Connecticut's Old State House

Connecticut History Day Regional Competition - Norwich
2026-03-07 08:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Norwich Free Academy, 305 Broadway, Norwich, CT, United States
High School Students Ready to Make History at Connecticut History Day Norwich Regional Competition
Students from Norwich area schools will come together to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day Norwich Regional Contest. The Norwich 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 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
2:00 pm – Awards Ceremony
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
Essex Elementary SchoolFields Memorial School (Bozrah)Greenwich High SchoolHebron Elementary SchoolInterdistrict School For Arts And Communication (New London) Lyme-Old Lyme Middle SchoolNathan Hale-Ray Middle School (East Haddam)Norwich Free AcademyPine Point School (Stonington)Westminster School (Simsbury)
Regional Coordinator: Dr. Lisa Marcinkowski June lisa.marcinjune@gmail.com
This event is made possible with support from Norwich Free Academy and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Connecticut History Day Regional Competition – Mansfield
2026-03-07 08:00 - 16:00 | University of Connecticut – McHugh Hall, Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT 06269 (Parking available in parking areas Y and Z)
Students from Mansfield area schools will come together to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day Mansfield Regional Contest. The Mansfield 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
3:30 pm – Awards Ceremony
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:

Capitol Preparatory Magnet School (Hartford) Carmen Arace Intermediate School (Bloomfield)Carmen Arace Middle School (Bloomfield) Center School (Ellington)E.O. Smith High School (Storrs)Ellington High SchoolEllington Middle SchoolEnfield High SchoolHartford Magnet Trinity College AcademyJohn F. Kennedy Middle School (Enfield)Lewis HomeschoolLoomis Chaffee School (Windsor)Madina Academy (Windsor) Manchester High SchoolMansfield Middle SchoolMophaptra HomeschoolPomfret SchoolRockville HIgh School (Vernon) Sage Park Middle School (Windsor)South Windsor High SchoolSuffield Academy Timothy Edwards School (South Windsor)Vernon Center Middle SchoolWindham Technical High SchoolWoodstock AcademyYang Homeschool
This event is made possible with support from the Department of Early College Experience and the Department of History at University of Connecticut

Civics Advocacy Day at Connecticut's State Capitol
2026-03-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT, United States
Join the Connecticut Democracy Center and civics practitioners from across the state as we elevate the importance of civic learning in the halls of the Capitol! Sign up to reserve exhibitor table space where you can display information about your organization and programs, and speak with legislators and their staffs about why we must prioritize K-12 civic learning.
Register Here

