Connecticut

CT Open House Day is Saturday. Here’s what you can do

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2024

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CT Open House Day is Saturday. Here’s what you can do

(WFSB) – Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Connecticut Open House day.

To celebrate, places around the state planned to offer an array of attractions on June 8, 2024.

Here’s a few spots to check out, according to the state’s tourism website, ctvisit.com.

1796 Old Farm School, Bloomfield

Check out a schoolhouse built in 1796 and ring the belfry bell. Play children’s games from the 1800s & learn about a Bloomfield treasure.

The Old Farm School is located at 153 School St. at the corner of Park Avenue.

Ancient Burying Ground, Hartford

Learn about the history of this oldest-surviving English settlement site. There are family-friendly scavenger hunts and guided and drop-in tours.

Berlin Historical Society Museum, Kensington

The museum celebrates local history with creative displays that include stone artifacts left by indigenous people, the beginning of the tinware industry and the Yankee Peddler, Berlin Iron Bridge Company, Simeon North’s pistols, Olcott Cheney clocks, the brick industry, Prentice Zippers, American Paper Goods, the old Berlin Train Station, and The Leatherman. There’s also 19th century artwork and needlework. It is currently highlighting the Wide Awake lantern carried in Abe Lincoln’s campaign, and an award winning film on the black soldiers from Berlin who fought in the Civil War. The museum was added to the Freedom Trail back in May.

Bristol Historical Society, Bristol

A special exhibit honors Bristol’s schools and their history, including the opening of the principal’s office in Bristol’s first high school.

Burlington Elton Tavern and Center Schoolhouse, Burlington

The Burlington Historical Society is welcoming visitors for guided tours of the Elton Tavern and Center Schoolhouse, both of which are historic landmarks.

Center Church, Hartford

Volunteers from the 1636 Heritage Partnership open the 1807 Meeting House sanctuary for self-guided tours. Learn more about nearly 400 years of history and view stained glass windows surrounded by the architecture of the church

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, Canton

10 percent off canoe, kayak, paddle board and bike rentals.

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Hartford

Free admission all day, for all ages, to the museum exhibitions and the Inspire Center.

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford

Everyone Pays Kids’ Price. People can go for full day of family fun. Experience 165 hands-on exhibits, including our brand new traveling exhibition, Science Fiction Science Future.

Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor

Free admission for Connecticut residents.

Connecticut’s Old State House, Hartford

It’s Game Day at Connecticut’s Old State House. The plan is for fun historic games, new games, and games full of Connecticut history. Admission is free.

Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill

A 200-million-year-old fossil trackway, nature trails, arboretum, and interactive exhibits bring the Mesozoic era to life. Explore a paleontological museum and enjoy the outdoors, all in one trip. The park features over 750 early Jurassic dinosaur footprints – one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America – preserved in place inside the museum, alongside exhibits about dinosaurs, fossils, and Connecticut geology.

Galleries @ WORK_SPACE, Manchester

Visit the Galleries @ WORK_SPACE for the opening of “Cogs & Canvas: A Steampunk Art Extravaganza.” Located on Main Street in Manchester, we offer a vibrant showcase of creativity within a historic setting. Enjoy live music, create your own masterpiece at our interactive art station, and explore diverse artworks across our 3 galleries and shop. With ample free parking and nearby dining, it’s the perfect cultural outing in the heart of the downtown.

Happy’s Indoor Golf, Southington

Play golf in a judgement free facility.

Use the code OPENHOUSE24 to get 50 percent off a simulator rental when playing on June 8. The indoor golf simulators are typically $50/hour.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center will be participating in the open house day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is offering free self-guided, first floor, walk-through tours of the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Additionally, it is hosting a lawn party for community to come and enjoy the green space.

