for details.
Winchester Center Kerosene Lamp Museum and Lighting Emporium
100 Old Waterbury Turnpike
Winchester, CT
Phone: 860-379-2612
Open: Saturday, Sunday and holidays; 9:30 am - 4 pm
A collection of 500 kerosene lamps from the mid and late 19th century. Free admission.
Windsor Historical Society
96 Palisado Avenue
Windsor, CT
Phone: 860-688-3813
The Windsor Historical Society is a museum complex with four galleries of changing exhibits, a hands-on history learning center for families, a research library with Windsor photographs, documents and genealogical materials, an 18th century herb garden and two historic homes: The Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee House(1767) and the John and Sarah Strong House (1758). Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10-4. Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays.
Admission: $3 adults, students and children $1, members free.
Amasa Day House
Moodus Green (Routes 149 and 151)
East Haddam, CT 06469
Phone: 860-247-8996
Open: Mid-May to mid-October, Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
A Federal style house (1816) remained in the hands of Day's heirs until 1967. Furnished primarily with Day family possessions. Admission: Adults, $4; children, $2.
60 Gold Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-280-4145
The Ancient Burying Ground, at the corner of Main and Gold streets in Hartford, is the oldest historic site in Hartford and the only one surviving from the 1600s. From 1640, four years after the arrival of the first English settlers, until the early 1800s, it was Hartford's only graveyard. During that period anyone who died in town, regardless of age, sex, race, economic status, or religion, was interred here. The oldest gravestone is believed to be that for Timothy Stanley, who died in 1648. About 6,000 men, women, and children are believed to have been interred in the Ancient Burying Ground, which was originally considerably larger than it is today.
Andrews Homestead
424 West Main Street
Meriden, CT
Phone: 203-237-5079
Open: By appointment
Austin F. Williams House
127 Main Street
Farmington, CT
A local abolitionist, Austin Williams, built this site as a home for the Amistad Africans during their stay in Farmington. He later built his own home nearby and converted the first structure into a carriage house. The home also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Barnes Museum
85 North Main Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-628-5426
Open: Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Thursday, 1-7 p.m.; September-June, first and last Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.
Built in 1836, this house belonged to the same family for over a century. Exhibits feature original furniture and household items, as well as a historical library. Admission: $2.
Benjamin Douglas House
11 South Main Street
Middletown, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Benton Homestead
Metcalf Road
Tolland, CT
Phone: 860-870-9599
Open: May - Mid October, Sunday 1-4 pm
This 1720 colonial was used as a prison for Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary war. The original paneling and architecture are still in place. Admission: Adults $2.
Brace/Stephen House
1349 Main Street
Newington, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Buttolph-Williams House
249 Broad Street
Wethersfield, CT
Phone: 860-529-0612
Open: May 1 - October 31, Wed - Mon, 10 am - 4 pm.
A mansion built during the late 19th century, with furnishings on display.
Canal House and Pitkin Basin
128 Garden Street
Farmington, CT
In this spot, one of the Amistad Africans, Foone, lost his life. In his memory, the other Africans began their journey to other towns to raise money for their trip back to Africa at this site.
Canton Historical Museum
11 Front Street
Collinsville, CT 06019
Phone: 860-693-2793
Open: April-November, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and Thursday, 1-8 p.m.; December-March, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
The history of Canton is chronicled in this museum. Collins Company tools and exhibits, Canton history, Victorian antiques and clothes, toys, dolls, farming equipment, railroad diorama, general store and post office, research library. Admissions: Adults, $3; seniors, $2; children (age 6-15), $1; 5 and under, free.
Cheney Homestead
106 Hartford Road
Manchester, CT
Telephone: (860) 643-5588 Open: Thurs and Sun, 1 - 5 pm (closed holidays), and by appointment
Built in 1780, the home was the birthplace of the Cheney brothers, the founders of the Connecticut silk industry. The home contains 18th and 19th century furniture and artwork. There is also a restored 18th century schoolhouse on the property. Admission $1, adults; children free.
