Connecticut's Old State House

Connecticut History Day State Contest
2026-05-02 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT, United States
Parking at Welte Garage or outside the Student Center
Over 400 middle and high school Connecticut students representing an estimated 69 schools are competing on May 2 for the chance to represent their State atthe National History Day Contest, being held in June at the University ofMaryland. The State Contest is a culmination of months of hard work by studentsas they conducted historical research, analyzed their sources and createdprojects. Students participating in theState Contest include the winners from five regional contests held earlier thisspring.
Students participate in a variety of ways: in classroominstruction, after-school clubs, as part of an enrichment program, or as anindependent project. Students have spent months working on projects of theirown choosing related to this year’s theme of Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History. Students canexplore any type of history, from local to international. Working alone or ingroups, students present projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances.
The top two prize winners in each category will earncoveted spots to the National History Day competition, which will be held in Maryland in June. Third placefinishers serve as alternates to the National Contest. Additionally, twentySpecial Prizes related to specific topic content such as World History,Connecticut History, Social Justice, Jewish History, American Legal History andAmerican Colonial History, will be awarded. These prizes are sponsored by localorganizations.

Greater Hartford Bike to Work Day
2026-05-14 07:00 - 10:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Grab your bike and start your morning with fresh air! Join us for a scenic group ride to the Old State House. It’s good for your heart, your city, and the air we breathe.
Greater Hartford Bike to Work Day
Thursday, May 14, 2026⁠
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Meeting Spot:
BiCi West (616 New Park Ave).
Or contact your local bicycle organization for a ride near you.
We ride out at 7:15 AM
The Finish Line: ⁠
Connecticut’s Old State House (800 Main St)⁠
Arrival at 8:00 AM
Event Highlights:⁠

FREE Coffee & Pastries⁠
Guest Speakers ⁠start at 8:15 AM⁠
Bikes on Bus Demo⁠
Group Ride to Hartford

⁠Can’t make it to the ride? Meet us there with your local squad or make a solo trip. All attendees are welcome. ⁠
Join the Drive Less CT Challenge and log your bike trip for a chance to win a prize! More info at CTrides.com/DLC

Happy Birthday Connecticut's Old State House!
2026-05-16 12:00 - 16:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Connecticut’s Old State House is celebrating its 230th birthday!
Let there be cake! Come to commemorate a double birthday – the Old State House’s 230th birthday and America’s 250th.
Grab a fork and enjoy birthday cake courtesy of Natalie Townsend, owner of Nevaeh’s Cake Creations, winner of the 2025 Election Cake Bake Off! Enjoy live music and a spring market featuring Connecticut-made vendors and crafters on the lawn. Just outside the gates enjoy the Bizarre Bazaar on State House Square courtesy of Hartford.com!
Live music with the Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble.
Bring a friend, a date, or the entire family! Rain or shine. Admission is FREE!
Your RSVP is appreciated. Click HERE and let us know you are coming!
Connecticut’s Old State House stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of our state’s democratic evolution, having housed all three branches of Connecticut’s government from 1796 to 1878.
This historic site has borne witness to some of the most pivotal narratives of freedom, democracy, and civic engagement in our state’s history, including the landmark Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials, as well as the Constitutional Convention of 1818. Each of these events not only shaped the legal and social framework of Connecticut but also ignited a spirit of civic responsibility that resonates to this day!
The stories held within these walls invite families, educators, and students to engage with their civic heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin our democracy. We encourage you to visit and participate in programs that celebrate and explore this vital history.
Connecticut’s Old State house is located at 800 Main Street in the heart of Hartford, just steps away from restaurants, entertainment and shopping. Visit hartford.com to plan your visit!
PARKING:
On street parking is available. Garage parking for a maximum of $10 is available at State House Square Parking Garage, located at 75 Market Street, just steps away from Connecticut’s Old State House. Please present your parking ticket to the museum’s Visitor Services desk for validation.
Our Doors Are Open:
Our building is mobility friendly with a ramp on the West side entrance and elevator access to all floors. Our bathrooms are on the ground floor and have changing tables. If you wish to inquire about special accommodations for a tour or special event, please call (860) 240-5340.

Farmers Market at CT’s Old State House
2026-06-05 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-26 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-30 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 14:00 and 19 more dates | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Connecticut’s Old State House Farmers Market Season is every Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm from June 5th to October 30th!
Come visit and shop local at our annual Farmers Market, one of the original open-air markets in Connecticut! Participating farmers provide high-quality, Connecticut-grown products, along with Connecticut-based artisans who offer original, hand-crafted and self-manufactured quality goods.
Connecticut’s Old State House Farmers Market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Plan benefits courtesy of Greater Hartford Gives.
Simply bring your SNAP EBT card to the table with the sign that says “SNAP/EBT Accepted Here”. The Market Manager will swipe your card for the amount that you want and your purchases will be doubled throughout the season! For those with WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Plan benefits bring your Senior Farmers Market card or app to any farmer in the Farmers Market and your purchases will be half price!
