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Museum of Connecticut History: Witnessing the State's Evolution

Explore Connecticut's past: government, military, and industrial milestones showcased at the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford.

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The Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford chronicles the state's growth and its pivotal role in the nation's development. Located in the Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court building, the museum showcases Connecticut's government, military, and industrial heritage through fascinating exhibits.

A brief summary to Museum of Connecticut History

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Admission is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for history enthusiasts.
  • Metered street parking is available, but all-day free parking can be found on Hungerford Street.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby State Capitol for a more comprehensive experience of Connecticut's history and government.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Connecticut State Capitol, walk directly across Capitol Avenue to the Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court building. The Museum of Connecticut History is located inside this building. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station in Hartford, take any bus that stops near the State Capitol. From there, walk across Capitol Avenue to the Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court building, where the museum is located. A single bus fare is $1.75 [source: CTtransit website].

  • Driving

    From I-84 Eastbound, take Exit 48 for Capitol Avenue. The Library is diagonally across Capitol Ave. at the end of the exit ramp. From I-84 Westbound, take Exit 47 for Sigourney Street. Turn left under I-84, then left again onto I-84 Eastbound. Take Exit 48 for Capitol Avenue. The Library is diagonally across Capitol Ave. at the end of the exit ramp. Metered on-street parking is available on Oak, Russ, Lafayette and Buckingham streets. Free all-day parking is available on Hungerford Street, one block west of Oak Street. Parking garages are also located nearby with varying rates.

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Discover more about Museum of Connecticut History

The Museum of Connecticut History, situated in Hartford within the Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court building, offers a captivating journey through the state's rich past. It focuses on Connecticut's government, military, and industrial history, presenting a comprehensive view of its evolution from the colonial era to the present. The museum's exhibits feature a diverse array of artifacts, including Connecticut's 1662 Royal Charter and Colt firearms. Visitors can explore portraits of Connecticut's governors, spanning from John Haynes to more recent leaders. The Joseph C. Mitchelson coin collection showcases a remarkable assortment of American coins, including rare examples like Connecticut's 18th-century Higley copper token. Exhibits also highlight Connecticut's contributions to American war efforts, from colonial conflicts to Operation Desert Storm. The museum's collections include original manuscripts of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, offering a glimpse into the state's early governance. Visitors can also discover the stories of notable figures like Samuel Colt, Elisha Root, and Mark Twain, and their impact on Connecticut's industrial innovation. The Freedom Trail Quilt project is also displayed within the museum, representing the great significance of the Freedom Trail story within the history of Connecticut and the nation.

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