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
February
Vacation Days at Connecticut’s Old State House
Join Connecticut’s Old State House as we celebrate President Day
with two different children’s programs dedicated to fun and
learning! On February 15th and February 17th, the Old State House
invites children in grades 3-6 and their families to participate in
our special winter break activities.
Both programs will run from 10 a.m. to Noon and will cost $5 per
child (which includes the price of admission). Parents and Guardians
are encouraged to stay and walk around the museum themselves but are
also offered the option to drop their children off and pick them up
at the conclusion of the program.
February 15th
Celebrate President’s Day with hands-on history activities that let
kids explore the Old State House from top to bottom, interview a CT
Governor from 1796-1809, try on Revolutionary War uniforms and
record the experience with Flip VideoTM camcorders! Each activity
will reveal fascinating information about George Washington, his
contributions to our nation and his CT connections. Participants
will take what they learn about our first president, form teams and
use wild and crazy art supplies to create their own version of a
Washington monument. Flip VideoTM creations can be emailed home and
the monuments will be on display in the Old State House during
President’s Week.
February 17th
Continue the President’s Day celebration with a special Civil War
program at the Old State House. Kids explore Connecticut’s role
during the conflict and the state’s close ties to President Lincoln
through a series of hands-on history activities. Participants learn
about Lincoln’s visit to Hartford; “meet” a Union soldier;
“interview” wartime governor, William Buckingham; try on uniforms
and clothing; and record their experiences using a Flip VideoTM.
Using their new knowledge, kids use period appropriate materials to
write letters describing their experiences and create their very own
corps badge. Participants take their crafts home.
Space for both programs is limited and those interested are
encouraged to reserve a spot by calling 860-522-6766, ext. 10.
Lecture Series
Join Connecticut’s Old State House for a series
of free lectures on some of history’s well-known people and events
which made impacts in the early fight for civil rights. Each lecture
will include 30-45 minute speaking part from an expert on the topic
followed by a brief comparison to a related contemporary issue. All
lectures will be held from noon to 1 p.m., held in the Courtroom and
are free to the public.
Boxed lunches are available for $14.00 and orders
must be placed by 4 p.m. the day before the lecture is scheduled.
Call 860-522-6766, ext. 11 to place your order.
- Ham, turkey, tuna or chicken
salad sandwich with chips, pickle, cookie and drink
- Garden salad with grilled
chicken, tuna or chicken salad and drink
Wednesday
March 3, 2010
To All on
Equal Terms: the Story of Prudence Crandall
Karin Peterson, Museum Director of Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, will tell the story of Connecticut State Heroine Prudence Crandall and her dream to provide high quality education “to all on equal terms.” In April 1833 she opened the first academy for young African-American women in New England. The residents of Canterbury responded strongly against the school but Miss Crandall and her students persevered through arrest, court trials, and constant harassments. After a midnight attack damaged the school in September 1834, Miss Crandall reluctantly sent the students home. In 1886 the town of Canterbury formally apologized and the General Assembly voted to give Miss Crandall an annual pension of $400 until her death in 1890.
Connecticut’s Old State House
featured in
AAA Journeys Magazine