2026 Connecticut Democracy Center Awards
2026-03-12 17:30 - 20:30 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) is pleased to announce the recipients of their third annual Connecticut Democracy Center Awards. This year the 2026 CTDC Community Leader Award will be presented to Patricia Russo, Executive Director, The Campaign School at Yale University. Eversource Energy has been selected to receive the CTDC Business Leader Award in recognition of the work of their Pro-Equity Advisory Team. JoAnn H. Price, Co-Founder of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc. will be honored with the Mary C. Gawlicki Philanthropic Leader Award.
The awards program was established to recognize those committed to strengthening democracy through acts of citizenship, service, and community engagement. The 2026 Connecticut Democracy Center Awards will pay tribute to these leaders at Connecticut’s Old State House on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Guests will enjoy a “Travel Across America” themed networking reception featuring delectable dishes and signature drinks while connecting with business professionals, community leaders, sponsors and award recipients interested in improving the quality of life for all in Connecticut. Tickets to the ceremony are $100 and are available HERE.
As a leader in civics education, The Connecticut Democracy Center brings people of all ages together through its programming, inspiring them to strengthen our democracy and community
through productive civic engagement. The Connecticut Democracy Center Awards recognize Connecticut community, business, and philanthropic leaders who represent the best of that engagement and whose stories encourage others to do the same.
CTDC COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD:
Patricia Russo, Executive Director, The Campaign School at Yale University
For over thirty-five years, Patricia has held leadership positions centered on women’s equity. As Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale University, Patricia oversees the nonpartisan, issue-neutral leadership program whose mission is to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office in the United States and around the globe. She has worked on federal, state, and local political campaigns for both Democratic and Republican candidates and served more than two decades on Connecticut’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, eight of them as Chair. Patricia is part of the national leadership team of Political Parity, a bipartisan initiative dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected office and is a member of the Advisory Board for Republican Women for Progress.
CTDC BUSINESS LEADER AWARD:
Eversource Energy, in recognition of the work of their Pro-Equity Advisory Team
The Eversource Energy Pro-Equity Advisory Team (PEAT) was established in 2021 under the leadership of Theresa Hopkins-Staten, President of Eversource Energy Foundation and Vice President, Community Partnership and Engagement. PEAT’s mission is to incorporate equity into all company decision-making policies and practices, and to drive fair and equitable outcomes for their communities and customers, particularly those that have been historically underserved, under-resourced, and environmentally overburdened. Under the guidance of the PEAT, Eversource now offers Equity Fundamentals Training to educate and provide employees the tools and resources they need to improve communication between customers, community partners, and in designing accessible programs to better meet the needs of the communities in which they serve.
MARY C. GAWLICKI PHILANTHROPIC LEADER AWARD:
JoAnn H. Price, Co-Founder of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc.
JoAnn H. Price is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., which curates dynamic relationships for institutional investors, providing unparalleled access across the most compelling segments of the private markets. She is a member of Fairview’s investment committee and manager of all Fairview-sponsored funds. She currently serves on the Howard University School of Business Board of Visitors, the YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees, the Wilson-Gray YMCA Board of Advisors, and on the Amistad Center for Art & Culture Board of Trustees. She also serves on the boards of the Apollo Theater Foundation in New York City, Trinity Health of New England, and 4-CT. JoAnn also recently completed her term as Chairperson of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving recently renamed the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.
The Mary C. Gawlicki Philanthropic Leader Award was established in 2023 to celebrate the service of Mary Gawlicki, who served on the Connecticut Democracy Center Board of Directors from 2018 to 2023. As co-founders of Corporate Translations Inc. (CTi), Mary and her husband Ted Gawlicki launched the Gawlicki Family Foundation in 2012 to offer grants to Connecticut and Northeast U.S.-based non-profits committed to transformative change in education, pulmonary health, and municipal and economic development.

Spotlight on Connecticut’s Next Generation of Civic Leaders
2026-03-13 18:30 - 19:30 | 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 traces the generations of his descendants who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and beyond. Through meticulous genealogical research and analysis of primary sources, Mills brings forward a story that has largely remained untold. The book can be purchased prior to the event here.
The choice of venue underscores the significance of the work. Connecticut’s 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 and Connecticut’s Old State House invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of an “unsung” American hero – James Mars. Through his own words from his published memoir, and the lived accounts of his descendants, come explore and elevate the narrative of a man who defined the struggle for true liberty. Born in 1790, James Mars lived the paradox of American freedom – sold as 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 and Innovators Build Influence, Drive Change, and Shape the Future. A Yale Divinity School–trained minister, visual artist, and social innovator, she is known 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.com
For additional information, please contact info@discoveringamistad.org.
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 after6 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.

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 baked by 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.
Download a copy of our flyer HERE and help promote this event!

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 | 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!

Summer Music Series featuring Nelson Bello
2026-06-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Hartford native Nelson Bello is one of the premier percussionists to emerge from the Capital Region. Over a 20-year career, Nelson has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the most iconic musicians from within the world of “Latin music”. At fifteen, he had the opportunity to travel to Cuba, to perform in the Havana International Jazz Festival. Nelson’s vast musical knowledge has allowed him to cross paths with such musical icons as Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Tony Vega, Charles Flores, Andy Gonzalez and more….
Connecticut’s Old State House 2026 Summer Music Series
EVERY FRIDAY | JUNE 5 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us for our annual FREE Summer Concert Series! Stop by every Friday at lunchtime to hear a different band play each week on the westside patio of Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!
Concerts begin at noon and will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Thank you to our friends from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund for their generous funding of the Summer Concert Series.