Hartford Taste Festival, Hartford

Hartford Taste Festival is a celebration of the food, music, art and community. Admission is free! There are 33 restaurants, 29 musical acts, and numerous live artists on site for the two-day festival, which is free to the public on June 7-8 on Pratt and Trumbull Streets in downtown Hartford from 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Huguenot House Museum, East Hartford

Open between 1 p.m. and 4 pm. Visitors will receive a guided tour of the 1761 Makens Bemont House. They can also see the 1850 Burnham Blacksmith Shop and 1821 Goodwin Schoolhouse. Complimentary brochures are available and post cards and stationary will be half price

Hungerford Nature Center, Kensington

The Hungerford Nature Center provides science and environmental programs, birthday parties, special events, camps, interactive STEAM exhibits, a playground, a pond, 27 acres of forested habitat with walking trails and is home to a variety of domestic and wild animals.

Kellogg Eddy House Museum, Newington

Offering free tours of the Kellogg-Eddy House Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Georgian Colonial home is located at 679 Willard Ave. in Newington. It features finely restored period rooms highlighting the history of the town. This house is the Town Museum and will be open free of charge on Open House Day.

Iwo Jima Memorial, New Britain

Free historical tours. The memorial is the only one built by survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford

11a.m. to 3 p.m. lawn party.

There will be dancing, music, sweet treats and hot dogs, free museum tours, lawn games, art activities, and more.

Museums on the Green: East Windsor Historical Society, East Windsor

The Museums on the Green is the home of the East Windsor Historical Society and offers six buildings, and several barns, to explore, including a schoolhouse, probate court, barber shop, and more.

New Britain Industrial Museum, New Britain

New Britain’s “Hardware City” collection: Hand and machine tools, kitchen & household appliances, builders hardware, 200+ years of innovation and manufacturing.

A special is being offered: Stanley Rule & Level 1880s repro. poster – One to family or group with admission.

New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain

Free Admission from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and one free coffee per visitor until 2:30 p.m.

New Britain Youth Museum, New Britain

The Youth Museum offers programs for children and families as well as hands on exhibits and play areas.

Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, West Hartford

On June 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visit the Noah Webster House for free. The museum teachers will lead visitors through a tour of Webster’s East Garden to explore how herbs were used for flavoring food, making medicine, fragrances and insecticides. Create a lavender sachet to take home.

Nowashe Village and Wood Memorial Library & Museum, South Windsor

Celebrations will feature nature programming and take place in Wood Memorial Library, Nowashe Village, and Station 43 Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy bird walks, family friendly crafts and activities and learn about Connecticut’s varied environment and wildlife from local experts including a Master Wildlife Conservationist and a certified arborist. This event is free; however, donations are encouraged and appreciated. We hope to see you!

Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, East Granby

Connecticut’s only underground experience offers visitors the opportunity to explore 300 years of history with modern relevance. Old New-Gate is recongnized as the Nation’s first chartered copper mine and first state prison. Today visitors can explore the prison ruins/exhibits and take a tour of the copper mine that once housed incarcerated people. Admission is free.

Pitkin Glass Works, Manchester

There’s an opportunity to visit the remains of the first glass factory in the state, and the only one in the northeast still standing.

Selden Brewer House 1828, East Hartford

Prominent tobacco farming family house at 265 Main St., East Hartford. Home moved from the banks of the CT river. First floor decorated to 1850s with original furnishings. Beautiful rose garden in full bloom. Tours given by Al Brewer, 10th generation Brewer family member. Free, but donations appreciated. Free pin given.

Stone Age Rock Gym, Manchester

Stone Age Rock Gym will be offering PWYC Day on June 8. “Pay what you can” allows anyone to check-out indoor rock climbing on their budget.

The American Clock & Watch Museum, Bristol

Enjoy free admission all day, and special activities for all ages. Listen to the ticking and chiming of the clocks, take part in one of the scavenger hunts, enjoy the sundial garden, and get an up-close look at what makes a clock tick with a repair person in the clock shop. Curious about a vintage watch you own? For a $10 fee, you can chat about it with Micah Tasker of The Vintage Watchman, who will be at the museum from 1:00-3:00. In addition to these activities, visitors will want to check out the two new exhibits – Seth Thomas: Clocks for Every Need and 70 Objects for 70 Years. These are just a few highlights that the museum has in store for this special statewide celebration.

