Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
About the Connecticut Museum
A private, nonprofit, educational organization established in 1825, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is the state’s official historical society and one of the oldest in the nation. Located at One Elizabeth Street in Hartford, the Connecticut Museum houses a museum, library, and the Edgar F. Waterman Research Center that are open to the public and funded by private contributions. The Connecticut Museum’s collection includes more than 4 million manuscripts, graphics, books, artifacts, and other historical materials accessible at our campus and on loan at other organizations.
The Connecticut Museum collection, programs and exhibits help Connecticut residents connect with each other, have conversations that shape our communities, and make informed decisions based on our past and present.
Our mission: We cultivate deep understanding of the history and culture of Connecticut, and its role in the United States and the world, through reflection of the past, active engagement with the present, and innovation for the future through our collections, research, educational programs, and exhibitions.
Our vision: Working with an inclusive audience to promote historical and cultural perspectives as essential tools to connect with others, shape communities, and make informed decisions.
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Lunch and Learn
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesThe Windsor Locks Canal: Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle June 3 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Free Virtual Presentation! Join us for a virtual presentation as J. Christopher Kervick discusses his compelling new book, The Windsor Locks Canal: Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle. It is the story of human enterprise, ambition, invention, raw manpower, and the clash of cultures. This uniquely…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Family Program
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesSummer Fun Get ready for summer with games and crafts at the Connecticut Museum! Decorate your own visors, make sand art, go “fishing,” and play some classic lawn games like corn hole and ring toss! Then, go on a scavenger hunt and look closely at objects to explore how people spent their summers long ago.…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, French Canadian Jam
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesGet acquainted with French Canadian traditional tunes at this monthly jam session at the CMCH, happening Saturday afternoons on First Free Weekends! New players and new listeners are always welcome! If you would like to join in, please get in touch with jam organizer, Joe Lavariere, at [email protected].
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Family Story Time
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesJoin us for family story time at the Museum! Cozy up with beanbags and enjoy a reading of a book all about creativity and innovation. Then, families will be challenged to embrace their own inventive spirit by getting crafty in the Inspire Center! This program is FREE and great for children under the age of…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Tour
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesCoffee: A Connecticut Story Exhibit Tour Free Join a museum educator for a guided tour of our newest exhibition, Coffee: A Connecticut Story. Gallery talks are included with museum admission. No pre-registration required! If you’re interested in arranging a private tour of the exhibition for your book club, community center, or other group, contact Public Programs Manager…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Talk
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesMade To Last: 18th Century Furniture With Bob Van Dyke In 2025, the Connecticut Museum is celebrating its 200th birthday! We’re excited to present a series of programs that will shine a light on some of our most treasured collection items. In this program, Connecticut woodworker Bob Van Dyke will utilize furniture from our collection…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Tour
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesBehind-the-Scenes Tour: The Fight for Civil Rights in Connecticut In honor of Juneteenth, we’re offering you a chance to see items in our collection that document how Connecticans have worked for social justice and freedom throughout our history, with a particular emphasis on materials related to 20th century civil rights efforts. This behind-the-scenes tour will…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Workshop
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesBomba Workshop with Bomba de Aquí June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Free Bomba de Aquí, led by Brendaliz Cepeda (Granddaughter of the “Father of Bomba” NEA Heritage fellow Rafael Cepeda) and current SNEAP Mentor Saul Peñaloza, will be teaching a free, family friendly workshop on Bomba Drumming and Dance. Bomba de Aquí is a…
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Family Program
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT, United StatesFamily Program: Birthday Bash June 28 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Free Celebrate the Museum’s 200th birthday with a party full of crafts, games, treats, and the launch of our brand new children’s book, The Key to Adventure! Inspired by items from the Museum’s collection, this book brings Connecticut history to life through the eyes of an…