Company of Military Historians
Westbrook Place, North Main Street
Westbrook, CT
Phone: 860-399-9460
Comstock Covered Bridge
Comstock Bridge Road, off Route 16
East Hampton, CT
Phone: 860-267-2519
Open: Daily, dawn to dusk
Adjacent to Salmon River State Park, this covered bridge is one of only two remaining in Connecticut. The bridge crosses the Salmon River, and is open to pedestrians only.
Connecticut Fire Museum
58 North Road
East Windsor, CT 06088
Phone: 860-623-4732
Open: May and June, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; July and August, Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; September-October, Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Exhibits detail the history of firefighting. Includes models and authentic historic firefighting trucks and equipment. Adults, $7; seniors, $6; children age 6-12, $5; children age 5 and younger, free.
Connecticut Historical Society
1 Elizabeth Street at Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-5621
Open: Year-round, except Holidays, Tuesday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
Established in 1825, The Connecticut Historical Society is a non-profit organization, which collects, preserves and interprets the history of the diverse people - past and present - who have made Connecticut their home. The Society houses a museum with one of the largest collections of Connecticut furnture, silver, pewter, costumes, graphic materials and tavern signs in existence. A library holds 100,000 manuscripts and nearly 3 million volumes. Events and lectures are scheduled throughout the year. A current exhibit, Amistad -- A True Story of Freedom, is a comprehensive look at the African's revolt on the slave ship Amistad in 1839, and the events that followed. The interactive, multimedia exhibition features 5 galleries, historic artifacts, and special sound and light effects.
Connecticut River Museum
67 Main St., Steamboat Dock
Essex, CT 06426
Phone: 860-767-8269
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Housed in an 1878 Steamboat Dock warehouse located on the waterfront, the museum tells the Connecticut River Valley story in four galleries, with a working reproduction of the American Turtle, America’s first submarine. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $6; seniors and students, $5; children age 6-12, $3; 5 and under free.
Connecticut Trolley Museum
58 North Road (Route 140)
East Windsor, CT 06088
Phone: 860-627-6540
Open: Charters from January through March; April to Memorial Day, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.; Memorial day to Labor Day, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Sundays in October, Pumpkin Patch rides
Three-mile round trip ride on antique trolleys. Tour the Visitor's Center display and stationary trolleys. Gift shop, deli and cafe. Admission: Adults, $7; seniors, $6; children age 2-12, $4. Includes admission to the nearby Connecticut Fire Museum.
Day-Lewis Museum
158 Main Street
Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: 860-678-1645
Open: March – November, Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; closed August
Yale University-owned Indian archaeology museum displaying artifacts found on site. Housed in authentic post and beam building, last of Tunxis Indian homes. Adjacent dig site. Admission Adults, $2; seniors and children, $1.
Elijah Lewis House
1 Mountain Spring Road
Farmington, CT
A privately owned home that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Not open to the public.
Enoch Kelsey House
1702 Main Street
Newington, CT
Phone: 860-666-7118
Open: May - October, Sat - Sun, 1 - 4 pm; Jan - Feb, Sun 1 - 4 pm
This home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1799. The home is decorated with hand-painted murals, and still contains the original fireplaces, a beehive oven and paneling. $2 admission.
Faith Congregational Church
2030 North Main Street
Hartford, CT
One of earliest African-American churches founded in Connecticut.
Farmington Historical Society
Main Street
Farmington, CT
Phone: 860-678-1654
The Farmington Historical Society collects information and documents relating to the history of the area. They offer guided tours of the town's historical locations, including a tour focusing specifically on Amistad sites.
Fire Museum
230 Pine Street
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: 860-649-9436
Open: Mid-April-Mid-November, Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Located in turn-of-the-century firehouse with hand- and horse-pulled firefighting equipment, 1860 steam fire engine, 1915 water tower, antique firefighting items, reference library, gift shop. Admission: Adults, $4; seniors and firefighters, $2; children age 5 and older, $1.
