Colonial Adventure for Kids at the Nathan Hale Homestead

HARTFORD– Travel back to the 18th century at Connecticut Landmarks' Nathan Hale Homestead with the Colonial Adventure for Kids day camp, July 18 through July 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children ages 8 to 12, have the opportunity enjoy a week of summer fun and exploration, the way the colonists did in the 18th century. Participants will recreate colonial life in the beautiful setting of our state hero's birthplace, engaging in activities such as candle dipping, spinning and weaving. They will also learn about the tasks and chores associated with farming and the crops and animals that were raised on the homestead. Other activities include scenic hikes through the Nathan Hale State Forest and a visit to the Nathan Hale cemetery to explore grave markings. At the end of the week, parents will be treated to a special Hale & Hearty hearth-cooked meal made especially for them by their kids.

Snacks will be provided each day, however, participants should bring a hearty lunch. The cost per child is $150 for the week, $135 for members. Registration is required as space is limited. To register, contact the Nathan Hale Homestead at 860.742.6917 or email hale@ctlandmarks.org.

The Nathan Hale Homestead is located at 2299 South Street in Coventry, CT 06238. The
Homestead is open for regular tours from Memorial Day Weekend through October 30th. Hours are: May, Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm & Sunday 11 am – 4 pm; June – August: Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm & Sunday 11 am – 4 pm; September-October: Friday, Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm & Sunday 11 am – 4 pm. Open on Monday Holidays –Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for students, teachers and seniors; $4 for children age 6-18; children under 6 and CTL members are free. Families - 2 adults with children - are $15; groups of 10 or more are $5 per person. For school groups and special curriculum-based programming, please call Beverly York, Site Administrator, at (860) 742-6917 or email, hale@ctlandmarks.org.

About the Nathan Hale Homestead
The Hale Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the birthplace of
Connecticut's State Hero, Nathan Hale. The house, built in 1776, belonged to Nathan Hale's
parents and family, and is located on the only site he ever called home. Nathan was one of twelve children born to Richard and Elizabeth Hale.

Nathan Hale was a Yale-educated school teacher and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Continental Army in 1775. A year later he volunteered to go behind British lines on Long Island to gather military intelligence desperately needed by Gen. George Washington, but the British captured Hale and, when they discovered he was a spy, hanged him. He was only 21. He is famous for his alleged last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

In 1776 Hale's father, Deacon Richard Hale built the new home on the family homestead, which has changed little since. It's situated on 17 acres, adjoining the 1500-acre Nathan Hale State Forest. Its furnishings include several Hale family possessions and other collections amassed by pioneer Connecticut antiquarian George Dudley Seymour, who purchased the homestead in 1914 and began a program of restoration and furnishing that is largely preserved today.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.