Upcoming events

Connecticut's Revolution Exhibit

The Museum of Connecticut History at the Connecticut State Library announces a new exhibit commemorating the nation’s 250^th anniversary. Connecticut’s Revolution explores the ideas and experiences of the people who made history: Connecticut’s soldiers and statesmen, Patriots and Loyalists, painters and printers, farmers and sailors—men, women, and children from America, Europe, and Africa. To try to see the world through their eyes, the Museum of Connecticut History’s exhibit team has drawn on the tens of thousands of documents and objects in the Connecticut State Library’s museum, archival, and printed materials collections. Some of these materials make it possible to retell old stories in new ways, others make it possible to recover previously untold stories. Taken together, they reveal how Connecticut changed during this revolutionary time and how Connecticut, in turn, changed the world.

Check out our special Saturday hours for the Connecticut's Revolution exhibit.

Connecticut's Revolution - CT Visit

Curator giving a tour to a group of visitors in the Connecticut's Revolution exhibit.

First Wednesday Guided Tours of Connecticut's Revolution

On "First Wednesdays" at noon, the Museum of CT History staff will offer guided tours of the Connecticut's Revolution exhibit! Tours will last approximately 30 minutes; guests may stay after to explore the exhibit at their own pace. Admission is free!

Upcoming dates:

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 @ noon
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 @ noon
Wednesday, January 6, 2027 @ noon
Wednesday, February 3, 2027 @ noon
Wednesday, March 3, 2027 @ noon
Wednesday, April 7, 2027 @ noon
Wednesday, May 5, 2027 @ noon
Wednesday, June 2, 2027 @ noon

Sign up for a First Wednesday Guided Tour!

Past Events

Hiking Through History

The Museum of Connecticut History, located at the Connecticut State Library, hosted its sixth year of “Hiking Through History" from May through October 2026. Each tour was led by Museum Curator Patrick Smith, who conducts extensive research to select locations that offer a mixture of scenic beauty, interesting history, and fascinating legends and lore. Stay tuned for information about the 2027 program locations and dates. For more details, or to schedule a private Hiking Through History tour, please contact Patrick Smith at Patrick.j.smith@ct.gov or by phone at 860-757-6534.

Working for the Revolution: Patriot Women's Lives During the War

Connecticut women contributed to the American Revolutionary effort politically, economically, intellectually, and even militarily. Using original sources like newspapers, court records, letters, and pension records, Dr. Katherine Hermes, publisher of Connecticut Explored magazine, will show how Indigenous, Anglo-European, and African-descended women all helped to further the Patriot cause.

Foul Dungeons, Floating Prisons, & Forced Marches

On March 25, 2026, Connecticut State Library employee Susan Bigelow presented a talk about Revolutionary War prisoners in Connecticut in a program entitled “Foul Dungeons, Floating Prisons, and Forced Marches.” Ms. Bigelow's talk was based on historical research and many resources in the collection of the State Library.

View recording.

Date: March 25, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Place: Museum of CT History, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Stories of Connecticut's Black Patriots

Genealogist and historian John Mills presented "Stories of Connecticut's Black Patriots" on January 28, 2026 at the Museum of CT History. Mr. Mills shared a large body of research on Black residents’ lived experiences during the American Revolution, including that of Connecticut’s own Lathrop family.

View recording.

Date: January 28, 2026, from 1 to 2:00 p.m.
Place: Museum of CT History, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

"Whites of Their Eyes" - Book talk on the life of Israel Putnam

Michael Shay is the author of "The Whites of Their Eyes: The Life of Revolutionary War Hero Israel Putnam from Rogers’ Rangers to Bunker Hill." Mr. Shay talked about General Putnam and what he did for Connecticut and the nation during the American Revolution.

View recording.

Date: November 13, 2025, from 12 to 1:00 p.m.
Place: Museum of CT History, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free

Connecticut State Library’s Kevin Johnson shared the contributions made by African Americans in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War.

View recording.

Date: September 18, 2025, 12 to 1:00 p.m.
Place: Museum of Connecticut History

Why Libraries and Museums Matter

State Librarian Deborah Schander and State Historian Andy Horowitz discussed the CT State Library’s unique role in government.

View recording.

Date: July 17, 2025, from 12 to 1:00 p.m.
Place: Museum of CT History, 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106

Hiking Through History

Join us for our guided walking tour series. Led by Museum Curator Patrick Smith, these hikes are often free, and always moderate-paced and educational. Enjoy local history, industrial, and colonial sites.

2025 Dates: April 11, May 16, June 10, July 18, August 8, September 19, and October 17
Places: Penwood State Park, Fenton-Ruby Park, Riverfront Park, Cotton Hollow Preserve, Topsmead State Forest, Bluff Point State Park, and Windsor Locks Canal State Park

Media

Untold CT Stories from the American Revolution

The museum’s Christine Pittsley and Jennifer Matos talk about the state’s role in the Revolutionary War. They shared the untold stories of women, indigenous people, and everyday soldiers.

Date: May 4, 2025
Place: Fox 61. Watch the Untold Stories interview.