Connecticut’s Old State House Celebrates Reopening

CONNECTICUT’S OLD STATE HOUSE CELEBRATES REOPENING
Ribbon cutting, celebration to inaugurate new hours, free admission for kids this summer

Hartford, Conn. – Ushering in a post-pandemic summer of 2021, Connecticut’s Old State House is preparing to welcome guests back inside the museum with a day of exciting events and activities on Tuesday, July 6 from 12-5 p.m.! Now open for tours, the Old State House is celebrating with a Welcome Back Bash, featuring a ceremonial ribbon cutting, free tours, Farmers Market, and live music from State Troubadour Nekita Waller.

After more than a year of providing its public and school programs virtually, the Old State House returns to an emerging downtown Hartford offering new evening and Saturday hours and offering free admission to kids as a participating location in the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program.

“It’s been great to see people coming back to the Old State House yard for concerts and markets, but welcoming people into the building for tours will be very special,” said Sally Whipple, Executive Director of the Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “We’ve missed sharing some of Connecticut’s best stories and spaces with people from around the world. We’re offering safe visits, Thursday evening hours, and a chance for people to come together to explore and enjoy an inspiring Connecticut landmark.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Senator and Majority Leader Bob Duff are among the special guests expected at the ribbon cutting at 11:45 a.m. outside the Old State House. After brief remarks, guests will be welcomed inside and treated to free tours of the museum beginning every half-hour with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m.

The Farmers Market will also be going on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local farmers and artisans with Connecticut-grown produce and goods. A live musical performance by State Troubadour Nekita Waller will begin at 12 p.m. outside in the Market area. The Farmers Market is held Tuesdays and Fridays through October 29.

The Old State House is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12-5 p.m., and Thursday 12-8 p.m. Between July 1 and  September 6, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying adult can tour Connecticut’s Old State House for FREE through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program. Active U.S. Military Members (with military ID) and U.S. Military Veterans (with VA cards), can always tour the site for free.

Located in historic downtown Hartford at 800 Main St., Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. For more information about Connecticut’s Old State House, virtual school programs, and upcoming online and in-person events, follow Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit the museum’s website at ctoldstatehouse.org.