The Bristol Bazaar LLC, Bristol

It will be offering a free Bristol Bazaar Tote Bag with purchase to the first 20 customers who mention celebrating the CT Open House Day.

The Carousel Museum, Bristol

Free Admission for everyone. Carousel rides for children are just $1 each!

The Simsbury Free Library, Simsbury

Join us for a day filled with connection, exploration, and history for Connecticut Open House Day! Families can delve into their roots with free family tree printables (while supplies last). Its genealogist will be here to guide visitors, sharing insights and unraveling mysteries of your ancestry. Guests can also tour the library, browse its eclectic furniture collection, and visit its Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. It also has several unpublished books chronicling Simsbury’s history and yearbooks brimming with nostalgia, waiting to be discovered.

Truck Day, Manchester

Connecticut Open House Day means it’s Truck Day at the Lutz Museum. Admission is free and the big trucks will be outside of the museum from 12 p,m, to 3 p.m.

Vintage Radio & Communications Museum, Windsor

Tour displays covering the full history of human communications from pre-electronics era through the 1980s. Displays include radio, TV, motion picture, telegraph, teletype, telephone all the way up to personal computers.

Wethersfield Museum at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, Wethersfield

Stop by the Wethersfield Museum at the Keeney Memorial.

Cultural Center (200 Main St.) to see Castle on the Cove: The CT State Prison in Wethersfield and Legendary People, Ordinary Lives. Wethersfield Historical Society’s Hurlbut-Dunham House (212 Main St.) and the Cove Warehouse will also be open for tours from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Refrigerator magnets featuring its historic sites will be offered as a free gift.

For other events around the state, check out ctvisit.com here.

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Connecticut

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

Published

2 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

A Bridgeport firefighter is dead after a homicide in Stratford, according to officials.

At approximately 1:44 a.m., the Stratford Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on Feeley Street.

Upon arrival, officers found a male bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after by paramedics.

The firefighter was identified as 41-year-old Terrence Cramer of Bridgeport.

Cramer was an active-duty Bridgeport Firefighter for the last 9.5 years.

“Chief Edwards and the Bridgeport Fire Department are aware of the passing of Bridgeport Firefighter Terrence Cramer. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Terrence,” said Bridgeport Public Information Officer Shawnna White.

After a brief motor vehicle pursuit, 41-year-old Jabari Bush was taken into custody in Derby at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, a felony arrest warrant for the murder of Terrence Cramer was charged to Bush.

Bush is charged with Murder, Home Invasion and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

He is being held on a $2 million court set bond. His court date is issued for March 30, 2026.

The Stratford Police Department was assisted by the New Haven Police Department, the Seymour Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, the Derby Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.

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Connecticut

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Published

14 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip

Known for its captivating coastlines along the breathtaking Long Island Sound, Connecticut has spectacular destinations for unforgettable weekend adventures. Prepare for a dreamy getaway where history, beauty, and culture converge through mesmerizing medieval-style mansions such as the one at Gillette Castle State Park. You can also explore the rich maritime history of Mystic through the Mystic Seaport Museum or experience cascading waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park. So, read on to discover even more about the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

Mystic

Mystic, Connecticut.

From exquisite galleries to eye-catching coastal pathways and endless opportunities for shopping and dining, Mystic is very diverse. Start by diving into America’s seafaring history at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, you will find treasures, including four National Historic Landmark vessels and over 500 historic watercraft. Next, meet intriguing creatures at the Mystic Aquarium. This non-profit organization is home to thousands of animals, covering marine mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish.

