Adult Tours & Programs

Adult Tours

Adult Programs

Group tours are available to groups of 10 or more. Reservations are required for all groups. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact the office at 860.529.7656 or email society@wethersfieldhistory.org

Walk Around Old Wethersfield – Hartford Avenue: An Architectural Walking Tour

While visiting Wethersfield in 1774, John Adams wrote in his diary, “There’s not another street in America as this one in Wethersfield.” Back by popular demand, architectural authority Dorene Ciarcia and retired teacher, Carol Bruce ( long-time member of WHS and Wethersfield resident) are reprising their Tour of Hartford Avenue on October 8, 2022 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. On this 90-minute tour, you will see homes from a variety of eras and discover how architecture has evolved over the past 300 years. The tour departs from the front of the Board of Education Building (127 Hartford Avenue) at 10am.

$5.00, members free

Meet at the Board of Education (127 Hartford Avenue)

Cove Warehouse Tours

This building on the waterfront of Wethersfield Cove is used to interpret Wethersfield’s maritime trade with the West Indies that flourished between 1650 and 1830. It tells the story of the famous Red Onion trade, shipbuilding, privateers, fisheries and early yachts. During your tour, be sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery! Reservations are required for all groups.

Ancient Burying Ground Tour

WHS’ popular Ancient Burying Ground Tours return in the  Spring of 2022. Learn what the gravestones have to say about colonial life in Wethersfield. Learn the history of Wethersfield from the lives of the people who lived here. Led by Wethersfield Historical Society volunteer research librarian and long-time Wethersfield resident Martha Smart, these tours explore the rich and varied lives of the men and women who made Wethersfield their home and ultimately their final resting place.

$5.00, members free

2022 Scheduled Tours:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Ancient Burying Ground Tours originally scheduled for Thursday, June 23 and Saturday, June 25 have been canceled. WHS is sorry for the inconvenience and would ask that you consider attending one of the upcoming tours in September or October as an alternative.

Thursday September 22: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Saturday September 24: 10:00am – 11:30pm
Thursday October 20: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Saturday October 22: 10:00am – 11:30pm

Meet at the red barn in the First Church parking lot.

Hurlbut-Dunham House Tour

This elegant brick Georgian, located next to the Keeney Memorial, is used to interpret 20th century social history in Greater Hartford. The house contains the furniture and belongings of its last occupants, Howard and Jane Dunham who lived in the house in the early 20th century.

Step-on Bus Tour

One of our friendly guides will step on your bus and educate all about Old Wethersfield. What do you want to know? Let us know and we can customize it for your tour! Stop by the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center that houses the Wethersfield Museum, the Hurlbut-Dunham House, the  Cove Warehouse , or stay on the bus and learn about the architectural past of the most ancient town in Connecticut.

Revolutionary War Tour

This bus tour highlights Wethersfield’s role in the struggle for American independence. The tour tells about some of the sites and the people along with the stories connected to the town’s role in the transformation of thirteen colonies into one independent nation.

Wethersfield Museum Tour

Located in the Keeney Center, 200 Main Street, the museum has an orientation exhibition on Wethersfield, Legendary People, Ordinary Lives, and changing exhibits on a variety of topics.

Custom Tours and Programs

Wethersfield Historical Society will design tours and programs to meet your specific interests and objectives. Please contact the office at (860) 529-7656 or e-mail society@wethersfieldhistory.org. Please note there is a ten person minimum on custom tours. (Tours under 10 will be subject to a flat fee of $50). Custom tours and programs are subject to availability of guides.