Old State House, HYPE, Debut New After-Hours Program "from Barstools to Ballots" July 17th, 5:30 at Connecticut’s Old State House

Hartford, CT – Connecticut’s Old State House invites Harford’s professionals – commuters and city-dwellers alike – to the debut of an exciting new program, From Barstools to Ballots on Tuesday July 17th.  Sponsored in collaboration with Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), this informal evening program and networking opportunity encourages attendees to explore the importance of informal gathering spaces in informing public debate, both historically and in current times. 

Taverns were once hubs of connection and activity in early America: a place where locals got the latest news from travelers and out-of-town newspapers. But what is their equivalent today: Bars?  Coffee shops? Online?  Historian and author Dr. Bruce Clouette will explore the pivotal role played by colonial taverns in the debates that formed our nation, and jump-start the discussion of where citizens gather today.  Social media maven and marketing executive Suzi Craig and Connecticut State Representative Sean Williams will then join moderator Adam von Gootkin from Onyx Spirits for this lively group conversation.

The Old State House doors will open at 5:30 PM for networking and appetizers provided by Salute Restaurant.  The program starts at 6 PM.  A Cash bar will be available including beer, wine and a special “Onyx Cocktail”. 

For anyone who cannot make it to Hartford, The Old Sate House will be tweeting live from the event. To be part of the conversation, follow @CTOldStateHouse or search #CTBar2Ballot on Twitter.
Pre-registration is $8 for HYPE members and $10 for others. All walk-ins are $12 at the door. Go to www.HYPEHartford.com to register for the program. Connecticut’s Old State House will validate parking tickets from the State Street South Parking Garage (formerly the Constitution Plaza garage). The cost, after validating, is $5.  The ticket will be stamped at the Welcome Desk.  The validation is good all day.

This series is made possible with a grant from the Greater Hartford Arts Council. The Greater Hartford Arts Council is a leader and catalyst for the promotion, fundraising and coordination of arts and heritage programs that help celebrate our diverse cultures, enliven the spirit, and enrich the economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region.

HYPE’s mission is to help young professionals become better engaged in community life, expand professional and social opportunities and become ambassadors for the Hartford Region. In the process, they endeavor to position the Hartford Region as an attractive area for diverse young professionals and entrepreneurs to live, work and play. HYPE caters to young professionals and entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s from the Hartford Region, though they invite professionals of all ages to participate.
Throughout 2012, the Old State House will have a variety of lunchtime lectures and other special events and programming. Visit the calendar on www.ctoldstatehouse.org for more information.

Located in Hartford just minutes from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Athenaeum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse or visit us online at www.ctoldstatehouse.org.