Don't Burpee Here! It's Civil! Vernon (Google Maps location) December 2016 CT museum visit #337. I was speaking with a friend just two days ago. He lives in Vernon. Aware of CTMQ and what I do, he asked if I’d been to the New England Civil War Museum and then laughed. I said yes. He chuckled, “It’s... … [Read more...]
General Nathaniel Lyon Memorial State Park
I Ain't Lyon General Nathaniel Lyon Memorial State Park, Eastford This was originally visited and written up as part of The Sky's the Limit 2017 Hiking Challenge. Eh, what the heck. If we were going to go all-in on the coldest day of Winter 2016-17 with a hike up in Union, we might as well pick up aother TSTL … [Read more...]
General Mansfield House
A Nice Historic House Museum, Generally Speaking Middletown (Google Maps location) May 2011 As you know by now, there are 2,346 historic house museums in our small state. Give or take. Some are fantastic and dynamic; some exist as museums simply because... the structure exists. I take it as a personal challenge … [Read more...]
SLT: Case
Terry’s Pain in the Butt Area Case, formerly Terry’s Plain Area, Simsbury Land Trust October 4, 2013 Because I care about you, dear reader (and the singular is probably apt here), I have thought long and hard about how to best present the trails and historical sites in this unique little part of Simsbury. What's … [Read more...]
185. Old Lighthouse Museum
To The Lighthouse Stonington (Google Maps location) September 3, 2010 More on my ascent of the lighthouse proper - Right here. Hurricane Earl. Remember that one? You don’t? That’s because it didn’t really happen. We’d been in Rhode Island all week for vacation (CTMQ family vacation photos here! Woo … [Read more...]
The Oliver Cromwell
Site of Connecticut’s First Warship Oliver Cromwell, Essex As I write this sentence, my brain is already fretting about where to slot it in on CTMQ. It’s not a US First – although it’s close – and there are no ruins or remnants of it remaining here in Essex. All that exists are an interpretive sign and an old … [Read more...]
115. Fairfield Museum & History Center
It's Just Not Fair(field) Fairfield (Google Maps Location) June 13, 2009 Since my 2009 visit, this museum has changed its name and has expanded its programming. Perhaps its yet another candidate for a revisit and an update to this page. I would guess that about 140 of the 169 towns in Connecticut have some form … [Read more...]
432. Submarine Library and Museum (Closed)
A Sinking Ship Submarine Library and Museum, Middletown RIP 2003 It is downright silly of me to attempt to write about this defunct museum. It shuttered its windows with the passing of its lone curator, Ben Bastura. And from all I can gather from the internet, Mr. Bastura was quite a figure. I will simply copy … [Read more...]
The Museum of Connecticut History
Shh! Order in the Court/Library/Museum! Hartford (Google Maps Location) May 12, 2008 "The big 5-Oh." "Fitty." "Still Nifty at Fifty!" Yes folks, CTMQ has made it to the 50th museum plateau with nary a scrape nor defamation suit! While this may sound impressive, any pride is immediately mitigated by the fact … [Read more...]
46. State Capitol Building
Now That's a Capitol Idea! Hartford (Google Maps Location) May 12, 2008 What did YOU do with YOUR last half-day off from work? Golf? The beach? Nap? Bah - My son had a doctor's appointment around lunchtime so I decided to take a half day to enjoy the finest capitol building Connecticut has to offer. I never … [Read more...]