May holds a special place in the hearts of the Phelps-Hatheway staff. As lilacs bloom and the perennial gardens come to life, we begin to prepare the Visitor Center and historic spaces to welcome our first guests of the season. With their arrival, our work in preservation and education begins anew.
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Phelps-Hatheway House, constructed between 1761 and 1795, takes on even deeper meaning. Within its walls, the Burbank and Phelps families lived through the Revolutionary War era, experiencing not only its political upheaval but also the financial and social consequences that followed. In every room, history reveals itself, continually enriched by those who walk through our doors each week.
We invite you to join us on Friday, May 1, from 5–7 p.m. for the opening reception of our 2026 Visitor Center exhibition. This year, artist and photographer Laurie Tavino and Ray Pioggia present Seasons of Change, a collection of nature-inspired works reflecting the evolving landscape throughout the year. Meet the artists, connect with friends and neighbors, and enjoy hearing the stories behind their art created in their Suffield studios.
Continuing a cherished tradition, our Mother’s Day Tea returns on Saturday, May 9, from 2–4 p.m. in the historic Pine Room. Chef Renee Scharoff will once again delight guests with an array of savory and sweet offerings, including gluten-free options by popular request. Paired with her menu, the ladies of Phelps-Hatheway will serve freshly brewed teas, including a new variety for 2026, while sharing the rich global history of this beloved beverage. Following tea, guests are invited to tour the museum interiors and learn about the women who lived and worked here, with special attention to Anna Fitch Burbank, a resident during the Revolutionary War period.
After a long winter, the return of the Suffield Garden Club’s May Market on May 16, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., is a welcome highlight of spring. Featuring vendors offering plants, trees, shrubs, gardening tools, and supplies, as well as the popular Collectibles and Member Plant booths, the market is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts. Early arrival is recommended for the best selection. Visitors can also enjoy a special garden-themed tour of the Phelps-Hatheway House, offered hourly from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with regular admission.
To close out this vibrant month, we are pleased to introduce a new program celebrating one of spring’s most beloved flowers, the peony. On Sunday, May 31, from 1–3 p.m. in the Hatheway Barn, Debora Reynolds of Old Hill Gardens will lead the first installment of our Floral Arts Series. She will share expert advice on growing, harvesting, and arranging peonies, along with guidance on selecting varieties and complementary plants. A longtime Suffield flower farmer, Debora brings years of knowledge and experience to this engaging program.
We hope you will join us this May at our treasured landmark on South Main Street. For more information or to register for programs, please visit our website at https://ctlandmarks.org/properties/phelps-hatheway-house-garden/ or call 860-668-0055.
Photo provided by Connecticut Landmarks Phelps-Hatheway House