Mother’s Day is coming! Gift Membership gives her 3 historic gardens’ worth of flowers!

Your Home for History

Connecticut Landmarks is a state-wide network of historic house museums spanning 400 years of New England history. Our museums are starting points for deeper exploration and greater appreciation of the Connecticut experience. Our real-life stories, as told through our houses, collections, and programs, make history matter.

Plan your visit today »

Your Home for History

Connecticut Landmarks is a state-wide network of historic house museums spanning 400 years of New England history. Our museums are starting points for deeper exploration and greater appreciation of the Connecticut experience. Our real-life stories, as told through our houses, collections, and programs, make history matter.

Plan your visit today »

What’s new?

Hempsted Houses Closed Saturday, May 11

Due to unforeseen circumstances related to ongoing restoration work, the Hempsted Houses in New London will be closed on Saturday, May 11. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This season, Connecticut Landmarks is undertaking a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of our visitors and our historic property, tours are currently restricted in size and in access. Schedules may have to be shifted throughout the season. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.

In light of this, we have reduced admission costs until further notice, and will be focusing on delivering outstanding community-focused events that mainly take place on the grounds of the property. Tours of the houses themselves will be offered as we are able to accommodate them. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for the oldest home in New London. Your donations support our work.

Learn more about upcoming programs »

Lilac Watch in Effect at Bellamy-Ferriday

Caroline Ferriday’s famous lilacs at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden are getting ready to bloom! Each spring, the stunning variety of lilacs curated by Caroline Ferriday and her mother scent the gardens and show off their fleeting blossoms in shades of purples, pinks, and even whites.

Lilacs typically reach their full bloom at Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden mid-May. Today (May 2), the lilacs are full of buds, but no blooms yet. They have a couple of weeks to go yet. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates if you’d like to plan a visit when they’re at their peak!

Our popular Lilac Walks return this year, Thursdays and Fridays, May 16-24, at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Tour the gardens to learn about the long history of the lilacs on the property and how we care for them. A special Members-Only walk is scheduled for May 16 at 11:30 am. Not yet a member? Join today to access all the benefits of membership!

Reserve your Lilac Walk tickets today »

Announcing Afternoon Tea with Martha Hall Kelly

Inspiration is everywhere in the Litchfield hills! Join Martha Hall Kelly to discuss her books (Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, The Golden Doves) and the history that sparked her imagination over afternoon tea at the exquisite Winvian Farm. This intimate event will include a talk and Q&A from the author herself, as well as a proper English tea served with delicious light refreshments.

Connecticut Landmarks’ Members will have exclusive access to a ticket pre-sale beginning Friday, May 3, at 10:00 am. Not yet a member? Join today!

Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:00 am. Tickets for this event are very limited, and we anticipate that they will sell out.

Learn more about this signature event »

MORE NEWS »

Join Us!

You are invited to join a community of people finding inspiration in our state’s heritage. Membership support is the foundation of Connecticut Landmarks and your gateway to exploring Connecticut history. Experience the richness of all of our historic properties as often as you wish; choose from more than 85 programs, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours each season; and enjoy discounts on program tickets and in our museum stores.

Learn About Membership »

2bump-2023-huzzah-e1710432057212-800×634

Join us!

You are invited to join a community of people finding inspiration in our state’s heritage. Membership support is the foundation of Connecticut Landmarks and your gateway to exploring Connecticut history. Experience the richness of all of our historic properties as often as you wish; choose from more than 85 programs, special events, and behind-the-scenes tours each season; and enjoy discounts on program tickets and in our museum stores.

Learn About New-and-Improved Membership »

Upcoming Programs & Events

Members Only: Lilac Walks

May 16 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lilac Walks

May 16 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Lilac Walks

May 17 @ 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

VIEW FULL CALENDAR »

Making History Together

Capture authentic New England charm when you host your next social event at one of Connecticut Landmarks’ historic houses and gardens. Each exquisite property creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable occasion. Now booking 2025 weddings and 2024 events!

Facility Rental Details »

Make Your Own History

Capture authentic New England charm when you host your next social event at one of Connecticut Landmarks’ historic houses and gardens. Each exquisite property creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable occasion. Now booking 2025 weddings and 2024 events!

Facility Rental Details »

Preservation Updates

Significant Restoration Work in New London

Connecticut Landmarks is undertaking a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of our visitors and our historic property, tours are currently restricted to the first floor of the home. The property is still open for public programs and tours, though it is operating at a reduced capacity. In light of this, we have reduced admission costs until further notice. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for the oldest remaining home in New London.

Roof & Chimney Maintenance at New London’s Hempsted Houses

A recent inspection by J.P. Bachand revealed that the ridge boards along the roof line at the Joshua Hempsted needed attention. These were properly secured with roof screws.

Bachand and his team also made repairs to the chimney at the Joshua by sealing around the perimeter of the stainless steel cover with caulk to prevent water infiltration. They also repaired small holes in the masonry joints and used sealant around the metal flashing at the roof line.

This work was completed with the guidance of Preservation Connecticut.

Bachand is also slated to perform repairs to two windows on the east side of the Nathaniel Hempsted House, shortly.

READ MORE »