HartfordHistorynet

01/09/2026

This photo was taken from the Connecticut State Capitol building in the 1890s and is attributed to Poquonock resident, artist, and photographer C. Robert Hatheway. It shows the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in the foreground, which at the time was only about 10 years old, and a fairly unrecognizable Hartford behind it. The Arch was the first such “triumphal arch” in the country, honoring the 4,000 people of Hartford who served in the Civil War.

11/22/2025

Does anyone remember this store at the beginning of Asylum St in Downtown Hartford

11/19/2025

The cover of Radiohead’s OK Computer features a manipulated photograph of the highway interchange where Interstates 84 and 91 meet in Hartford, Connecticut. Captured during the band’s 1996 tour, the image was altered to reflect the album’s central themes of technology, alienation, and modern chaos. Combining stark architecture with ghostly overlays, the design blurs the line between the familiar and the unsettling. Today, the interchange stands as both a real landmark and a piece of music history, soon to be redeveloped but forever linked to one of the most influential albums of the 1990s.

11/06/2025

New: Carousel Tours! 🎠 This November and December, join us for a special behind-the-scenes look at one of Bushnell Park’s most beloved treasures—the historic Carousel!

On select Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, we’ll be offering free guided tours that explore the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of this iconic ride. Advance registration required (see link below).

Learn what makes the Carousel such a unique part of Hartford’s heritage, enjoy unlimited rides during the tour hour, and treat yourself to a complimentary small popcorn. It’s a perfect midday outing for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves a little magic in motion.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/carousel-tours

Come experience the charm, nostalgia, and joy of the Bushnell Park Carousel—right in the heart of downtown Hartford.

11/06/2025

09/09/2025

On August 20, 1619, some twenty African men and women stepped off a ship in Jamestown, Virginia where they were sold by their English captors in exchange for food.

A system of chattel slavery would take root and evolve on the continent over the next two and a half centuries, with a population of nearly four million enslaved people by 1860.

https://bit.ly/3yNqmjb

📸: "First Africans in Jamestown" historical marker, Virginia Department of Historic Resources (Wikimedia Commons).

09/09/2025

Sounds like fun!

08/24/2025

Marker for the grave of Griffin A. Stedman (d. 1883). He was the father of General Griffin Stedman who is also laid to rest in the family lot in Section 1.

The ivy on the stone has numerous symbolic meanings. Eternally green, ivy represents immortality and fidelity. The clinging nature of the vine suggests friendship or undying affection. The three-pointed leaf is a symbol of the Trinity.

08/13/2025

Just posted by one of YouTube's best naval historians. I hadn't known she came to such a sad, unjust end. The ship's figurehead--quite a piece of work--is on display at the State Capitol.

The Hartford, a sloop and flagship of the United States Navy, is today's subject.Read more about the ship here:Historic Naval Vessels: Hearing Before the Com...

08/06/2025

Ooh...

Discover Cedar Hill Cemetery’s creative residents including its most distinguished artists, actors, and authors.

Saturday, August 16, 10:00 am

Admission to the program is $10.00 and free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made online at www.cedarhillfoundation.org.

08/05/2025

Saturday morning presents a great opportunity to not only enjoy Elizabeth Park but learn about its history. And it's FREE.

BTW, weather.com forecasts a "mostly sunny" day.

https://elizabethparkct.org/event/elizabeth-park-history-tour-8/

Elizabeth Park History TourThe Tour is FREE and begins at the Flagpole in front of the green Cottage at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 9.