Happy Birthday Connecticut’s Old State House
WHO: Connecticut Democracy Center
WHAT: Birthday Party for Connecticut’s Old State House
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026
TIME: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Connecticut’s Old State House
800 Main Street, Hartford
RSVP: Your RSVP is appreciated http://ct-dc.org/qr.asp?q=BDayRSVP2026
COST: This event is FREE and open to the public.
INFO: On street parking is available. Garage parking for a maximum of $10 is available at State House Square Parking Garage, located at 75 Market Street, just steps away. Please present your parking ticket to the museum’s Visitor Services desk for validation.
Short Summary:
Grab a fork and join us in celebrating Connecticut’s Old State House’s 230th birthday on Saturday, May 16th from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. This free event will feature tours, a Spring Market featuring Connecticut-made vendors and crafters, activities for kids, and cake made by 2025 Election Cake Bake-Off winner Natalie Townsend of Nevaeh’s Cake Creations. Enjoy live music on the front lawn and visit the Bizarre Bazaar, hosted by Hartford.com, just outside the gates on State House Square.
Background Info:
On May 13, 1796, Connecticut’s Legislature held their first session in their newly-constructed Hartford State House. Though threated with destruction throughout the years, the building survives and stands to celebrating its 228-year connection to American history.
Located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as one of Connecticut’s state capitols from 1796 to 1878 and Hartford City Hall from 1878-1915. Beautifully restored and preserved, this museum and civic space was declared one of the first National Historic Landmarks in 1960 and now operates under a public/private partnership between the Connecticut General Assembly and The Connecticut Democracy Center. Connecticut Old State House is recognized for statewide educational programming including Connecticut’s Kid Governor and Connecticut History Day.