3 Best Landmarks in Hartford, CT

“The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center aims to preserve and interpret Stowe’s Hartford home and the Center’s historical collections, promote vibrant discussion of her life and work, and inspire commitment to social justice and positive change. Harriet Elisabeth Beecher was born June 14, 1811, in Litchfield, CT, to the Rev. Lyman Beecher (1775–1863) and Roxanna Foote Beecher (1775–1816), the sixth of 11 children. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s writing career spanned 51 years. She published 30 books and countless short stories, poems, articles, and hymns. She learned early that her writing contributed to the family income. The museum connects the past to the present as you discuss social issues of the 19th century and today. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is a 21st-century museum, program center, and research library presenting engaging and interactive tours and programs, connecting Harriet Beecher Stowe's life and impact to today's headlines.”

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“Connecticut's Old State House served as a home to all three branches of the Connecticut state government from 1796 to 1878. Some of the state’s most important stories of freedom, democracy, and civic action, from the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials to the Constitutional Convention of 1818, connect to this National Historic Landmark. Connecticut’s Old State House serves as a history museum, gathering spot, and place of civic exploration for thousands of local, national, and international visitors each year. The restored historic chambers and grounds are now the site of events such as exhibits, a curiosity museum, hands-on history, guided/self-guided tours, and more. Visitors of all ages are invited to reawaken their civic engagement and awareness through authentic, educational, and inspiring visitor experiences. Connecticut's Old State House offers free admission for children under 5, members, and active U.S. military.”

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“The Connecticut State Capitol has a solitary and peaceful feeling with a 360-degree breathtaking view of the mini-skyscrapers. The capitol is one of the largest Eastlake-style buildings. The exterior is marble from East Canaan, Connecticut, and granite from Westerly, Rhode Island. The building is roughly rectangular, and the interior spaces are organized around two open interior courts that conduct vertically to large skylights. At the exterior base of the dome are 12 statues in six pairs representing Agriculture, Commerce, Education/Law, Force/War, Science/Justice, and Music. Public access is currently limited to the first floor of the Legislative Office Building and the first and second floors of the Capitol Building. Guided tours are available.”

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