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Harriet Beecher Stowe Center: A Legacy of Literary Activism

Explore the legacy of Harriet Beecher Stowe at her Hartford home, a center for literary activism and social justice. Open for tours and programs year-round.

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Explore the life and legacy of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of *Uncle Tom's Cabin*, at her Hartford home. This National Historic Landmark offers interactive tours, exhibits, and programs that connect 19th-century social issues to contemporary dialogues on race, class, and social justice, inspiring visitors to engage in positive social change.

A brief summary to Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Stowe Center's website for the most up-to-date information on hours, tour schedules, and special events.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for an interactive and conversational experience that connects Stowe's life and work to contemporary issues.
  • Explore the gardens surrounding the Stowe House, which feature historic plantings and provide a peaceful setting for reflection.
  • Visit the museum store for distinctive items that commemorate your journey through American literary history.
  • If you are a member of Museums for All, Blue Star Museums, or NARM, reserve your tickets in advance by calling or emailing the Stowe Center.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is accessible via CT Transit buses 60, 62, 64, and 66, which connect the center with downtown Hartford and West Hartford Center. A transit shelter is conveniently located near the museum at Farmington Avenue and Gillett Street. A two-hour ticket costs $1.50, and a day ticket is $3.

  • Walking

    From the Mark Twain House & Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is a short walk. Head east on Farmington Ave, then turn right onto Forest Street. The Stowe Center will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Driving

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is located at 77 Forest Street in Hartford. From I-84 West, take Exit 46 for Sisson Avenue and follow the signs. A free parking lot is available just past the Stowe House when driving down Forest Street (one-way from Farmington Ave). Free on-street parking is also available in designated areas. Additional parking is available at the Mark Twain House lot at 385 Farmington Ave.

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Discover more about Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, Connecticut, invites visitors to delve into the world of the renowned author and abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Located in Stowe's former home, a charming Victorian Gothic Revival house built in 1871, the center serves as a museum, program hub, research library, and community center. A visit to the Stowe Center offers more than just a glimpse into the life of a celebrated author; it provides an immersive experience that explores the historical context of Stowe's work and its enduring relevance to contemporary social issues. Through interactive tours, exhibits, and discussions, the center encourages visitors to connect the past with the present, examining themes such as slavery, race relations, economic justice, and educational equity. The Stowe Center's campus includes three historic buildings: the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the Katharine Seymour Day House (housing the Research Library and administrative offices), and the Stowe Visitor Center with the museum store. Visitors can explore the beautifully maintained Victorian gardens, featuring heritage roses, native plantings, and bird and bee habitats. The center's exhibits showcase Stowe's writings, personal artifacts, and the impact of her work on American culture and politics. More than just a historical house museum, the Stowe Center is a vibrant center for literary activism. It offers a range of programs and events, including author talks, book signings, salons, and school workshops, all designed to inspire positive action and promote social justice. The center's mission is to encourage visitors to engage with Stowe's legacy and to become advocates for hope and freedom in their own communities.

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