Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Connecticut:
1Eric Sloane Museum
Kent, CTThe Eric Sloane Museum, previously known as the Sloane-Stanley Museum, is located in Kent, Connecticut. The museum showcases the studio and antique hand tool collections of Eric Sloane. These collections provide a unique insight into the artist's life and work, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and craftsmanship. 2United States Ship Nautilus
Groton, CTThe USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is a significant piece of naval history, being the first submarine in history to be powered by nuclear propulsion. It was named after the submarine from Jules Verne's novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. This connection to a popular piece of literature adds an extra layer of interest for visitors. 3Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Hartford, CTThe Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located at 73 Forest Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. This house was once the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the influential 1852 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The house offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of this significant figure in American history. 4Yale Collection of Musical Instruments
New Haven, CTThe Yale Collection of Musical Instruments is a museum located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is a division of the Yale School of Music and houses a vast collection of musical instruments from different periods and regions. The museum was established in 1900 and has since been enriched by various acquisitions. 5Hill–Stead Museum
Farmington, CTThe Hill–Stead Museum, located at 35 Mountain Road in Farmington, Connecticut, is a unique blend of a Colonial Revival house and an art museum. Set on a large estate, it offers visitors a chance to explore both historical architecture and a diverse art collection. 6New Britain Museum of American Art
New Britain, CTThe New Britain Museum of American Art, located in New Britain, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to American art. Established in 1903, the museum has a rich history and a diverse collection of artworks that reflect the evolution of American art over the centuries. 7Burlingham House Visitor Center - Weir Farm National Historical Park
Wilton, CTWeir Farm National Historical Park, situated in Ridgefield and Wilton, Connecticut, is a tribute to the life and work of American impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and other artists who resided or visited there. This site has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, John Singer Sargent, and John Twachtman. The park is a testament to the rich artistic history of the area and offers a unique insight into the lives and works of these renowned artists. 8Yale Center For British Art
New Haven, CTThe Yale Center for British Art, located at Yale University in central New Haven, Connecticut, is home to the most extensive and comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. This collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, rare books, and manuscripts that reflect the development of British art and culture from the Elizabethan period onwards. 9Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum
Stonington, CTThe Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House, located in Stonington, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was constructed between 1852 and 1854 and stands as a testament to the architectural transition between the Greek revival and the Victorian Italianate styles. The house was built for Nathaniel Brown Palmer, a seal hunter, pioneering Antarctic explorer, and a major designer of clipper ships. 10Connecticut State Library
Hartford, CTThe Connecticut State Library, located in Hartford, Connecticut, serves as the state library for Connecticut and is also an executive branch agency of the state. Its location, directly across the street from the Connecticut State Capitol, makes it easily accessible for visitors. 11Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
Hartford, CTThe Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located at 73 Forest Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. This house was once the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the influential 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of this significant figure in American history. 12Barnum Museum
Bridgeport, CTThe Barnum Museum is situated at 820 Main Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. This location is easily accessible and is a significant landmark in the city. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and legacy of P. T. Barnum, a prominent figure in American cultural history. 13Nathan Hale Homestead
Coventry, CTThe Nathan Hale Homestead is a historic site located at 2299 South Street in Coventry, Connecticut. This house, also known as the Dacon Richard Hale House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Despite its name, Nathan Hale, a spy for the American Continental forces during the American Revolutionary War and Connecticut's state hero, never lived in this house. However, he did live in a home that was located in the same spot as a child. This original house was razed by his parents to create a larger living space for the family. 14John Trumbull Birthplace
Lebanon, CTThe John Trumbull Birthplace, also known as the Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, is a historic house museum located on the Lebanon Green in Lebanon, Connecticut. The house was built in 1735 by Joseph Trumbull as a wedding gift for his son Jonathan. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the period and the lifestyle of the Trumbull family. 15Ashbel Woodward Museum
North Franklin, CTThe Ashbel Woodward House, located at 387 Connecticut Route 32 in Franklin, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It is a fine example of a Greek Revival house in a rural setting, built around 1835. The house was home to Ashbel Woodward, a local doctor, and was given to the state by his descendants in 1947. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 8, 1992. 16Oliver Ellsworth Homestead
