Spotlight on Connecticut’s Next Generation of Civic Leaders
2026-03-13 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Watch on YouTube HERE
Across Connecticut, students are leading some of the state’s most impactful civic engagement initiatives and demonstrating their leadership potential. The Connecticut Democracy Center in conjunction with Connecticut’s Old State House invite you to this free webinar highlighting student-led work being done through the Voter Captains Project, the CT Youth Political Advisory Center, the Yale College Democrats, and the Town of Rocky Hill.
https://www.youtube.com/@ctdemocracycenter709/live

Connecticut History Day Regional Competition - Torrington
2026-03-14 08:00 - 15:00 | Lewis S. Mills High School, 26 Lyon Rd, Burlington, CT, United States
Students from Torrington area schools will come together to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day Torrington Regional Contest. The Torrington event is one of five Regional Contests hosted by The Connecticut Democracy Center this spring. Participating students have chosen a topic related to the 2026 theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History and have since conducted research and interviewed experts to shape their findings into sound historical arguments. Working alone or in groups, students will present their projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances – in hopes of advancing to the State Contest on May 2 at Central Connecticut State University. Students who finish in first or second place at the State Contest will be invited to the 2026 National History Day® Competition.
8:00 am – Students Arrive, Exhibit students set up
9:00 am – Welcome Ceremony
9:30 am – Judging begins
2:00 pm – Awards Ceremony
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
Bristow Middle School (West Hartford)Carter HomeschoolConard High School (West Hartford)Connecticut IB Academy (East Hartford)Farmington High SchoolHall High School (West Hartford)Irving A. Robbins Middle School (Farmington)Kent SchoolKing Philip Middle School (West Hartford)Miss Porter’s School (Farmington)Sedgwick Middle School (West Hartford)Talcott Mountain Academy (Avon)The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville) The Taft School (Watertown) Torrington Middle School Westside Middle School (Danbury)
This event is made possible with support from the Draper Fund of the Northwest CT Community Foundation & Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area.

Connecticut History Day Regional Competition - New Haven
2026-03-28 08:00 - 16:00 | Southern Connecticut State University, Student Center, 345 Fitch Street, New Haven, CT 06515 (Parking available in Lot 5)
Connecticut students will gather to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day New Haven Regional Contest, one of five Regional Contests hosted by The Connecticut Democracy Center this spring. Participating students have chosen a topic related to the 2026 theme of Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History and have since conducted research and interviewed experts in order to shape their findings into sound historical arguments. Working alone or in groups, students will present their projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances – in hopes of advancing to the State Contest on May 2 at Central Connecticut State University. Students who finish in first or second place at the State Contest will be invited to the 2026 National History Day® Competition.
8:00 am – Students Arrive, Exhibit students set up
9:00 am – Welcome Ceremony
9:30 am – Judging begins
3:00 pm – Awards Ceremony
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
Amity Regional High School (District 5)Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)Engineering-Science University Magnet (West Haven)Hamden Hall Country Day SchoolHigh School in the CommunityHill Regional Career HIgh School (New Haven)Hopkins School (New Haven)James H. Moran Middle School (Wallingford)Jockey Hollow Middle School (Monroe)Joseph Melillo Middle School (East Haven)Mauro-Sheridan Magnet School (New Haven)Memorial Middle School (District 15)Naugatuck High SchoolPomperaug Regional HIgh School (District 15)St. Rita School (Hamden)WIlbur Cross High School (New Haven)Washington Hooker School (New Haven)

John Mills Book Launch: "The Narrative of Primus"
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Genealogist and historian John Mills will host the official book launch event for his debut work, The Narrative of Primus: A Lineage Woven into America’s History set to be released on April 21. The Narrative of Primus reconstructs the life of an enslaved African boy brought to colonial Connecticut and tracesthe generations of his descendants who fought in the Revolutionary War, theCivil War, and beyond. Through meticulous genealogical research and analysis ofprimary sources, Mills brings forward a story that has largely remaineduntold. The book can be purchased prior to the event here.
The choice of venue underscores the significance of the work. The Connecticut Old State House, one of the oldest state houses in the nation, serves as a powerful setting to reflect on the early ideals of American democracy and the individuals whose experiences were not fully represented within them.
The April 29 event will include a brief author talk, a reading, and an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with Mills and purchase signed copies of the book.
This event is free. Please REGISTER HERE!
About the Author:
John Mills is a dedicated genealogist and president of the Alex Breanne Corporation, a Connecticut-based non-profit focused on research into the formerly enslaved. John is known for his meticulous research and deep passion for uncovering family histories. With years of experience, he has helped many individuals uncover ancestral connections. His commitment to accuracy and detail has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in genealogical circles. His notable contributions to the field have garnered recognition, including an exposé in The Washington Post, an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and multiple interviews with famed Civil Rights attorney Areva Martin.
PARKING:
Parking at State House Square Parking Garage, located at 75 Market Street, costs a maximum of $10 with validation from Connecticut’s Old State House. Metered street parking is available. Free on-street parking is available after 6 pm and on weekends. Please follow posted parking instructions.
Our Doors Are Open:
Connecticut’s Old State House 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) 860-240-5340.

In His Footsteps: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of James Mars
2026-05-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Discovering Amistad invites you to join us in celebratingthe life and legacy of an “unsung” American hero – James Mars. Through his ownwords from his published memoir, and the lived accounts of his descendants, comeexplore and elevate the narrative of a man who defined the struggle for trueliberty. Born in 1790, James Mars lived the paradox of American freedom – soldas a slave in a state that claimed to be “The Land of Steady Habits.”
Keynote address by James Mars Descendent Rev. Dr. Shelley D.Best, founder of Creative Disruptor® and the author of Creative Disruption: How Artists andInnovators Build Influence, Drive Change, and Shape the Future. A YaleDivinity School–trained minister, visual artist, and social innovator, she isknown for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of narrative, creativity,and leadership.
The event will include special performances by Nia Arts,storyteller Andre Keitt, and gospel singers The Walkers.
Suggested donation $10. Register here: https://da-james-mars.eventbrite.comFor additional information, please contact info@discoveringamistad.org.
PARKINGParking at State House Square Parking Garage, located at 75 Market Street,costs a maximum of $10 with validation from Connecticut’s Old State House.Metered street parking is available. Free on-street parking is available after6 pm and on weekends. Please follow posted parking instructions.
Our Doors Are Open:Connecticut’s Old State House is mobility friendly with aramp on the West side entrance and elevator access to all floors. Our bathroomsare on the ground floor and have changing tables. If you wish to inquire aboutspecial accommodations for a tour or special event, please call (860) 860-240-5340.

Connecticut History Day State Contest
2026-05-02 09:00 - 17:00 | 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!
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 14 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!