Summer Music Series featuring Inner Groove
2026-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Inner Groove plays an eclectic, but popular mix of rock and classic rock, blues, pop and country, as well as original music. Their repertoire includes the best mix of hits, past and present that feature vocally-rich melodies. Inner Groove is at home in any venue, at any event. The band’s four members are veteran performers and feature a vocalist, a drummer, bassist, and guitarist. They regularly perform in Old Lyme, Milford and Meriden.
Connecticut’s Old State House 2026 Summer Music Series
EVERY FRIDAY | JUNE 5 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us for our annual FREE Summer Concert Series! Stop by every Friday at lunchtime to hear a different band play each week on the westside patio of Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!
Concerts begin at noon and will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Thank you to our friends from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund for their generous funding of the Summer Concert Series.

Open House Day at Connecticut's Old State House
2026-06-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Connecticut’s Old State House is pleased to be one of the tourist attractions offering free admission on Saturday, June 13 – Open House Day 2026!
Did you know? In September of 1780 General George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and French military leaders met on the grounds of Connecticut’s Old State House to strategize how to win the Revolutionary War?
Come see Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington in the historic Senate chambers and where members of the House of Representatives sat. Step back in time and learn more about the founding of Connecticut Government and key moments in American History, including the trials of Prudence Crandall and the 53 rebellious Mende captives aboard The Amistad.
Take a journey in the history of Hartford in the Mortensen Gallery (fun for kids!) and peruse the portrait studio and odd collection within Rev. Joseph Steward’s Museum of Curiosities.
Saturday, June 13th
12 Noon – 4:00 pm
Admission is FREE
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:
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) 860-240-5340.

Summer Music Series featuring "Catman Bill" Katz
2026-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
“Catman Bill” Katz grew up in Hartford in the 1950s and 1960s. Within a few short years I purchased my first acoustic guitar and learned to play right-handed and I’m left-handed. He purchased his first acoustic guitar and learned to play right-handed (although left-handed) a few years after hearing a couple rehearsing across from his family’s home on lower Laurel Street. Bill was influenced by the folk music movement; Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Reverend Gary Davis, Pete Seeger, Mississippi John Hurt, and on and on. Bill’s moved and inspired to write about events around him.
Connecticut’s Old State House 2026 Summer Music Series
EVERY FRIDAY | JUNE 5 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us for our annual FREE Summer Concert Series! Stop by every Friday at lunchtime to hear a different band play each week on the westside patio of Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!
Concerts begin at noon and will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Thank you to our friends from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund for their generous funding of the Summer Concert Series.

Long Weekend at Connecticut's Old State House
2026-07-01 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-02 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Connecticut’s Old State House is pleased to participate in LONGWEEKEND, a city-wide festival where the City of Hartford takes center stagefrom Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5! Come celebrate history through thelenses of film, art, music, culture, and technology. It’s a modern gatheringrooted in the place where America first learned to write itself into existence.
Did you know that General George Washington and AlexanderHamilton stood on the grounds of Connecticut’s Old State House in September of1780 to meet with French General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau and the Marquis deLafayette? This meeting marked the start of an alliance that led to Americanindependence and ended the Revolutionary War.
Connecticut’s Old State House stands as a testament to therich tapestry of our state’s democratic evolution, having housed all threebranches of Connecticut’s government from 1796 to 1878.
This historic site has borne witness to some of the mostpivotal narratives of freedom, democracy, and civic engagement in our state’shistory, including the landmark Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials, as wellas the Constitutional Convention of 1818. Each of these events not only shapedthe legal and social framework of Connecticut but also ignited a spirit ofcivic responsibility that resonates to this day!
Come for a tour and see Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of our nation’sfirst president. Visit the historic House and Senate chambers and see theoffice of Connecticut’s current Kid Governor and cabinet. Check out aninteractive exhibit in the Mortensen Gallery and the portraits and oddcollection housed in Joseph Steward’s Museum of Curiosities.
Connecticut’s Old State house is located just steps away from restaurants, entertainment and shopping.
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:
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) 860-240-5340.

