Be A Part of EnvisionFest Hartford at Connecticut’s Old State House

Think that there is nothing to do in Hartford? Join Connecticut’s Old State House on Saturday, September 29 for EnvisionFest Harford and spend the day exploring the city’s rich history of innovation and its exciting future! The Old State House will be open for free from 10 AM to 4 PM and will offer special tours and activities featuring some of Connecticut’s most important innovators.

Visitors will be able to choose from an array of activities showcasing Connecticut innovators and Old State House treasures like

• Meet historic innovators such as Prudence Crandall and Frances Ellen Burr as you stroll through the building’s restored rooms.
• Use family-friendly hands-on activities, including a fun scavenger hunt to  explore the building, its stories and unusual objects—like a 2-headed calf and Mark Twain’s bicycle.
• Pick up some  healthy local fruits and veggies at a special Saturday OSH Farmers Market, a tradition started by the General Assembly in 1643.
• See old Hartford through new eyes in three exhibitions:

Ø  There’s a Map for That: excerpted from a recent exhibit sponsored by the Hartford Public Library’s Hartford History Center at and Connecticut Explored. The exhibit showcases Hartford’s evolution through maps and birds-eye views

Ø  A new temporary display of images located in the Treasurer’s Office area that shows the Old State House and its neighborhood over time.

Ø  History Is All Around Us: an interactive exhibition developed by the Connecticut Historical Society that explores Hartford’s rich and innovative past with lots of historical artifacts and hands on activities.

The Old State House is going to pulse with music throughout the day:

·         10:30 am: The Alumni Senior Drum & Bugle Corps in the Main Street Court yard   

·         11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm: Drummer Bob Bloom brings in his colorful cargo of drums and percussion trinkets that will take everyone on drum ride with the highest octane songs that Hartford has ever heard. Each show lasts a half hour.

·         2 pm: St. Peter Drum Corp

·         3 pm: The Sweetest Key—an amazing all-female, Hartford area a cappella group, that brings its love of music, passion for singing, and unique and powerful harmonies to the OSH courtyard and the streets of Hartford

Parking is easy and convenient! Connecticut’s Old State House will validate parking tickets from the State Street South Parking Garage (formerly the Constitution Plaza garage) for $5 and is good for the entire day. For more information on this program and other activities go to www.envisionfesthartford.com



Barstools to Ballots presents Back to the Future of Transportation: How will we get around Hartford?

Hartford, CT –Hartford, CT: How does transportation shape our lives and environment?  How has it impacted Hartford’s development?  How will you navigate the city in the future?  Join in the conversation about these important questions on Monday, September 10 when Connecticut’s Old State House hosts the second program in its popular Barstools to Ballots series.  Co-sponsored with Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), this informal evening program and networking opportunity encourages attendees to join in the discussion about the past, present and future of transportation in Hartford.

Christine Stuart editor of CT News Junkie will moderate the evening’s discussion. Thomas Maziarz, Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Policy and Planning will discuss the agency’s priorities and projects, including the CTFastrak Project.   Other panelists are: Richard Deluca, author of Post Roads and Iron Horses, and BikeWalkCT board member, Christopher Brown. 

The Old State House doors will open at 5:30 PM for networking and refreshments.  The program will start at 6 PM. Salute Restaurant will provide appetizers and a cash bar. 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 Old State House will tweet live from the event.  To be part of the conversation, follow @CTOldStateHouse and use #CTBar2Ballot. Funding for Barstools to Ballots is provided by the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

The Old State House offers a variety of year round 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.

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.  

Constitution Plaza: Did it Rip the Heart out of Hartford or Save the City?

Hartford, CT –Historian Jason Scappaticci explores the creation of Constitution Plaza – and the “new” city that grew up around it – on Wednesday, August 1 in the latest installment of Conversations at Noon at Connecticut’s Old State House.   Join us for this free, hour long program!

The planning and development of Constitution Plaza took over a decade, and almost didn't happen at all. This 1960s urban renewal project forever changed the face of Hartford when it replaced a tightly knit city neighborhood, home to newly-arriving immigrants, to a landscape of modern office buildings, shops and a decorative water fountain

Following Mr. Scappaticci’s talk, the Connecticut Network’s Diane Smith will moderate a lively panel discussion including Mr. Scappaticci as well as the Deputy Director of the Connecticut Trust for the Historic Preservation Christopher Wigren and Tom Deller, the Hartford Director of Development Services. Panelists will discuss the impact of Constitution Plaza on the city, along with current urban development projects such as iQuilt. 

Parking is easy. 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. The Old State House farmers market featuring a wide variety of fresh Connecticut-grown foods will be open before and after the lecture, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Bring your lunch and enjoy this one-hour program. Registrations are encouraged but not required. To register, call 860-522-6766 or visit http://tinyurl.com/OSH2012Lecture.

This program is supported with funding from the Connecticut Humanities Council.

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.

