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Summer 26: America at 250. A special summer offer. Learn about New London’s Green Book Sites, Oliver Wolcott, and more. Plus: photos from the Democracy 250 Summit hosted by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
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FEATURED ARTICLES
Oliver Wolcott and the Unavoidable Separation
From governor of Connecticut to major general in the Revolutionary War, Oliver Wolcott played a pivotal role in American diplomacy, his legacy spanning far beyond signing the Declaration of Independence.
Networks and Names: The Builders of the Confederacy
What does a piece of Colonoware, a George II halfpenny and shipyard account books of payrolls tell us about the people who built the Confederacy, a 36-gun frigate that protected merchant convoys during the Revolutionary War?
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Guides for Black Travelers: New London’s Green Book Sites
What’s the first thing you do when you want to take a trip? Look through Instagram to find things to do? Or Yelp for restaurants that serve local cuisine? Today travelers can follow social media influencers and websites that promise to give you an insider’s look at places to stay or the best discounted hotel rates. But for Black travelers in the Jim Crow era through the 1960s, it wasn’t easy to find places to eat or stay overnight. In this episode, we are going to talk about two national guides for Black travelers, both published beginning in the 1930s, and places that were included from New London, Connecticut.
Listen: Guides for Black Travelers: New London’s Green Book Sites
Connecticut history matters - be part of it! You can help us celebrate our 10th anniversary and keep the podcast alive by giving a one-time donation or pledging $10 dollars a month. Support GTN today!
Out and About: Photos from the Democracy 250 Summit
Connecticut Explored Publisher, Katherine Hermes, was one of the history experts invited to speak at the Democracy 250 Summit hosted by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. Connecticut’s Old State House was packed with a full audience on June 26th.
The summit was held as an effort to examine the past, present, and future of democracy in Connecticut as we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Senator Chris Murphy moderated a panel examining the history of democracy in Connecticut with Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Professor of History, Central Connecticut State University and Dr. Katherine Hermes.
Watch the event on Connecticut Old State House’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Programs and Exhibitions to Enjoy This Season:
Party Like It’s 1776 at Connecticut Landmarks
As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the Nathan Hale Homestead is asking, how can we party like it’s 1776? Our 18th-Century Celebrations series brings history to life with three immersive events. In July, Toasting Independence offers a sampling of festive beverages that the founders would recognize, from rum punch to syllabub. On a September evening, witness Colonial era courtship rituals, including scenes from a wedding celebration. And, as the nights grow longer, bring some light to a November evening with an exploration of winter traditions with roots in Europe, including Guy Fawkes Day, Mumming and wassailing, and days of Thanksgiving. Information and tickets available at ctlandmarks.org/celebrations
Looking for ways to get in the semiquincentennial spirit and pick up some fresh local produce, too? Two of our Coventry Farmers’ Market Sundays will include Colonial encampment programs! Learn more at ctlandmarks.org/market
Connecticut Landmarks; ctlandmarks.org
Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250
To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America the Florence Griswold Museum hosts Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250, a juried exhibition of contemporary art on view June 27 – November 8, 2026. The Museum highlights its legacy as home to the Lyme Art Colony (1900–1937) by inviting today’s Connecticut-based artists to submit work that addresses themes of American identity and history over the country’s past 250 years.
A touchpoint of Patchwork is the Museum’s Bicentennial Quilt. Crafted by Old Lyme quiltmakers in 1976, it features 24 patchwork blocks illustrating historic events, houses, key landmarks, and rural subjects in Lyme and Old Lyme. The quilt serves as an inspiration and metaphor for how history is patched together, preserved, and reinterpreted by each generation. The goal of Patchwork is to create community by bringing Connecticut artists together under these common themes.
Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Florencegriswoldmuseum.org; 860-434-5542
By the People, For the People
In 2026, as the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Hill-Stead Museum invites artists and audiences alike to reflect on a defining phrase of the Declaration of Independence: “the People.” The Third Annual Juried Members Show, By the People, For the People, celebrates the spirit of creativity, individuality, and shared experience that continues to shape our nation. This exhibition calls for artwork inspired by what moves you most—whether portraits of neighbors, expressions of community, reflections on nature, or personal explorations of identity and place. Rooted in the belief that art belongs to everyone, the show honors diverse perspectives and the power of artistic voice. By centering the people themselves—their stories, landscapes, and connections—Hill-Stead affirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, imagination, and belonging during this historic milestone year. The exhibition will be on view from June 18 through August 30, 2026—don’t miss it!
Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington. Hillstead.org; 860-677-4787
Editor’s Picks:
Ann Harrison and Mary Donohue, “Revolutionary War: The “Conference” State,” Connecticut Explored, Fall 2005.
Jason R. Mancini, “New London’s Indian Mariners,” Connecticut Explored, Spring 2009.