List of sites administered by the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office facts for kids
Connecticut has many amazing old places that tell us about the past. The State Historic Preservation Office in Connecticut helps protect these important historic sites. They make sure these places are kept safe for everyone to learn from and enjoy. This office also manages five special historic sites that are owned by the state. Let's explore these fascinating places!
Discover Connecticut's Historic Sites
Prudence Crandall Museum: A School for Equality
The Prudence Crandall Museum is in Canterbury, Connecticut. It is a historic house that was once a school. In 1833, a brave woman named Prudence Crandall reopened her school here. It became a special boarding school for African-American girls. She called them "young Ladies and little Misses of color." This school was very important for education and equality in its time.
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine: A Look into the Past
In East Granby, Connecticut, you can find the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine. This site was once a working copper mine. Later, it became a prison. It is a very old and interesting place to visit. You can learn about what life was like for prisoners and miners long ago.
Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Furnace: Art, Tools, and History
The Eric Sloane Museum is located in Kent, Connecticut. It celebrates the work of Eric Sloane, who was a famous artist, author, and illustrator. The museum has many of his paintings and drawings. It also shows his collection of old hand tools. You can also see an old iron furnace here. This building was given to the state by a company called Stanley Works.
Viets' Tavern: An Old Warden's Home
Also in East Granby, you will find Viets' Tavern. This house was built around 1760. It was the home of John Viets. He was the very first warden of the Old Newgate Prison. The house is still unrestored, meaning it looks much like it did long ago. It is not open to the public, but it is an important part of local history.
Henry Whitfield State Museum: Connecticut's Oldest Stone House
The Henry Whitfield State Museum is in Guilford, Connecticut. This amazing house dates all the way back to 1639! It is known as the oldest house in Connecticut. It is also the oldest stone house in all of New England. Visiting this museum is like stepping back in time to the early days of the state.