All About Connecticut

Let’s begin at the beginning in Storrs at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, where exhibits explore how the natural history of Connecticut has shaped, and continues to shape, the lives of the people who live here – and how people, in turn, reshape the environment. Find a place to stay in downtown Hartford. The Marriott Hartford Downtown is a good choice.

Next stop is the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford. Here you’ll find exhibits that trace the growth of the state and its role in the development of the nation, with special emphasis on Connecticut government, and the state’s military and industrial histories. See Connecticut’s 1662 Royal Charter, the Colt Collection of firearms and much more. Free admission.

Across town in Hartford is the Connecticut Historical Society, which houses a comprehensive Connecticut-related collection of manuscripts, printed material, artifacts and images documenting social, cultural and family history. Among the exhibits is the colorful and entertaining “Making Connecticut,” which tells the state’s story through clothing, transportation, sports and leisure, work and more. Dine in downtown Hartford from among many choices and then head a short distance out of town to spend the night at The Farmington Inn in nearby Farmington.

Finally, Connecticut artists and their works have long left their brilliant marks on Connecticut’s cultural history – and Waterbury’s Mattatuck Museum’s art collection is almost entirely devoted to Connecticut artists. Here you’ll find the works of state residents from John Trumbull through John Kensett and Frederic Church to Alexander Calder, Milton Avery and Cleve Gray. There’s also an excellent regional history exhibit as well.