If you are more of a creative, see rotating exhibitions created by notable regional artists at the Mystic Museum of Art, a place for culture, community, and creativity. Next, find out what unique gifts and souvenirs are available in Olde Mistick Village. This open-air shopping village features a wide range of stores, with over 40 shops and eateries to explore in a beautiful, colonial-style, pet-friendly environment. When you are ready to rest, stay right outside the village at the Holiday Inn Express Mystic. Enjoy on-site amenities like a fitness center, pool, free breakfast, and complimentary coffee in a convenient central location.

Litchfield

Plan a peaceful, picture-perfect escape surrounded by nature and 18th-century architecture in Litchfield, one of the best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip. Soak in the scenery of Mount Tom State Park as you climb 1,325 feet to the summit, or simply sit back and relax by the pond. Nature lovers can explore the eye-catching trails of the White Memorial Conservation Center. This wonderful nature preserve has a historic regional museum and a 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Downtown Litchfield, Connecticut. Image credit: Joe Mabel via Flickr.com.

After getting your steps in, treat yourself to a dreamy trip to the winery. Taste quality varietals underneath stunning skies or in a rustic tasting room at Sunset Meadow Vineyards, only a few minutes’ drive from The Litchfield Inn. This lovely boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and lush, rolling hills.

Niantic

Find your own piece of Northeast paradise in Niantic, one of Connecticut’s most beautiful small towns. Wander along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, a 1.1-mile path stretching from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach along Long Island Sound. Go swimming off the sandy shores in the summer, accessible by a short tunnel underneath the railroad tracks. Once you have soaked up the sun, see what treasures you can find in The Book Barn. This Main Street haven features over 350,000 books, along with exciting games, vibrant gardens, and adorable farm animals. After a day of exploring, head to The Niantic Inn. This cozy hotel, located a few minutes east, is known for its excellent location near the shore, shops, and restaurants.

Madison

Book a dreamy getaway to Madison, your typical New England beach town. From picturesque coastlines to pedestrian-friendly pathways with quaint cafes, award-winning bookstores, and charming boutiques, this is one of Connecticut’s best getaway towns. Experience the beauty of Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s longest shoreline park. The site includes two miles of sandy beaches along with a peaceful nature preserve. Home to the Meigs Point Nature Center, you can find over 50 species of local wildlife, educational displays, and unbeatable views. After an afternoon of adventures, spend a relaxing evening in Madison Cinemas. This independently owned cinema presents films in 7.1 Surround Sound for a highly immersive experience. Regarding accommodations, Scranton Seahorse Inn is only a two-minute walk away. Stay in a cozy room in the heart of town, where history and renovated comforts combine in a 1833 Greek revival home.

East Haddam

Approximately 45 minutes from Madison, you will find East Haddam, one of the state’s most remarkable yet under-the-radar small towns. Start your weekend at Gillette Castle State Park. Explore the modern medieval stone castle with spectacular views from 200 feet above the Connecticut River. To further immerse yourself in nature, head to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. From cascading waterfalls to wonderful bird-watching and trout fishing opportunities, the park is full of gems. Make sure you visit the Eightmile River, a National Scenic and Wild River designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Capture photos of Chapman Falls, dropping more than 60 feet over the Scotland Schist stone formation. City lovers wanting to explore Main Street should head to the Victorian-era Goodspeed Opera House. Watch a mesmerizing musical from April through December in this architectural wonder. Finally, end the night with a historic stay mixed with modern amenities in The Boardman House Inn. Located right up the street, this luxe bed and breakfast was constructed with Second Empire architecture in 1860, immersing you in a journey back in time.

Kent

Unlock the perfect combination of history and nature in Kent, an extraordinary spot in the Litchfield Hills. Famous for its fall foliage, Appalachian hiking trails, and quaint Main Street shops, this New England town offers plenty to do. Begin your adventure in Kent Falls State Park. There, you will see a striking series of waterfalls dropping into the Housatonic River. From there, wander across the Bulls Bridge. Constructed in 1842, this historic treasure is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in the state. The Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum is another site you must not miss. Its 8-acre museum space boasts unique machinery depicting the area’s rich industrial and agricultural history. If you are looking for distinct accommodations that will truly connect you with the heart of Kent, stay at the Spirit Horse Farm. The charming small family farm offers comfortable lodging in a historic setting that will make for a truly unforgettable escape.

