National Parks

Major accomplishments are often completed by unknown, extraordinary people. The vision and determination of the founding members of the Special Commission on State Parks swayed the 1913 Connecticut General Assembly to create the Connecticut State Park Commission. Seven years later, Hammonasset Beach State Park finally opened. In the early 1920s, many enjoyed the beach fully clothed (the norm for the day), while some opted for rental bathing suits. With an emerging middle class in the late 1920s, the park started seeing campers using homemade and modern manufactured trailers throughout the 1930s. Despite budget constraints, local opposition, economic depression, the devastating 1938 hurricane, and conversion to a war training facility in 1942, the park commissioners and staff ensured that Hammonasset Beach State Park would be enjoyed by generations to come. Because of their efforts, millions of Hammonasset visitors and campers have treasured experiences and memories that transcend generations—made possible by crusaders for the people.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens follows the history of this exquisite Stamford, Connecticut, gem from its genesis as a tree research lab and a training school for arborists to today's 93 acres of irreplaceable open space. It highlights the best of what Connecticut's native landscape has to offer: magnificent award-winning champion trees, charming gardens, wildflower meadows, red maple wetlands and boardwalks, woodland walking trails, varied wildlife, and native habitats. As the original home of Francis A. Bartlett, the founder of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, the grounds were developed with his favorite trees, including nut trees, small flowering trees, and conifers, from around the world. This is a fascinating story about the passing of the property from Bartlett to the State of Connecticut to the City of Stamford, the hundreds of volunteers who have advocated and toiled to keep the arboretum beautiful and accessible to the public, and the impressive century-old plants.

Nestled on the western edge of the Connecticut traprock ridge known as the Hanging Hills, Hubbard Park is an expansive 1,800-acre municipal park in the historic city of Meriden. Gifted to the city from industrialist Walter Hubbard, the park was dedicated on October 29, 1900. It is a striking tract of land that combines rugged wilderness and sylvan beauty with scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and historic structures. High above Hubbard Park and capping the soaring East Peak is the landmark Castle Craig Tower. This stone observatory, conceived by Hubbard, provides spectacular views from the highest point within 25 miles of the coastline from Maine to Florida. Nearly 1,000 feet below, the park’s centerpiece, Mirror Lake, boasts fountains and cascades that complement the picturesque mountains and woodlands. The park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Hubbard Park tells the remarkable story of one of New England’s largest and most celebrated parks.