From the earliest days of the Hartford settlement, the site of
the Old State House has served as the magnetic center of the region
we know today as Connecticut. The earliest colonists were drawn
here, nurturing ideas of freedom and self-government, and in the
wilderness that once pervaded, America’s earliest constitution and
democracy were born.
By the time our nation had won its war for independence, the
building
that stands here today rose up out of the eighteenth-century skyline
as Connecticut’s first state capitol. Today, people of all ages
continue to be drawn to Connecticut’s Old State House. More than a
museum, this centerpiece of Connecticut’s and America’s history
symbolizes where we’ve been and where we’re going as citizens and
stewards of our great democratic experiment. A beautifully-restored
architectural marvel, the Old State House also plays host to a
variety of community and cultural events.
Connecticut’s Old State House was conceived as – and
remains
to this day – “the people’s house.” However you choose to visit, we
invite you to “come home” to the Old State House soon!
Old State House
800 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860. 522.6766
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
November 4 - 20, 2009 - “Faces of Connecticut’s Fallen”
“Faces of Connecticut’s Fallen,” a traveling tribute to Connecticut’s fallen servicemen will be at Connecticut’s Old State House at 800 Main Street in Hartford from November 4th through November 20th.
The moving video presentation will be on display in the courtroom and free of charge to those looking to only view the exhibit.
“Faces of Connecticut’s Fallen” is a video with images of the forty- five fallen soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen with connections to Connecticut set to the music of Norah Jones’ “American Anthem” by special permission to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The exhibit is flanked by banners depicting military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A Gold Star Flag hangs in tribute to these fallen heroes.
November 27, 2009 - "Festival of Light"
Join Connecticut’s Old State House after
Hartford’s Festival of Light on November 27, 2009. After the trees
are lit and Santa has left to prepare for Christmas Eve, step back
in time with living history characters and join our Holiday
Sing-A-Long. In addition, this free event will include
family-friendly hands-on activities. Visitors can tour the building
on their own or with costumed guides. Visitors can also make holiday
ornaments and an Old State House mobile. Refreshments will also be
for sale.
Click here for the Holiday
Sing-A-Long songbook.
Prior to the tree lighting, stop by to hear a special reading of If
I had a Magic Carpet III, Haunted Holidays by Laura Clarizio at 2:30
p.m.
Connecticut’s Old State House and its gift shop will be open until
7:30 p.m.
Parking is free at Constitution Plaza Garage or State House Square
Garage with a donated new and unwrapped toy or $5 donation to U.S.
Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.
In addition to the Festival of Light, the Old State House will
participate in Santa Saturdays with the Greater Hartford Arts
Council and State House Square. Special holiday activities such as
music, stories and take-home crafts will take place November 28,
December 5, December 12 and December 19. Receive $1 off the price of
admission of every toy you bring for Toys for Tots.