A Night at The Tavern - Defiance & Declaration: Connecticut 1776
2026-07-01 17:00 - 19:30 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
An evening of history, oration & colonial “musick” marking America’s 250th birthday
The Evening’s Program.

Where better to celebrate America’s 250th than Connecticut’s Old State House, the spot where Connecticut’s patriots conspired, debated, and dared to break with a crown? Step inside the historic courtroom — transformed into a colonial tavern alive with the spirit of 1776. Enjoy tavern fare and conversation as:
Historian Dr. Matthew Warshauer of Central Connecticut State University traces Connecticut’s bold march to independence: from Common Sense and the firebrand Connecticut Courant, to the moment Governor Trumbull called an emergency Assembly on June 14, 1776 and Connecticut declared itself free.
Re-enactor Dayne Rugh steps into the boots of Jonathan Trumbull, giving voice to Connecticut’s own Proclamation of Independence.
Musician Richard Franklin Donohue performs a fiery repertoire of revolutionary-era “musick,” setting the unmistakable mood of a colony on the edge of history.
Enjoy light tavern fare and a cash bar.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
To RSVP, click here https://forms.gle/aDwQi6fCJVWtwQkt9.
Pre-registration is appreciated.
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:
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) 860-240-5340.
In honor of our nations’ 250th anniversary Connecticut’s Old State House will be lit up in red, white and blue during the evenings of July 1 through July 5 as part of Light to Unite!

Summer Music Series featuring Dawn Indermuehle and Rick Spencer
2026-07-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle develop and present theme-based music and history programs, performing songs that give cultural insight into interesting times, places and events in American history. Rick and Dawn carefully craft their vocals and accompaniment to sound as true to a song’s era or style as possible. Their vast repertoire includes music from the Colonial era to the present day. Rick and Dawn use these songs to illustrate the evolution of our nation’s culture and history in an informative and entertaining way.
Connecticut’s Old State House 2026 Summer Music Series
EVERY FRIDAY | JUNE 5 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us for our annual FREE Summer Concert Series! Stop by every Friday at lunchtime to hear a different band play each week on the westside patio of Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music!
Concerts begin at noon and will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Thank you to our friends from the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund for their generous funding of the Summer Concert Series.

Long Weekend at Connecticut's Old State House
2026-07-04 12:00 - 17:00 | Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, CT, United States
Connecticut’s Old State House is pleased to participate in LONG WEEKEND, a city-wide festival where the City of Hartford takes center stage.
America 250 Connecticut Tours:
Wednesday, July 1: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 2: 12 :00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, July 3: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 4 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: CLOSED
Come celebrate history through the lenses of film, art, music, culture, and technology. It’s a modern gathering rooted in the place where America first learned to write itself into existence.
Did you know that General George Washington and Alexander Hamilton stood on the grounds of Connecticut’s Old State House in September of1780 to meet with French General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Lafayette? This meeting marked the start of an alliance that led to American independence and ended the Revolutionary War.
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!
Come for a tour and see Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of our nation’s first president. Visit the historic House and Senate chambers and see the office of Connecticut’s current Kid Governor and cabinet. Check out an interactive exhibit in the Mortensen Gallery and the portraits and odd collection housed in Joseph Steward’s Museum of Curiosities.
Connecticut’s Old State house is located just steps away from restaurants, entertainment and shopping.
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:
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) 860-240-5340.
