The Amistad Trail
Locations throughout Hartford, CT
In 1839, a group of Africans who were to be sold into slavery took control of the ship Amistad, which then landed in Connecticut. Several trials were held to determine the status of the Africans, who wanted to return to their homeland. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that all people exist in a natural state of freedom, and therefore, the Amistad Africans were free. The trail consists of many locations important to the Amistad trial and to the Africans themselves.

Butler-McCook Homestead
169 West Town Street, on the Green, Lebanon, CT
Open: Mid-May to Mid-October, Tues, Thur, Sun, 12-4 pm
Although the property was finished in 1782, exhibits here focus on the Victorian period. Includes a garden built in 1865 and a special holiday display in December.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Farmington Avenue and Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-525-9317
Open: Tues - Sat, 9:30 am - 4 pm; Sun 12 - 4 pm.
Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in this home from 1873 - 1896. Exhibits focus on family antiques, Victorian furnishings and the gardens outdoors. Guided tours are available during regular operating hours. There is also a gift shop on the premises. Admission $6.50 adults, $6 seniors, children 6-16, $2.75.

Historical Museum of Medicine and Dentistry
230 Scarborough Street, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-5613
Open: Mon - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm
This museum details the medical and dental instruments and medications of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. There is a library on the premises. Donations from visitors are accepted.

Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-493-6411
Open: Year-long, call for specific times
A National Historic Landmark and home to legendary author Mark Twain for a brief period. The mansion was built in 1874, and features 19 elaborately decorated rooms, including interiors by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Admission $7.50 adults, $7 seniors, children 6-12 $3, under 6 free.

Museum of Connecticut History
Farmington Avenue and Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-566-3056
Open: Mon - Fri, 9:30 am - 4 pm
Historic documents, including Connecticut's Royal Charter, are just part of the exhibit material in this museum. Special exhibits feature Colt firearms, Connecticut's Governors and changing exhibits. Free admission.

Soldiers and Sailors' Monument
Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT
This monument honors the memory of all those from Connecticut who have given their lives in defense of the country.
Union Baptist Church
1921 Main Street, Hartford, CT
A historic church, and a focal point for the African-American community in Hartford over the decades.

Wadsworth Atheneum
600 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Telephone: 860-278-2670
Founded in 1842, the Atheneum is the country's oldest art museum. Collections of over 50,000 works of art from all over the world and across the centuries are more than worth the trip. Of particular interest are the collections of the Hudson River School painters, and an exhibit of African-American art and artifacts.