After its annual winter rest, the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden, 55 South Main Street, will open for its 52nd season on May 4, 2024. With our exquisite collection of 18th and 19th century pieces, cheerful gardens, and fascinating programs, our property offers many ways to usher in a new season.
This year, we will pay tribute to the special trees that grace our landscape. Beginning Saturday, May 4, our Visitor’s Center will showcase the winners of the Trees for Suffield photography contest. The Trees for Suffield Initiative, a cooperation between the Suffield Tree Committee, the Town of Suffield and the Suffield Garden Club, was formed to ensure the future of our town’s canopy for generations to come. Through an extensive 10-year planting program, tree inventory, programs and an annual photo contest, the Initiative seeks to raise awareness of the numerous benefits that trees provide. The 2024 Photo Contest Exhibition at Phelps-Hatheway will not only highlight the magnificent specimens around us, but also inspire awareness and activism to protect them. An opening reception on Friday, May 3 will be held for CT Landmarks members and invited guests in the Phelps-Hatheway Visitor’s Center from 5-7p.m. For more information on the exhibition and reception, please contact us at (860) 668-0055.
Among the notable trees in Suffield is the grand sycamore that has welcomed visitors to our site since the 17th century. On Saturday, May 4 at noon please join us for a special dedication of the “Burbank Sycamore” on the front lawn of the property. Beginning at 1p.m., tours of the Phelps-Hatheway Museum will also take place until 4p.m. Here you will learn about the Burbank, Phelps, Hatheway and Fuller families and life in Suffield from 1761-1956. Guests are also invited to stroll the gardens and visit our sweet gift shop throughout the day.
Suffield Garden Club’s 46th annual May Market will be held in the Hatheway Barn and adjacent lawn on Saturday, May 18. A special flower-themed tour of the Phelps-Hatheway Museum and a children’s craft will be available from 10a.m.-3p.m. Entrance to the May Market and children’s craft are free; regular admission fees apply to museum tours.
Membership to CT Landmarks is a wonderful way to join a community of people finding inspiration in our state’s heritage. New for 2024 are members-only events, (including the Trees for Suffield Opening Reception), free admission to our historic properties, and discounts on 85 programs, as well as behind-the-scenes tours each season. Members also enjoy special offers in our gift shops. Your support helps properties like Phelps-Hatheway remain a vital presence in the community and preserves the integrity of this vital structure for future generations. For more information on how you can join us in our work, please visit us at https://ctlandmarks.org/memberships/.
As spring turns to summer, the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden will be open to the public on the second Sunday of each month beginning in June. Reservations made be made by phone at (860) 668-0055 or via our portal at ctlandmarks.org. Requests for private and group tours, as well as inquiries about facility rentals may be directed to Site Administrator Lynn Mervosh at lynn.mervosh@ctlandmarks.org.
We look forward to seeing you at our treasured landmark on South Main Street!