First Church Cemetery
Route 151
East Haddam, CT
Venture Smith, a slave who purchased his freedom as well as his family's, was buried here in the 18th century.
First Church of Christ Congregational
Main Street
Farmington, CT
One of the oldest churches in Northern Connecticut, the structure is a National Historic Landmark. Church members were active supporters of the Amistad Africans, providing them with housing, clothing and education while they lived in Farmington.
Francis Gillette House
540 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Frank T. Simpson House
27 Keney Terrace
Hartford, CT
Simpson holds a special place in Connecticut's history: He was the first employee of the first Connecticut state civil right agency.
Gay-Hoyt House Museum
18 Main Street (Route 41)
Sharon, CT 06069
Phone: 860-364-5688
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment
Built in 1775, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring furniture, paintings, photographs, textile collection, hands-on history room for children, changing exhibits. Admission: free.
Gaylordsville Historical Society
P.O. Box 25
Gaylordsville, CT 06755
Phone: 860-350-0300
Open: July - August, Sundays, 2 - 5 pm
General Mansfield House
151 Main Street
Middletown, CT
Phone: 860-346-0746
Open: Sunday 2 - 4:30 pm, Monday 1 - 4 pm
Exhibits highlight Middletown history, particularly the Civil War era. Admission: $2 adults, $1 children under 13.
350 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Phone: 860-388-2622
A Georgian-style Colonial built in 1767, featuring an herb garden and intricate decor. Of particular interest are the eight corner fireplaces. Notice the nine-window facade with 12 over 12 panes, the cornices, cornerboards and graduated clapboards.
Hours: June 12- September 13, Friday - Sunday, 12:30 - 4 p.m. Donation is requested.
67 River Road, off Route 82
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-526-2336
One of the most remarkable parks in the state, Gillette Castle State Park features a mansion built in 1919 for actor William Gillette, who was famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes. Tours are given on days that the mansion is open (call for exact times). The park itself is set on the Connecticut River and features fishing areas, short hiking trails and picnic spots. The Castle is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. Staff are available to assist with questions about the castle interior and its history. The grounds are open year round.
Hollow Road / P.O. Box 245
Woodbury, CT 06798
Phone: 203-263-2855
Farmhouse built in 1740 is set in the picturesque Litchfield Hills in historic Woodbury’s village center. It offers a glimpse of Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. Birthplace of the Episcopal Church in the New World and graced by the only existing American garden planned by Gertrude Jekyll.
Hours: May-October, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; November, weekends only, 1–4 p.m. Fee charged.
Glenbrook
11 Mountain Spring Road
Farmington, CT
Built in 1832 by John Treadwell Norton, who became a major supporter of the Amistad Africans. The house is currently a private residence.
Gunn Memorial Library & Museum
Wykeham Road and Route 47
Washington, CT 06793
Phone: 860-868-7756
Open: May-December, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m., closed major holidays. January-April by appointment only.
Local history museum in c.1781 house with changing exhibits. 1908 library includes Connecticut Room with state, local, and geneaological books. Admission: Donation.
77 Forest Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Phone: 860-522-9258
Open: Tours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.; open on Mondays, Memorial Day to Columbus Day and December. Closed major holidays.
Her words changed the world with "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the groundbreaking anti-slavery novel (1852). Tour the Victorian Gothic home (1871), the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), and the Victorian grounds and gardens. Stowe Visitor Center showcases exhibitions, museum shop.
Admission: Adults, $8; seniors,$7; children age 4-12, $4.
Harrison House
124 Main Street
Branford, CT
Phone: 203-488-4828
Open: June 1 - October 1, Thu - Sat, 2 - 5 pm
This traditional colonial saltbox, built in 1724, has been restored and accurately decorated with 18th century furniture and decor. Outside the home, visitors will find a barn exhibiting antique farming implements and an herb garden. Free admission.
