Connecticut Landmarks
Connecticut Landmarks is a non-profit organization that has restored and operates significant historic house museums in Connecticut. Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, the organization was founded in 1936 as the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society. Connecticut Landmarks currently owns a statewide network of historic properties that span four centuries of history. The organization's mission is to "use historic properties to inspire an understanding of our complex past. The organization's vision is to have "A state whose understanding of its diverse past inspires its people to move forward together as one." The organization is part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.[1]
Location within Connecticut | |
Established | 1936 |
---|---|
Location | 59 S. Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06106 |
Website | Connecticut Landmarks |
Properties
- Amasa Day House in Moodus - open by appointment only
- Amos Bull House in Hartford - offices only
- Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden in Bethlehem
- Butler-McCook House & Garden in Hartford
- Buttolph–Williams House in Wethersfield, Connecticut - operated in partnership with the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum.
- Joshua Hempsted House in New London
- Nathaniel Hempsted House in New London
- Isham-Terry House in Hartford - open by appointment only
- Forge Farm in Stonington - not currently open to the public
- Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry (bequeathed by George Dudley Seymour in 1945)
- Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden in Suffield
- Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam - currently open by appointment only during the development phase.
Image Gallery
Formerly Owned Properties
The Antiquarian and Landmarks Society, now Connecticut Landmarks, has been bequeathed historic sites that have been sold or transferred to other partners over the 85 years of existence. Some of these sites include:
- Avery Copp House in Groton
- Richard Mansfield House in Ansonia
- Charles Boardman Smith House (Upjohn House) in Hartford
Investigation & Resolution
In February 2018, a series of articles was published by The Day detailing the alleged neglect of historic properties under their care,[2] not following bequest terms,[3] and misuse of funds.[4] As a result, the attorney general's office opened an investigation, stating: "I can confirm that our office's investigation has expanded to include a comprehensive review of Connecticut Landmarks' processes and performance in complying with charitable restrictions and obligations on assets its holds and manages."[5]
In January 2019, the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General issued a report[6] that "Connecticut Landmarks did not misapproriate any charitable funds in its stewardship of Forge Farm in Stonington and a historic home in East Haddam."[7] Connecticut Landmarks committed to implementing recommended procedural and administrative changes that were recommended. "Our office has completed a comprehensive review of Connecticut Landmarks’ use of charitable funds, consistent with the Attorney General's statutory authority to safeguard charitable assets. Connecticut Landmarks was forthcoming with information, and we have appreciated their cooperation throughout our review. We found no evidence of misappropriation of charitable funds, but have identified areas where we would like to see Connecticut Landmarks better address donor intent and the management and preservation of both its real and personal property.”
References
- jrthib. "About CTL". Connecticut Landmarks. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
- "Ex-Landmarks employee: Nathan Hale Bible left to rot in closet".
- "Connecticut Landmarks has not followed bequest terms for house in East Haddam".
- "Connecticut Landmarks is spending Palmer-Warner house endowment on other things".
- "Connecticut's 'Mona Lisa' sits inside a shuttered Landmarks house".
- "Report of the Office of the Attorney General" (PDF). January 4, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-07-25.
- "Probe finds Connecticut Landmarks did not misuse historic home funds". The Day. 2019-01-06. Retrieved 2021-11-19.