Windsor, CTThe Oliver Ellsworth Homestead, also known as Elmwood, is a historic house museum located at 788 Palisado Avenue in Windsor, Connecticut. This house was built in 1781 and was the home of the American lawyer and politician Oliver Ellsworth until his death in 1807. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its association with this significant figure in American history. 17Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
West Hartford, CTThe Noah Webster House, located at 227 South Main Street, West Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was the childhood home of the renowned American lexicographer, Noah Webster Junior, who lived between 1758 and 1853. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962, marking its significance in American history. 18The Huntington Homestead Museum
Scotland, CTThe Huntington Homestead, also known as the Samuel Huntington Birthplace, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark located in Scotland, Connecticut. This significant site was the birthplace and boyhood home of Samuel Huntington, an American statesman and Founding Father. The house is a 2½ story wood-frame structure, with a side gable roof and large central chimney, giving it a classic New England saltbox appearance. 19Monte Cristo Cottage
New London, CTThe Monte Cristo Cottage is a National Historic Landmark, located at 325 Pequot Avenue in New London, Connecticut. This designation recognizes the historical significance of the property and its association with the O'Neill family. 20Fairfield Museum and History Center
Fairfield, CTThe Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a museum with an extensive research library. It was established in 2007 by the Fairfield Historical Society, which has been in existence for over 103 years. 21Trumbull War Office
Lebanon, CTThe War Office, also once known as the Capt. Joseph Trumble Store and Office, is a historic commercial building located in Lebanon, Connecticut. This building, which was constructed around 1732, holds significant historical value. It is a part of the museum property managed by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, which also includes the Trumbull House and the Wadsworth Stables. 22David Humphreys House
Ansonia, CTThe General David Humphreys House, located at 37 Elm Street in Ansonia, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. This location is significant as it was the birthplace of the American Revolutionary War Colonel David Humphreys. Today, it is owned by the Derby Historical Society and serves as its headquarters. 23Mark Twain House Museum
Hartford, CTThe Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a site of historical significance. It was the residence of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, more commonly known by his pen name, Mark Twain, from 1874 to 1891. During his time in this house, Twain penned some of his most famous works. 24Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library
Hartford, CTThe CHS is home to a research center that houses 270,000 artifacts and graphics, and over 100,000 books and pamphlets. It also boasts one of the largest costume and textile collections in New England. These extensive collections provide a comprehensive look into the history of Connecticut and the United States, making it a valuable resource for both researchers and tourists alike. 25Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry
Storrs, CTThe Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry (BIMP) is a public museum dedicated to the art of puppetry. It is operated by the University of Connecticut and is situated in Storrs, Connecticut. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of puppetry, from its history to its various forms and techniques. 26Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop
Hamden, CTThe Eli Whitney Museum, situated in Hamden, Connecticut, serves as an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in hands-on learning experiences, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history, design, and invention. 27Prudence Crandall Museum
Canterbury, CTThe Prudence Crandall Museum, also known as the Elisha Payne House, is a historic house museum located in the village green of Canterbury, Connecticut. It is situated at the southwest corner of the junction of Connecticut Routes 14 and 169. This location is significant as it provides easy access for visitors and tourists. 28Gillette Castle State Park
East Haddam, CTGillette Castle State Park is a unique attraction located in the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut. The park is situated high above the Connecticut River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle itself was designed and built by William Gillette, a renowned American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. The park is a testament to Gillette's creative genius and offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. 29Mattatuck Museum
Waterbury, CTThe Mattatuck Museum is a cultural institution located in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA. It is a place where visitors can explore the history, industries, and culture of Waterbury and the Central Naugatuck Valley area. The museum also showcases art, including works about the state's history, people, and scenery, and works of artists from Connecticut.- 30
Mystic Museum of Art
Mystic, CTThe Mystic Museum of Art, situated at 9 Water Street in Mystic, Connecticut, is a dedicated space for American art. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of American art pieces, offering a unique cultural experience. - 31
The American Museum of Tort Law
Winsted, CTThe American Museum of Tort Law, located in Winsted, Connecticut, is a unique institution developed by Ralph Nader. It is the first law museum in the United States, focusing on civil justice and aspects of the legal system that handle wrongful actions resulting in injury. The museum opened to the public in September 2015, offering a unique insight into the evolution of tort law, precedent-setting cases, and cases that made a significant difference. - 32
Thankful Arnold House - Haddam Historical Society
Haddam, CTThe Thankful Arnold House Museum, located in Haddam, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the past. The museum features a gambrel-roofed house that was built around the year 1800. In addition to the house, the museum also includes a garden and grounds that visitors can explore. The museum is open to the public year-round, making it a great destination for tourists regardless of the season.