Plan Your Weekend Escape In Connecticut

If you would like to see plenty of diverse attractions in a short period of time, Connecticut is the perfect place to explore. Discover a dreamy mix of natural beauty, maritime history, art, and New England-style architecture in this coastal haven. From the gorgeous galleries and notable museums of Mystic, to the expansive boardwalks of Niantic, and the striking Appalachian trails and outdoor museums of Kent, these are the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.

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Connecticut

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

The Houston Comets are back as the Sun sets on the WNBA’s time in Connecticut, where fans face unfortunate reality

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Houston Comets’ four WNBA championship banners and the jerseys of their icons have a rightful home again. If only it didn’t come at the expense of another.

The news of the Connecticut Sun selling to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and relocating to the Lone Star state as the Comets is a zero-sum game, transporting heartache elsewhere.

Sure, it’s a long-awaited victory for Houston and its fans, who were many and only grew in number as vintage became trendy. This city deserved the return of a team ripped from its clutches at the start of the Great Recession, and despite decent attendance throughout its success.

Yet, the basketball-crazed state of Connecticut will now feel that same void. It’s hard to overlook that the final report of the sale dropped while 12-time national champion UConn actively extended its winning streak to 53 with a victory in the Sweet 16 here in Fort Worth, Texas. Four hours from Houston.

Hey, the move screamed, look over there instead. The epitome of a Friday night news dump that everyone involved with hoped wouldn’t sting quite so much.

“The people at Mohegan Sun, they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma told ESPN. “…We’re a proven [place] where people would support women’s basketball. Now [with them] moving, I think it leaves a void.”

The Mohegan Sun Tribe entered into the WNBA at a time when the NBA stepped out. It became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team when it purchased the Orlando Miracle franchise for $5 million in 2003 and brought it to UConn’s backyard to play at their casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The move marked a historic first for the six-year-old league. That previous October, the WNBA’s Board of Governors changed its bylaws so that teams did not have to be located in NBA cities, play in NBA arenas and be owned by the league in conjunction with the NBA. The decision was sparked by declining attendance and falling TV ratings. Teams in Miami and Portland folded that same offseason.

As attendance booms and TV ratings explode nearly 25 years later, the Sun franchise’s sale for a reported $300 million is another screaming example that NBAers want back into the lucrative fold. All three incoming expansion teams that will join the W beginning in 2027 are connected to the NBA. So, too, are the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo. Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas and the incoming Portland Fire, which also took its folded name, are not associated by ownership with NBA teams.

The writing was scribbled on the Mohegan Sun’s yellowed walls long before news became public of a potential sale. Their arena holds 10,000, more than a couple of unfortunate WNBA stragglers, but nowhere close to the 15,000-plus atmosphere for which the league yearns. Though they maintained healthy attendance, the Sun never won a WNBA championship despite a run of success in the early 2010s that was hampered by health.

That player core departed for greener pastures, trading New England summers for sweltering hot desert heat kept at bay by sparkling, state-of-the-art practice facilities. Transportation was always a headache with the closest airport nearly an hour away. Players voiced displeasure at the overall location, desiring a city instead of an arena dropped inside a casino in the countryside.

The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) passed by both the players union and WNBA Board of Governors this week wrote it all in permanent marker. The Sun can’t meet the new facilities, staff and financial standards set forth in it, a key bargaining chip pushed by the players themselves. The jump in salary cap alone, from $1.5M to $7M, is difficult to meet.

The unfortunate reality is the league outgrew the market and what it could offer, even if that contribution was a healthy women’s basketball base fed by the Huskies’ success. A team will be ripped from its home again, leaving behind fans who will hand down this hurt for generations. The women’s game is old enough to be shared that way now.

The Comets are finally back. And the Sun will become a vintage symbol of loss.

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