Jul 16, 2007
A state’s history
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Where can you see portraits of the governors of Connecticut and some of the state’s earliest historical documents, like the 1639 Fundamental Orders and the 1662 Royal Charter, so precious to the early settlers? (They hid it in the Charter Oak, another story that’s told here.) The Connecticut State Library in Hartford includes the Museum of Connecticut History, housed in the ornate 1910 State Library and Supreme Court Building. The focus of the museum is Connecticut’s government, military and industrial history. There’s an interesting database of patents issued in the 19th Century. Exhibits trace the state’s growth from the Colonial era to the present day. The Colt Firearms Collection is testament to the time when Samuel Colt’s business was a big part of the city’s status as wealthiest in the country. The Mitchelson Coin Collection includes examples from the 17th Century to present-day coins. The museum is open 9 to 4, Monday through Friday, and 9 till 3 on Saturday.
Details
The museum, part of the Connecticut State Library, is at 231 Capitol Avenue in Hartford; take I-84 Exit 48B to get to Capitol Avenue. There are metered street parking spots or nearby lots. For more information, call 860-757-6535 or visit www.cslib.org.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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