Due to unforeseen circumstances related to ongoing restoration work, the Hempsted Houses in New London will be closed on Saturday, May 25. 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.

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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.

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 »

To celebrate Preservation Month this May, we’re putting a spotlight on the people who are saving places and building our communities across the state through preservation. Connecticut Landmarks’ staff, contractors, and volunteers pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting our twelve historic properties. Without their work, thousands of visitors could not find their home in history at the (insert site tags). The stories we tell are made possible by the structures we care for, and we take our responsibility to steward these sites seriously.

We begin by introducing our dedicated Preservation Manager, Aileen Bastos. With a rich background in historic preservation, Aileen is committed to ensuring that our properties are maintained according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Whether she’s collaborating with local preservation organizations and contractors on projects, working with CCSU public history graduate students on condition assessment reports, or throwing on her cargos to give our outdoor structures fresh paint, our historic properties are in good hands with Aileen.

Learn more about Aileen »