Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is part environmental education center, part natural history museum, and part wildlife sanctuary. The nature center states its mission is "to inspire and nurture appreciation of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic." The nature center's wildlife sanctuary includes eight miles of hiking trails on 300 acres. The museum includes animal exhibits, eco-system exhibits and videos. The center also runs a preschool and has different programs and events for all ages throughout the year. The nature center motto is: "environmental education for all ages."
Hazel Lutz started this museum with the help of the local PTA in 1953. It moved to its current location in 1982. Its mission is self discovery and exploration along with kids having fun. Exhibits change frequently and special programs are offered daily. The museum also hosts parties, concerts, special events and is associated with the Oak Grove Nature Center.
Built in 1852 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996, this house is justly famous. The square and ornate white and green structure occupies a commanding spot with excellent views. The Palmers used to identify incoming ships from the cupola.
The Berlin Historical Society Museum is a nonprofit that chronicles the development of Berlin. Its biggest exhibit takes place at the Berlin Fair. The museum is open Saturdays 1pm to 4pm from April to December, when it offers tours showing the development of Berlin through the years.
The Haddam Historical Society operates the Thankful Arnold House Museum, which is a house that has been kept to preserve its turn-of-the-19th-century design. Visitors view the home of prioprietor and widow Thankful Arnold, and a tour is a walk through three generations of this matriarchal family.
The Harrison House is a historical landmark in Branford, erected in 1724 on two acres of picturesque land. The fuly-restored house offers visitors a look into daily life in the Colonial Era, featuring furniture, household items and more from the period. The grounds also feature a colonial-style herb garden and barn, and one room in Harrison House has been converted into a museum of Branford's unique history.
The Florence Griswold Museum is a beautiful yellow building located on Lyme Street. The story of the art museum is quite interesting: Florence Griswold opened her home to artists searching for a quiet country retreat where they could rejuvenate their spirits and find sources of inspiration. To honor Miss Florence, the Florence Griswold Museum was established and has flourished in exciting ways. It has many different exhibitions, and for those who are interested, it has professional photographs of many of the pieces in its collection for sale. The core mission of the museum is to educate visitors on Connecticut's art, history and landscape.
The lavish and beautiful home of tycoon Morton Freeman Plant, Branford House was built in 1903 at a staggering cost of 3 million dollars, equivalent to over 70 million dollars today. Italian and German craftsmen labored on Plant's mansion using only the finest materials available. The attention to detail and unique nature of the building landed it a well-earned place on the National Register of Historic Places. Now it is used for special events, exhibitions, and tours.
Just off Route 77, this picturesque farm on 10 acres aims to honor, educate and preserve. This property is an 1840 farmstead owned by the Dudley family for more than 300 years, and it is now available as a historic site for the public to explore and enjoy.
The Cheney Homestead is a museum kept up by the Manchester Historical Society. It offers a rich history to explore. It was built in 1785 and is one of Manchester's treasures. With the Keeney School replica built right next door, this is an educational and family-friendly outing.
The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is located across the street from St. John's Episcopal Church. The Children's Museum is a place where children can experience a hands-on, educational experience where they will have every oppurtunity to let their imaginations reach new heights. It has 5,000 square feet of space, all on one floor, and two outdoor play areas. It also provides a fun and engaging learning atmosphere for children ages nine months to nine years. It touches on art, science, health and world cultures. Its mission is to encourage learning and spark imagination by engaging children and all families through creative and hands-on play in a safe and accessible community environment.
One of the historic local sites that have made Mystic famous, The Denison Homestead is an 18th century farmhouse perched on 200 acres of unspoiled woodlands and meadows. It has been continuously owned by the Denison family, and is now open for tours during part of the year. The furnishings inside the house are original family heirlooms, and each room reflects a different period in the site's rich history.