Hart Porter Homestead
456 Porter Street
Manchester, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Hartford Ancient Burying Ground
Gold and Main Streets
Hartford, CT
Open: Year-round
In this cemetery visitors will find the graves of Thomas Hooker (founder of Hartford) and other settlers, as well as many Revolutionary War soldiers. Admission is free. Tours are available July - Aug at 1:45 pm.
55 South Main Street
Suffield, CT 06078
This mansion is a showplace for the history of the 18th century including a formal Colonial garden. Exhibits include French wallpaper and neo-classical architecture.
Hours: Open for afternoon tours on designated days from May 15 to October 15, or by prior appointment. Call for current schedule. Fee charged.
Hicks-Stearns Museum
42 Tolland Green
Tolland, CT 06084
Phone: 860-875-7552
Open: Mid-March to mid-December by appointment only
This structure has an interesting history: Originally a tavern built in the 18th century, it was later turned into a 19th century home. The house contains antique family heirlooms, which are on display during much of the year. In December, the site becomes a Victorian Christmas Open House.
Hill-Stead Museum
35 Mountain Road
Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: 860-677-4787
Open: May-October, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; November-April, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
National Historic Landmark. Colonial Revival style house (1901) set on 150 acres with sunken garden. Collection of French Impressionist paintings, decorative arts and original furnishings. Hour-long guided tour. Admission: Adults, $9; seniors, $8; students, $7; children age 6-12, $4.
Hillside Cemetery
Route 44
North Canaan, CT
19th century cemetery features the graves of the Freeland family. Milo Freeland is said to have been the first African-American to enlist as a Union soldier during the Civil War.
Historical Museum of Medicine and Dentistry
230 Scarborough Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-5613
Open: Mon - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm
This museum details the medical and dental instruments and medications of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. There is a library on the premises. Donations from visitors are accepted.
Hotchkiss - Fyler House
192 Main Street
Torrington, CT
Phone: 860-482-8260
Open: April 1 - December 31, Mon - Fri 9 am - 4 pm, Sat 10 am - 3 pm
Built in 1900, this mansion is elaborately decorated, and features furnishings and family artifacts. Permanent and changing exhibits on local history. Admission: $2 adults, children under 12 free.
Huguenot House
Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue
East Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-568-6178
Open: Memorial Day - September, Thursday and Sunday, 1-4 pm
Historic property features a restored colonial home onced own by a saddlemaker, a schoolhouse built in 1820, and an 1850 blacksmith shop.
Institute for American Indian Studies
88 Curtis Road
Washington, CT
Phone: 860-868-0518
Open: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
The institute focuses on the history of native peoples in America. The permanent exhibit, "As We Tell Our Stories: Living Tradition in the Algonkian Peoples of New England" features artifacts from as far back as 10,000 years, a simulated archaeological site, a recreated 17th century Algonkian village, rock shelter and garden, and a furnished longhouse. Topical films are shown on weekends.
Isaiah Tuttle House
4040 Torringford St.
Torrington, CT
A stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently a private home and not open to the public.
Iwo Jima Memorial Monument
Ella Grasso Boulevard
New Britain, CT
Phone: 860-666-5521
Open: Daily, 9 am - sunset
Commemorates the American soldiers killed at Iwo Jima.
James Mars' Grave
Center Cemetery, Old Colony Road
Norfolk, CT
An 18th century African-American slave, Mars was one of the first to become free under Connecticut's landmark gradual emancipation law. He eventually wrote his own autobiography.
James Pharmacy
2 Pennywise Lane
Old Saybrook, CT
This turn-of-the-century pharmacy was run by Anna Louise James, the first African-American woman in the United States to get a pharmacist license. She operated the pharmacy from 1911 to 1967.
John Brown Birthplace
John Brown Road
Torrington, CT
Perhaps the most famous abolitionist of the Civil War era, Brown became reknowned for his raid on Harper's Ferry, VA. His roots and his life, however, began in this home in Torrington.
