The Constitutional History of the Constitution State (exhibit)

Connecticut is known by many names, including the Nutmeg State, the Provision State, and the Land of Steady Habits. But its official nickname is the Constitution State. Connecticut has a long constitutional history spanning from the 17th century to the present day. Four different documents have served as the basis of our government, and each of them has reflected great social and civic changes in the state and the nation. Come explore the stories behind each of these documents and the people who shaped them through a panel exhibit in the historic Comptroller’s Office at Connecticut’s Old State House.

Located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as one of Connecticut’s state capitols from 1796 to 1878 and Hartford City Hall from 1878-1915. Beautifully restored and preserved, this museum and civic space was declared one of the first National Historic Landmarks in 1960 and now operates under a public/private partnership between the Connecticut General Assembly and The Connecticut Democracy Center.

Plan your visit to Connecticut’s Old State House at ctoldstatehouse.org. Admission to the exhibit is included in your price of regular admission to the museum.

Learn more about the Connecticut Democracy Center’s Civic Learning Week programming at ctdemocracycenter.org/civic-learning-week.