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Jonathan Trumbull: Returning to a Flagpole near You at Connecticut’s Old State House

Hartford, CT – Eight flagpoles line the perimeter of  Connecticut’s Old State House.  Today, bronze statues sit atop seven of them, depicting the likenesses of George Washington, Joseph Cinque, Prudence Crandall and other key figures in our state’s history.  For two years, one flagpole has stood vacant.  On Saturday, July 14, the statue of Jonathan Trumbull – Connecticut’s Revolutionary War governor – will be returned to its proper place in a ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. on the Old State House lawn.  (Rain date to be determined; visitors should check the Official Old State House Facebook Page or call 860-522-6766 after 9 a.m. in the event of inclement weather.)

The original Jonathan Trumbull statue was damaged in 2010, and was later returned to artist Randall Nelson to be recast.  At Saturday’s ceremony Nelson and (Old State House living history character) Jonathan Trumbull himself will be on hand as the approximately 4-foot tall statue is hoisted by crane and lowered onto the crown of the flagpole that flies the building’s Connecticut Flag.  Visitors can enjoy outdoor tours focusing on all eight statues and the part each figure played in our state’s fight for democracy during America’s earliest years.  The Old State House itself will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for  an even deeper adventure into Connecticut’s exciting, inspirational and unusual contributions to our great democratic experiment.

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.

Nelson created the original eight statues in 1996, as part of the Old State House’s last major restoration; each figure from Connecticut history has a particular connection to the Old State House. He is a 2006 Graduate from Vermont College, Union Institute and University with a Masters in Visual Arts. Nelson has won multiple awards, including the Golden Hammer Award in 1997 his work on the Brownstone restoration of the historic Burnside Building in Worcester, Mass.  When Nelson is not working he teaches art at Quinebaug Vally Community College.

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.

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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.

America’s Most Unpopular War: Dissension, Debate and the War of 1812

Hartford, CT –Mark the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 by exploring this largely unknown and divisive conflict on Tuesday, July 10. Trinity College political scholar and civil rights activist Dr. Jack Chatfield will present his fascinating exploration of bitter sectional differences that threatened American unity decades before the Civil War. Sharp-tongued, anti-war New England Federalists — including Noah Webster — opposed the president and possibly toyed with secession during a time of national peril. Their opposition culminated in the controversial Hartford Convention of 1814, a secretive meeting held in the Old State House that risked branding participants as traitors - or worse! 

Following the short talk, the Connecticut Network’s Diane Smith will moderate a lively panel conversation with Dr. Chatfield as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Susan Campbell, and Connecticut history professor and award-winning author Dr. Nancy Steenberg Panelists will discuss citizen opposition to American wars throughout history, including wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bring your lunch and enjoy this one-hour program. Registrations are encouraged but not required. To register, call 860-522-6766 or visit http://tinyurl.com/OSH2012Lecture.

This program is co-sponsored with Connecticut Explored, the magazine of Connecticut history.  Program attendees will receive a free issue of the magazine featuring the War of 1812.  This program is made possible through funding by the Connecticut Humanities Council.

 

Parking is easy. 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. The Old State House farmers market featuring a wide variety of fresh Connecticut-grown foods will be open before and after the lecture, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Throughout 2012, the Old State House will have a variety of lunchtime lectures and other special events and programming. Visit the calendar on http://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.

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Old State House Farmers’ Market Is Back for the Summer - Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 26

Hartford, CT –One unmistakable sign of summer in Hartford returns in force next Tuesday, June 26, as the 2012 Farmers’ Market at Connecticut’s Old State House observes its official Grand Opening.  With as many as eight vendors filling the building’s Main Street plaza three days a week, the market promises not only fresh produce and a hint of seasonal color downtown, but the continuation of a tradition that dates back more than 350 years.

Frequenters of the downtown area  have been able to enjoy a “market preview” since early June, but the 26^th will mark the official start of the the Old State House Farmers’ Market (OSHFM) season which will run through October 26^th.  The market will operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but will be closed on Wednesday, July 4^th. 

Grand opening ceremonies will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by state Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky.  The rain date is Wednesday, June 27. Festivities will include balloons, characters in costume, and the start of OSHFM’s monthly drawing in which entrants can win an assortment of free farmers’ market products (no purchase necessary to enter, first drawing will occur at the end of June).

The Old State House Farmers’ Market is considered the oldest such market in Connecticut.  As the epicenter of the original Connecticut Colony, Hartford was required to create a “weekly market” in 1643. The modern farmers’ market has been in continuous operation at Connecticut’s Old State House since 1978. Today, citizens of Connecticut and local farmers can come together to enjoy the “best” of what Connecticut has to offer while helping the state’s agricultural industry and economy.

Up Next at the Old State House:  America's "Most Unpopular War: What Really Happened at the Hartford Convention of 1815, and Why." On July 10, Noon to 1 p.m. Jack Chatfield presents, Wesley Horton will be a panelist and The Connecticut Network, Diane Smith moderates.

 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 once admission is paid at the museum.  The validation is good all day.

 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.

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