Joseph Rainey House
299 Palisado Avenue
Windsor, CT
Home of the first African-American to be elected to Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kellogg-Eddy House
679 Willard Avenue
Newington, CT
Phone: 860-666-7118
Open: Mar - Dec, Sat-Sun 1 - 4 pm; Jan - Feb, Sun, 1 - 4 pm
This 1808 colonial home was built by General Martin Kellogg III. The restored property features a parlor with hand-carved woodwork. A visitor donation is requested.
Lock 12 Historical Park
487 North Brooksvale Road (Route 42)
Cheshire, CT 06410
Phone: 203-272-2743
Open: Biking trail and picnic area open year-round, call for museum schedule.
Restored section of Farmington Canal (1828-48). Park also includes museum, lockkeeper's house, helicoidal bridge, 2.9-mile hiking/biking trail, picnic area. Admission: Free.
Luddy/Taylor Connecticut Valley Tobacco Museum
Northwest Park, 135 Lang Rd.
Windsor, CT 06095
Phone: 860-285-1888
Open: March – Mid-December, Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. and by appointment
Displays of artifacts and history of "Tobacco Valley." Tobacco curing shed houses exhibits of early and modern equipment. Other facility exhibits photographs, writings, and other documents. Admission: Free.
Martha A. Parsons House
1387 Enfield Street
Enfield, CT
Phone: 860-745-6064
Open: May - October, Sundays 2 - 4:30 pm, and by appointment.
Built in 1782, this house focuses on the life of one family over the period of 180 years. The only house in the U.S. with George Washington Memorial wallpaper (produced following the Revolutionary War). Open in December for a Christmas display. Free admission.
Meriden Historical Society
540 West Main Street
Meriden, CT
Phone: 203-639-1913
Open: By appointment
For over a century, the historical society has been preserving artifacts and documents detailing the history and life in the local area.
Merwinsville Hotel
Browns Forge Road
Gaylordsville, CT
Phone: 860-354-5986
Open: July - September, Sundays 2 - 4 pm
This hotel was finished in 1843, and holds exhibits of an antique wine cellar, railroad station waiting room, and hotel artifacts and memorabilia. Admission is free, donations are accepted.
Mine Hill Preserve
Mine Hill Road
Roxbury, CT
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the preserve is set on a former iron ore mine and blast furnace. Granite quarries on the property provided stones used in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station in New York City. A looping trail of under 4 miles will take hikers along the Donkey Trail (where donkeys used to pull ore wagons), past mine shafts and tunnels, and old mine and furnace foundations. Side trails will take hikers to the granite quarries.
Museum of Connecticut History
231 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-566-3056
Open: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on state holidays
Historic documents, including Connecticut's Royal Charter, are just part of the exhibit material in this museum. Special exhibits feature Colt firearms, Connecticut's Governors and changing exhibits. Admission: free.
Museum on the Green
1944 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Phone: 860-633-6890
Open: Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; third Sunday of each month, 1-4 p.m.; and by appointment
Former Town Hall (c. 1840) displays local history, early industry, Native American artifacts, changing exhibits; genealogical and research library. Adjacent to old town cemetery (1690). Admission: free.
Nathan Hale School House
Main Street
East Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-873-9547
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, weekends and holidays, 2 - 4 pm
Revolutionary War hero and CT state hero Nathan Hale taught in this one-room schoolhouse during 1773 - 1774. Set in the rear of St. Stephen's Church, which contains one of the oldest church bells in the U.S., cast in 815 AD. Admission: 25 cents.
New Britain Industrial Museum
185 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: 860-832-8654
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 2-5 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-5 p.m.; and by appointment
This history of manufacturing in Central Connecticut is detailed in this museum, featuring exhibits of products made in the region over the past 200 years. Admission: free.
New Milford Historical Society Museum
6 Aspetuck Avenue
New Milford, CT 06776
Phone: 860-354-3069
Open: May-October, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and by appointment
Main gallery contains works by artists Ralph Earl and Richard Jennys, Connecticut furniture, New Milford pottery. Boardman Store (1796). Knapp House (c.1810). Special events; research on local history and genealogy. Admission: Adults, $3; students, $2.
Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
227 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-521-5362
Open: Thursday-Monday, 1-4 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The restored 18th-century birthplace of author and educator Noah Webster offers tours of the historic home, changing exhibits about West Hartford, a gift shop, and public programs. It is a National Historic Landmark. Admission: Adults $6, AAA members and seniors $5, Students 6-18 or with ID $4, children 5 and under free.
Noden-Reed Park Museum
58 West Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Phone: 860-627-9212
Open: May-October, Sunday, 1 -5 p.m. and by appointment
A 22-acre park with 1840 house and 1826 brick barn contain period artifacts. Site of Connecticut's first Christmas tree. Admission: free.
North Cemetery
North Main Street
Hartford, CT
Historic 19th century graveyard includes those of several African-Americans who fought in the Civil War.
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
166 Chestnut Hill Road (Route 190)
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
Phone: 860-684-3013
Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Saturday, Sunday, holidays, noon-4 p.m.
Housed in original (c.1935) CCC camp building with documents and memorabilia. Exhibits include campsite life, work areas, photographs, equipment, and tools. Admission: Free.
Old Manchester Museum
126 Cedar Street
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: 860-647-9983
Open: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and by appointment
Local historical artifacts including Pitkin Glass Works, Cheney Brothers Silk Mills, Bon Ami Soap Co., military memorial. Manchester Sports Hall of Fame, research and genealogy library, gift shop. Admission: Adults, $2; children age 16 and younger, free.
Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine
Newgate Road
East Granby, CO
Phone: 860-566-3005
Open: Mid May - October 31, Wed - Sun, 10 am - 4:30 pm
On this site, in 1707, the first copper mine in America was started. In 1773 a prison was also constructed at the site, where supporters of Great Britain were held during the American Revolution. A tour of the mine, as well as numerous exhibits are open to the public. The site also features hiking trails, a picnic area and is a National Landmark. Admission: Adults $3, seniors and children over 5 $1.50.
Old State House
800 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-522-6766
Open: Tues - Fri, 11 am - 5 pm; Sat, 10 am- 5 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Connecticut's original statehouse is the oldest in the U.S. Many historic events took place here, including the signing of the first written Constitution in the nation, and the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials. The site contains a the restored, original Senate chamber and a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Free admission.
Old Stone Schoolhouse
Coppermine and Red Oak Hill Roads
Farmington, CT
Phone: 860-674-9931
Open: May - October, Sundays, 2-4 pm
One-room school, built in 1790, with a chapel and community hall added later. Exhibits feature the history of Farmington and the surrounding area.
Oliver Ellsworth Homestead
778 Palisado Avenue
Windsor, CT
Phone: 860-688-8717
Open: May 15 - October 15, Tues/Wed/Fri, 10 am - 5 pm
One of the "founding fathers" of our country, Ellsworth helped create the Constitution. His home, built in 1781, offers a history of the man and his family, which owned the property until 1903. Admission: Adults, $2; children under 12 free.
Palisado Cemetary
Palisado Avenue
Windsor, CT
This cemetary contains the grave of Nancy Toney, who was one of the last slaves living in Connecticut.
Pine Grove School House
West Avon Road
Avon, CT
Phone: 860-678-7821
Open: June - September, Sundays 2-4 pm and by appointment
Actively used until 1949, this schoolhouse was originally built in 1865, and has been restored. Museum includes a working wood stove, antique desks, the outhouse and the original sliding chalkboard.
Plainville Historic Center
29 Pierce Street
Plainville, CT
Phone: 860-747-0081
Open: May - December, Wed and Sat, 12 - 3:30 pm
This museum sits in the old Plainville town hall, built in 1890. Exhibits focus on Plainville history and particularly on the Farmington Canal. A museum shop sells souvenirs. A $1 per person donation is requested of visitors.
