Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy, Executive Director, Haddam Historical Society
(June 13, 2026) — Connecticut is home to a bounty of beautiful and unique gardens, many of them an integral part of historic landmarks dotted throughout the state. Connecticut’s Historic Gardens (CHG), a group of sixteen distinctive historic sites and gardens within Connecticut’s borders, hosts its annual Historic Gardens Day on Sunday, June 28, 2026 inviting visitors to experience the timeless beauty and rich histories of places that have delighted and inspired patrons for a century or more.
With a variety of tours and special activities planned, CHG member gardens, including the Thankful Arnold House in Haddam, entice explorers of any age, or those simply seeking a peaceful retreat, to take part in this special day. Admission is free to both garden and the Arnold House at 14 Hayden Hill Road in Haddam from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be offered.
Hours are varied at the other fifteen sites throughout the state which include: Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden, Bethlehem; Butler-McCook House and Garden, Hartford; Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme; Glebe House Museum and The Gertrude Jekyll Garden, Woodbury; Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford; Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington; The Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford; Osborne Homestead Museum and Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby; Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden, Suffield; Promisek at Three Rivers Farm, Bridgewater; Roseland Cottage, Woodstock; Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington; Stowe Center for Literary Activism, Hartford; Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Wethersfield; and Weir Farm National Historical Park, Wilton. Check for times and activities at https://cthistoricgardens.org/chg-day.
From the simple, practical elegance of herb gardens that reflect the utilitarian needs of early settlers, to the ornate designs of the Victorian era, the charm of Colonial Revival sunken gardens, and the wild, natural beauty that inspired the Impressionist artists, Connecticut’s historic gardens offer a diverse and enriching experience that highlights the state’s vibrant heritage.
Be sure to take advantage of CHG’s Passport Program. At your first location, pick up a Connecticut’s Historic Gardens brochure, have it initialed at three member locations, and you’ll receive a free packet of notecards featuring the works of the CHG Day Poster Art Contest winners.
CHG’s mission is to cultivate a passion for the diversity of historic gardens at distinctive historic homes in Connecticut. By partnering through shared marketing initiatives, CHG brings greater recognition and visitation to member sites, offering visitors experiences rich in beauty and history, and fostering learning.
